The Lucknow University is set to launch a community radio of its own — a first by any state university.

The mass communication department of the university has got the green signal from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to begin the service from the next academic session.

The community radio will be aired for two to three hours a day. The service will cover a radius of 20 km, said

Dr Mukul Srivastava, a faculty member in the mass communication department.

“The department had applied for a licence around one-and-a-half-years ago, but could get clearance only now,” he added.

“We are planning programmes on health, career counselling and culture among others. University notices like date of examination or the number of seats left for counselling will also be announced on air,” Srivastava said.

Broadcasting lectures of eminent personalities and entertaining complaints of the marginalised in a phone-in programme is also on the cards.

“The frequency is expected to be allotted by August or September. Once we get that, the proposal for equipment will be tabled in front of the university administration. We will also approach UNICEF for the purpose,” Srivastava said.

The equipment, comprising a transmitter, recorder, microphone and a sound proof studio among others, will cost Rs 20 to 25 lakh.

“The scope of radio journalism is increasing gradually. This will be a great opportunity for our students to learn the techniques of radio journalism,” Srivastava added.