The BBC South Asian Language service, broadcasting in Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Nepali, Tamil and Sinhala, has played a unique role as the trusted source of news for millions of people in South Asia. The first place of call in times and places of conflict, it has also offered a running commentary on everyday events from South Asia and the world, as well as a vital link for the South Asian diaspora. With the development of its website it has also become an essential tool for students and teachers, both for language learning and for properly understanding the social, political and cultural life of the region.

The future of these services is under threat, and we want to offer a forum for openly discussing the challenges and possibilities of this unique resource.

Panelists:

• William Crawley (co-author of Satellites over South Asia: broadcasting, culture, and the public interest (2001)
• Professor Marie Gillespie (Open University)
• Aamer Ahmed Khan, Head of Urdu Service (BBC)
• Priyath Liyanage, Head of Sinhala Service (BBC)
• [Chair] Francesca Orsini (SOAS)

Jointly organised with CRESC

The event is free but booking is essential.  Please click here to register.

Contact the Centres & Programmes Office for further details: events@soas.ac.uk or Tel: 020 7898 4892/3