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.

HIV/AIDS, Women, Girls, Technology.

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.