Private FM stations in Chennai have committed to building awareness about the rights of children in India.

Management, presenters and producers from Chennai Live 103.4FM and Radio 1 attended a workshop recently organised by UNICEF, hoping to spread awareness about the widespread violation of young people’s civil liberties.

Issues like child labour, violence and abuse, the lack of access to education and child marriage were all highlighted.

UNICEF said radio DJs had the ability to change attitudes – sometimes subtly – through their on air discussions and interaction with listeners.

Dr Satish Kumar, Chief of UNICEF’s State Office for Tamil Nadu and Kerala said: “FM radio has immense potential for influencing public opinion and creating a movement for child rights through their interactive programming”.

“UNICEF’s partnership with radio stations through the Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI)is about facilitating platforms for representatives of India’s empowered youth to reach key decision makers.”

Chennai Live 103.4FM has promised a public awareness campaign by airing several short-form information and advocacy features/capsules in the near future.

“Until now, the issue of child labour and child abuse was at the back of our minds. This workshop with UNICEF now inspires us to take it up as a sustained campaign,” said Prem Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Chennai Live.

UNICEF said it hoped more private radio stations around the country would pick up the mantle.