By Francis Rodrigues, Mangalore

Sangar Radio’s studio in Mangalore

A Jesuit-run radio station in southern India is looking to broaden its appeal by launching a host of new community-oriented programs.

Sarang Radio, a community station run by the Jesuits of St. Aloysius Autonomous College of Mangalore, says the introduction of the new services will also help mark its first anniversary on Sept. 23, 2010.

“We plan to start more community-oriented programs in regional languages like Kannada, Tulu and Konkani along with Hindi and English,” said Jesuit Father Richard Rego, who is in charge of the radio station and heads the Journalism Department at the college.

There are also plans to launch several weekly phone-in programs, such as Kannoonu Kacheri, on legal issues, Arogya Sparsha, a live program on health concerns, and a special program for children, he said.

The station will also invite leaders, writers, social workers, farmers and local artists for interviews, narration and feature presentations, he said.

Sarang Radio initially used to broadcast about four to six hours a day, but now it is on air for 14 hours, Father Rego said.

Disc jockey Antony D’Souza says Sarang Radio is determined to spread its message to a wider audience.

“Even though community radio is by the people, for the people, and for no profit, the public still prefer to listen to the big FM stations,” he said.

“Since people have not begun to come to us, we intend to go to them,” he said.