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After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Digital Broadcast Initiative (DBI) - Nepal

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Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, The Digital Broadcast Initiative (DBI) uses digital satellite technology, discussion groups, and radio dramas to deliver information about HIV/AIDS and other issues to poor, marginalised communities. Launched by Equal Access, an international NGO based in San Francisco, CA, USA, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project's stated vision is: "A World in Dialogue Where All Voices Are Heard and Respected". The 18-month pilot project, which focusses on HIV/AIDS and gender issues, is intended to empower women and girls in poor communities to address HIV/AIDS and other issues.
Communication Strategies
The project involves the creation and broadcast of a locally produced radio serial drama and a magazine programme addressing HIV/AIDS prevention, women's and girls' empowerment, good governance, water and sanitation, early childhood development, sustainable livelihoods, and micro-enterprises to an estimated audience of 9 million.

400 digital radio sets have been distributed to 400 rural communities to increase access. Radio Nepal and its 5 regional stations, as well as 10 FM stations, will also rebroadcast the programmes aired by the DBI during the pilot phase. In addition, the satellite-based channel broadcasts will seek to provide locally produced and culturally appropriate development information. To maximise learning, community members gather weekly to listen to the programmes and hold active discussion groups following the broadcasts.

The media format currently is audio, but multimedia content is being developed and will shortly be piloted to support and complement the audio programmes.
Development Issues
HIV/AIDS, Women, Girls, Technology.
Key Points
The pilot project began in Nepal on April 14 2003 with the first broadcast of the flagship radio drama to satellite receivers in 400 rural communities in 14 districts. According to organisers, the number of districts receiving broadcasts has increased dramatically. The project was formally launched in Kathmandu on June 24 2003. Nepal is the first country to become operational as part of the regional initiative - India, Laos, and another South East Asian country will follow.
Partners

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and UNDP/Nepal Programme, CARE/Nepal, the Early Childhood Development Division of the World Bank, The Ford Foundation, The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the USAID are supporting the project.

Sources

Letter and article ("UNDP launches Digital Broadcast Initiative", Kathmandu Post, June 24 2003, sent from Shivani Khanna to The Communication Initiative on July 3 2003.