Ramlila Gachi, Bihar: A unique news channel focusing on development issues is grabbing eyeballs in a small village in Bihar and is also challenging some stereotypes.

Aapaan Samachar is an all-women community news network located in Bihar’s remote Ramlila Gachi village.

"We look around for issues that affect the villagers, shoot them and then put them on air," says the channel’s news anchor Khushboo.

This news network runs on minimum resources. Reporters, camerapersons and anchors, all move around on bicycles with their handycams, looking for stories of human interest.

"We do stories on water and electricity problems, farmers’ woes, and women issues. We then telecast them in the village market so that everyone can watch and think," says reporter Anita Kumari.

In this age of pay channels, mad TRP races and cut-throat advertising, Aapaan Samachar is free to air. The network, in addition to providing news that is of use to these villagers, is also a vehicle for women empowerment. This makes Santosh Anand, who has funded the initiative, a proud man.

"It’s a great move in the direction of women empowerment. The parents of these girls want their daughters to move ahead in life and venture into such initiatives," he says.

Managing with bare minimum resources, the channel has far-reaching impact. The issues raised by these firebrand reporters concern everyone, making this news channel No. 1 in the race for eyeballs.