STArTInG A LOCAL RADiO stAtiOn - Nai

Section 5: Creating Powerful ProgramsA Radio Program of Our OwnWhen Radio Amoo in Faizabad first went on air, the people in the community were reluctant toexpress their opinions on radio and get involved in live program discussions.“People were afraid of the microphone, they didn’t think it was their right to speak their mindand share their opinions on issues,” said Station Manager, Abdulbaseer Haqjo.One of the first programs that aired on Radio Amoo was a weekly live call-in show called, “Porseshas Mardom and Pasekh as Masuleen” (Questions From People, Answers From Representatives).Now the station is overwhelmed by the public’s desire to take part in programming. What startedout as a 20-minute radio program is now 90 minutes long because of listeners’ demand.To encourage dialogue on issues that matter to the local population, the station asks its listenersto offer suggestions for topics. Throughout the years, topics have been varied including maternalhealth, the place for youth in civil society, women in the workforce, government spendingand domestic violence. Government officials and directors from civil society organizations frequentthe show as guests and take calls from listeners.“This show is all about bridging gaps between the locals and the people making policy anddecisions,” Haqjo said.But it’s also about recognizing the pressing social needs and the local challenges. For example,Radio Amoo’s weekly program recently focused on the alarming maternal mortality rates inthe province of Badakhshan, the worst in Afghanistan. “We want to hold the government accountable,”Haqjo said. “We need to recognize that not enough has been done for women inour province.”Programs like this on Radio Amoo have encouraged men, women, young and old to take partin radio programs and discuss the issues that matter to them. “We wanted to give people confidenceto speak freely and take part in local dialogue,” Haqjo said.Radio Amoo was established in 2004 in the city of Faizabad, Badakhshan.FINDING YOUR PROGRAM FOCUSWhen creating a program or choosing content for a show, it is important to identify the program’s focusor objective. One program may aim to prompt a shift in community attitudes about an issue. Anothershow may want to keep people better informed. The focus of a third show could be to entertain listeners.The facts, information, interviews or stories, songs or poetry that you decide to include in each programshould link directly to the focus, deepen your examination of the subject, and improve the overall program.STARTING A LOCAL RADIO STATION: A MANUAL FOR AFGHANISTAN51