Franklin Huizies, CEO of the National Community Radio Forum, welcomed all the participants and gave a brief background on the NCRF which has been representing community radio and community broadcasters since the early 1990’s and which was formed through the activism of civil society who lobbied and advocated for community media; for communities to hear their own voices.

He emphasised the point that community radio was not just about being a broadcaster but was also as a social partner within communities able to play a role in driving development and the importance of this in the context of a participatory democracy. The central role of community radio as a social partner within communities has led to a strong and important partnership with the AIDC.

He also highlighted the huge growth experienced by community radio in South Africa over the past ten years in the form of audiences and listeners at 7,4 million [SAARF October 09].

He identified the purpose of the workshop as looking at the different challenges faced by the sector and coming to an agreement for the way forward, despite the differing views that may prevail. He recognised that while some views may not be reconcilable, it was still very important to debate and discuss the different views.

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Mark Weinberg, Deputy Director of the AIDC also added his welcome to the participants and explained that the AIDC was an alternative media and social justice organization concerned with equality and democracy. AIDC produces Amandla Magazine and Amandla Television in partnership with Cape Community Television.

AIDC is partnering the NCRF to strengthen the community media sector in South Africa because community media (especially radio) is a critical component of an alternative media that can give voice to - and inform – ordinary working class and poor people.