BBC launches debate programme in Nepal

Listeners in Nepal can now enjoy even more BBC programming with the launch of the new debate programme Sajha Sawal. The 45-minute show explores key issues affecting people's lives with a specially invited audience each Sunday at 21.00 local time.

Sajha Sawal, a collaborative project linking BBC Nepali and the BBC's international development charity, BBC World Service Trust, features distinguished guests from the world of politics, legal affairs, business or culture who answer questions from the audience. A BBC reporter on location in rural Nepal also brings stories, views and questions from hard to reach communities across the country.

Rabindra Mishra, Head of BBC Nepali said: "Sajha Sawal is a great opportunity for BBC Nepali to really connect with its audience. It gives them a platform to discuss the issues that are really important to them and debate with high profile people they wouldn't normally have access to."

The BBC will also be in Kathmandu for the first ever BBC Nepali Partners Conference to be held for four days from 13 January. This is an opportunity for the BBC to reinforce partnership with local FM stations re-broadcasting its programmes and to get to know better some of its newer partner stations.

BBC programming in English can also be heard on the BBC 24 hour 103 FM relay in Kathmandu and on the following partner FM stations throughout Nepal in the following regions:

Baglung - Dhawalgiri 98.6 FM ; Bajhang - Saipal100.6 FM ; Banke - Bageshwari 94.6 FM Chitwan - Kalika 95.2 FM & Synergy 91.6 FM ; Ghorahi - Sworgadwori 102.8 FM ; Dhanusa - Radio Milthia 100.8 FM & Jakapur101.8 FM ; Kailali - Dinesh 93.8 FM ; Hetauda - Hetauda 96.6 FM ; Ilam - Ilam 93 FM ; Jhapa - Pathibara 93.6 FM & Saptarangi 101.6 FM ; Jumla - Radio Karnali 105.2 FM ; Kanchanpur - Skuklapanda 94.4 FM ; Kathmandu - Radio Sagamartha 102.4 FM ; Nawalparasi - Vijaya101.6 FM ; Palpa - Radio Madanpokhara106.9 FM ; Parsa - Gadhina 91.4 FM, Radio Birgunj 99 FM and Narayani 103.8 FM ; Pokhara - Himchuli 92.2 FM & Radio Annapura 93.4 FM ; Rupandehi - Butwal 94.4 FM, Radio Lumbini 96.8 FM & Tinau 98.2 FM ;Sunsari - Saptakoshi 90 FM ; Surket - Bheri 106.4 FM.

"BBC Nepali, which has been serving audiences for nearly 40 years, is a respected source of news for listeners in Nepal, India and the rest of South Asia, the Far East and the Gulf countries. BBC Nepali programmes cover a wide spectrum of news stories as well as regular analysis and features on Nepalese issues. Its daily 30-minute programmes on shortwave are rebroadcast by 28 FM stations in Nepal."

BBC World Service is an international radio and online broadcaster delivering programmes and services in 33 languages. nepalnews.com sd Jan 09 08