ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the noise floor of the research: those unseen, unheard elements that impact the research sites under investigation. This book draws on research conducted at two community radio stations in India. India has a rich and complex history of broadcasting and community broadcasting: a history that deeply impacts upon the way Indian community radio stations operate today. This chapter offers a general overview of the historical context of community radio in India before moving on to describe the general location of the research sites, the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is a unique cultural, linguistic, and political environment. This environment significantly impacts on the way community radio has developed as well as the day-to-day operations of local stations. This chapter finishes by providing a general description of each of the community radio stations under investigation.
