The old radio can still connect PNG's Rural Heart

 The old radio can still connect PNG's Rural Heart. Something the current desire for modern tech advancement still struggles to get it right.

Source: Alamy photos

Remember those evenings in the 90s when you visit the village, bathed in the warm glow of the fire under the smoky thatched roof? You all gathered around the fire, and the gentle hiss of your uncle's kettle sings a counterpoint to the crackle and pop of the AM/SW radio as he wrestles the dial. Suddenly strange foreign languages flitting by, then the sweet relief of that familiar voice – NBC National, NBC Morobe. Your uncle hushes everyone, hoping to catch news relevant to him, his village, maybe even a teacher's posting or a health notice. Simple, yes, but it worked. Everyone, even in the most remote corners, knew when to tune in, creating a shared space for vital information.

Fast forward to today. Communication has exploded, a cacophony of options – FM stations, pre-loaded USB drives, the siren song of social media. But has this progress truly reached everyone? In PNG's vast rural areas, many remain untouched by this digital deluge, still adrift in an information shadow.

The irony is stark. While the world races towards ever-more sophisticated technology, PNG's rural communities often find themselves left behind. Patchy internet, limited mobile coverage, and the prohibitive cost of smartphones create a digital divide that widens with each passing day.

But amidst this disconnect, those "old-school" technologies – the AM/SW radio – shine with renewed relevance. Powerful radio transmitters ensure information reaches even the most isolated villages. While they may not offer the instant gratification of the internet, they deliver vital news, education, and emergency updates directly to people's homes.

However, challenges remain. The trend towards pre-recorded content on radios disconnects communities from live, crucial information. The familiar crackle of distant AM/SW waves, once a badge of connection, now carries pre-downloaded content, often lacking the immediacy and depth of live broadcasts. This shift not only severs the shared experience of live radio but also raises concerns about the quality and accuracy of information received.

Furthermore, the availability of AM/SW radio receivers itself is dwindling. Gone are the days when shops brimmed with these essential tools. Instead, the focus has shifted towards Bluetooth, USB, and microSD-enabled radios, catering to pre-recorded content. Unfortunately, this convenience carries a hidden cost – disengagement from the live information flow that is crucial for informed decision-making and community cohesion.

The future of AM/SW radio seems uncertain. Though radio giants like NBC, ABC, and BBC continue broadcasting on these frequencies, their reach is dwindling because there's hardly anyone with a good AM/SW receivers in most rural areas these days. Even mobile phones, though are also radio receivers primarily only have FM reception capabilities, and this further contribute to the decline.

Recognizing the enduring value of AM/SW radio for PNG's rural communities is crucial. We must somehow:

***Invest in infrastructure:** Strengthen AM/SW radio networks, particularly in remote areas.
***Encourage AM/SW receivers:** Manufacturing and selling of more affordable AM/SW receivers needs to be encourages through special schemes.
***Promote awareness:** Highlight the benefits of live radio, especially for education and emergency information.
***Embrace innovation:** Explore hybrid solutions, integrating new technologies like solar-powered radios and digital content distribution systems that maintain the immediacy and reliability of live broadcasts.

Remember, technology should empower, not exclude. By valuing and adapting "old-school" tools like AM/SW radio, we can ensure PNG's rural communities are not left behind in the race towards a connected future. Let's not discount the dust; it might hold the key to unlocking communication equity and ensuring access to quality information for all.

What do you think ?