To cope with this demand, some initiatives are under way to train professionals. One such initiative comes from the southern town of Manipal, where radio-training material is being developed. At the Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC), steps are under way to train professionals and understand how groups that did not believe they could run a radio station can actually do so.

MIC, an institution of a deemed university called the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has said this material would be built to have a "community orientation". "These modules are being prepared in consultation with people who have extensive field, teaching or training experience," Ms Leela Rao, MIC academic director, said.

To improve the radio-training material, a workshop will be held in Manipal from April 15 to May 15. British company Sound Vision Trust's associate director Mr Kamal Prashar, who is a consultant trainer and is also associated with the world community radio body AMARC, will be principal coordinator for the workshop.

Currently MIC is working to identify participants. It is particularly looking out for young professionals making a contribution to mainstream or community radio in India.