This book critically examines how community radio functions not merely as a tool for information dissemination or development messaging, but as a powerful medium for cultural expression, identity formation, and epistemic resistance among indigenous and marginalised communities in India. Through ethnographic case studies of Radio Dhimsa and Radio Swayamshakti in Odisha, the book explores how hyper-local radio stations facilitate the articulation of community-specific cultural narratives, challenge hegemonic media discourses, and foster communicative autonomy. It addresses a critical gap in media and communication scholarship by moving beyond normative development frameworks to foreground the lived experiences, cultural lifeworlds, and everyday communicative practices of communities. Aimed at scholars, students, and practitioners in media studies, development communication, and anthropology, the book brings into focus the urgent need to re-theorise community media as culturally embedded, politically meaningful, and participatory infrastructures.

Aniruddha Jena is Assistant Professor in the Communications Area at the Indian Institute of Management Kashipur, India.

Vasuki Belavadi is a Community Media researcher and Faculty Fellow at the UNESCO Chair on Community Media.