Nepali Radio Calgary: The Voice of the Community

With the growing Nepali population worldwide, Nepali-language media have also significantly expanded. Various individuals, groups, and organizations have been operating television channels, radio stations, newspapers, and online platforms to connect the Nepali language, culture, and community.

In Canada, cities with a significant Nepali population—especially Toronto and other major cities—had already established Nepali online newspapers and radio stations. As the Nepali population in Calgary increased, the need for a Nepali-language media outlet became evident. The Nepalese Community Society of Calgary (NCSC), in collaboration with the Calgary Nepalese Community Association (CNCA) and other community partners, launched Nepali Radio Calgary in 2010 through Fairchild Radio FM 94.7 to fulfill this need.

The radio program quickly gained popularity due to listeners' overwhelming support. However, due to technical and operational challenges, it had to be discontinued after about a year. Despite multiple efforts to restart it, immediate success was not achieved.

Collaboration with RED FM

In 2013, the South Asian Broadcasting Corporation, which owns RED FM (Reflecting Ethnic Diversity), decided to expand its services to Calgary, sparking hope for the revival of Nepali Radio. While applications were submitted for a broadcasting slot, time was initially unavailable. In 2018, after follow-ups by the NCSC and RED FM teams, RED FM arranged an available time slot, and finally, from August 28, 2018, Nepali Radio Calgary began broadcasting every Tuesday night from 10:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Mountain Time) on 106.7 MHz. Notably, RED FM has been providing the broadcasting time free of charge, making this community initiative possible.

Nepali Radio Calgary continued the program with live broadcasting on the radio, while also starting Facebook Live (audio and visual) streaming at the same time, until the global impact of COVID-19 affected it. After the impact of COVID-19, only recorded programs were broadcast. Once the impact of COVID-19 eased, broadcasting resumed from the RED FM station, and gradually, video streaming through Facebook Live also began.

Although the initially allocated time was not ideal, the program continued in that slot for several years. Later, the program was reduced to one hour, airing every Tuesday from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Mountain Time).

Upon request for a more convenient weekend slot, a new time was secured, and since August 20, 2022, Nepali Radio Calgary has been airing every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (Mountain Time).

A Valuable Contribution to the Nepali Community

Although the Nepalese Community Society of Calgary (NCSC) initiated Nepali Radio, it is truly a shared platform for the entire Nepali community.

Beyond providing information and entertainment, Nepali Radio Calgary has played a crucial role in strengthening connections among Nepalis worldwide. As an entirely volunteer-run community radio station, it serves several key objectives:

• Promoting Nepali language, art, culture, heritage, and tourism
• Supporting and advertising local Nepali businesses
• Interviewing community leaders, intellectuals, athletes, and artists to share knowledge and experiences
• Encouraging and training youth in radio broadcasting and public speaking
• Broadcasting programs focused on education, science, art, literature, and music
• Contributing to Nepali tourism promotion

Future Plans

Nepali Radio Calgary is committed to making its programs even higher-quality, refined, and inclusive. In addition to continuing its radio programs, the organization aims to launch a Nepali television program soon.

Our Community's Support and Dedication