Media Helping Media

A refugee radio journalist from Somalia has set up a satellite radio station in the UK because he says he is no longer able to broadcast in his own country. Dalmar Yusuf Ghelle says Dhalad Radio is a community-owned and controlled radio station run by volunteers and doesn't have any paid staff. The station aims to encouraging diversity, creativity and participation from the Somali community in the UK midlands.

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 Associaton , 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.

“It is the means by which other human rights are defended and extended. In the information age, freedom of expression takes on additional importance, as the ability to send and receive information, regardless of frontiers, comes increasingly to dominate our economic, social and cultural life.”

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.