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Radio brings people from different backgrounds together – official

Radio brings people from different backgrounds together – official

The sixth World Radio Day was celebrated in Okahanda this week, and ran under the theme, “Radio is you,” showcased the importance of listeners and audience engagement to solve societal issues. The Minister of Information Communication Technology, (ICT), Hon. Tjekero Tweya (Middle) said, his ministry priorities the provision of network coverage in the whole country to enable all citizens to have access to information irrespective of where they find themselves.

 

Tweya said, “as a leader in this sector responsible for the network in this country, it is important to know that whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard,” adding that this powerful medium brings people from different backgrounds together.

According to tweya, at present Namibia has radio coverage of 78% and committed to reach 100% across the country.

The theme for this year’s celebrations also focused on the duty of radio stations around the world whether Public, Community, private or commercial to ensure that the audience and the public at large are engaged and all diverse views of the listeners are represented.

Through sharing information, entertainment and education we ensure that all voices irrespective of gender or social class are heard.” Tweya said, adding that it is high time that government organisations become part of the listening programing not only through debate and discussions but also when dealing with policy issues as they are part of Radio.”

Tweya, whose ministry promises 90% internet coverage and the fair dispense of information to all citizens in the lead up to Vision 2030 said that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed 13 February as World Radio Day on 29 September 2011.

According to him, Namibia bears testimony on the effectiveness of radio in sharing information. “The number of licensed radio station registered with the Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) is an indication that despite revolutionary transformation that brought about by social media and other similar platforms in Namibia. Radio continues to be the most reliable, timely and intimate medium for sending and receiving messages to a mass audience worldwide,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minister, called upon all radio stations to, make use of these platforms to clarify, discuss, inform and entertain their listeners by engaging the listeners on issues that contribute to Sustainable Development Goals, issues of benefit to the nation and the world at large.

About The Author

Freeman Ya Ngulu

Freeman Ngulu is an investigtor, an author and a keen entrepreneur. His speciality is data journalism for which he loves to dig deep into topics often ignored by mainstream reporting. He tweets @hobameteorite.