The One World Award for a Radio Program, presented annually by UK-based nonprofit One World Media to recognize exceptional coverage of issues in the developing world, has been awarded to the BBC World Service, a radio network supported by the UK government, for its piece entitled “Assignment: India’s Microcredit Meltdown.” The BBC program focused on the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where the microfinance sector has grown exponentially over the last decade but has recently been under intense scrutiny. Through conversations with clients as well as executives of microfinance institutions (MFIs), the program “told human stories but held to account the people at the top of the microcredit business” according to the panel of judges.
Madeline Morris, the lead interviewer for the BBC World Service, visited the region to understand the causes of the “Andhra Pradesh crisis” and particularly problems associated with commercial microfinance and over-indebtedness amongst poor women. The program reached the conclusion that although microcredit has been hailed as a solution to poverty, in Andhra Pradesh, the behaviour and business models of some MFIs have done more harm than good.
By Rohan Trivedi, Research Associate
[1] One World Media Awards, Winner: Radio Award: “Assignment: India’s Microcredit Meltdown by BBC World Service”, http://oneworldmedia.org.uk/awards/winners/radio/
BBC World Service Programs: “Assignment: India’s Microcredit Meltdown”, http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00d4rq0
MicroCapital.org story, December 17, 2010: “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Local Government in Indian State of Andhra Pradesh Considers Additional Microfinance Regulation, Requires Disclosure of Operational Procedures”, https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-local-government-in-indian-state-of-andhra-pradesh-considers-additional-microfinance-regulation-requires-disclosure-of-operational-procedures/
MicroCapital.org story, October 18, 2010: “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Andhra Pradesh Government Plans Legislation to Restrict Collection Practices of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) After Rise in Suicide Among Borrowers”, https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-andhra-pradesh-government-plans-legislation-to-restrict-collection-practices-of-microfinance-institutions-mfis-after-rise-in-suicides-among-borrowers/
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