Monday, December 10, 2007

UK refugee radio for Somalia launched


Dhalad Radio is a community-owned and controlled radio station which aims to encouraging diversity, creativity and participation from the Somali community in the UK midlands. The station broadcasts in Somali and English and delivers local, national and community news and entertainment. It is for all Somalis to express their needs and desires. It also offers community organisations the opportunity to use Dhalad Radio as a platform for their aims and objectives.

Dhalad radio is run by volunteers and does not have any paid staff. It is part of the UK’s Community Media Association , which aims to provide media and information communication technology access, training and employment in local communities.

The organisation is particularly focused on freedom of expression as an essential for ensuring human rights. According to the organisation’s website, community media has a vital role in reaching out to people and communities at risk of exclusion and disadvantage:

“Community-based radio, television and Internet projects work by enabling people to become media producers, to send as well as to receive, and, by working together, to reinforce knowledge, dialogue and cultural expression at neighbourhood and community level.”

Dhalad Radio can be found at www.dhaladradio.com . It also broadcasts on the Hotbird satellite at 13 degrees East:

10971 horizontal
Sample Rate: 27500
FEC: 3/4
(Source: Media Helping Media/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)