MOGADISHU, Tuesday ,13 February 2024: The Somali Media Association (SOMA) has today concluded an event marking the International World Radio Day and the 11th anniversary of the establishment of the SOMA association at Hotel Sahafi, Mogadishu, Somalia.
The main UNESCO theme of the World Radio Day 2024 is: Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating’, underscores radio’s ongoing evolution in a digital age.
The key intention of remembering the World Radio Day celebrated all over the world on
February 13 annually is to raise greater awareness among the public and media regarding the importance of radio.
The world radio event was proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO, and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day; February 13 became World Radio Day.
The event is coinciding with 11th anniversary when the Somali Media Association (SOMA) has been established. The SOMA Association has more than 32 media houses members operational across Somalia including Mogadishu, Baidoa, Beletweyne, Adado, Abudwaq, Dhuusamareeb, Guriel, Galkacyo,Jowhar, Kismayo and Garowe.
In his opening remarks, Mohamed Osman Makaran, Secretary General of SOMA has
praised the Somali Media Association (SOMA), the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) and other media experts to have jointly organized this event marking this year’s World Radio Day observance. He pointed out the radio is still relevant and a primary source where the public receive reliable information despite many people moved to the digital media.
“From our side, we have taken the topic “Radio-Culture and Peace” highlighting that the radio is significant platform for the Somali community working on promoting the Somali culture and peace efforts as the country is recovering form prolonged conflicts.” Mohamed Osman Makaran stated.
Farah Oma Nur, Secretary General of FESOJ, media expert has congratulated SOMA for marking the World Radio Day and the 11th Anniversary of its foundation which he described as major event.
He explained that the radio is reliable source of information while the social media is mostly unreliable. He indicated the media managers and the journalists should have resilience for the challenges they experience at the certain times. “There is need for the radio to take major role in the efforts of promoting the culture and peace for safeguarding the recovery progress achieved in Somalia so far.” Farah Omar Nur stated.
Mohamed Mohamud Adde , media veteran on his part mentioned that with Radio crossing the 100 years breakthrough is evidence to its lasting benefits and continued impact across various areas such as news, drama, music, and sports. Despite facing challenges from digital platforms, social media, and economic constraints, radio remains a committed source of information and entertainment for millions worldwide.
In addition, Adan M.Adaamo, Deputy Director of Radio Danan in Mogadishu speaking at the ceremony congratulated the two events and highlighted the need for the radio to take major role in maintaining promoting the Somali culture and language.
Burhan Dini Farah, Director of Radio Kulmiye News Network (KNN) in Mogadishu praised the significance of radio and has underlined the media in Somalia are facing challenges including lack of quality media equipment and need for further improving the professional capacity of the young journalists working for the various media outlets.
Fartun Abdirahman Dini, editor of the Radio Hayaan in Galkacyo city, Galmudug State encouraged the two major events and pointed out Radio Hayaan is member of Somali Media Association (SOMA) and briefly stated that Radio Hayaan has played a significant role in promoting peace and reconciliation programs as the areas has been impacted by prolonged clan-based conflicts.
On these two events of World Radio Day and the 11th anniversary of SOMA establishment, all the speakers have called for celebrating the past, present, and future of this remarkable radio medium reaffirming its place as a foundation of global communication, cultural exchange and continued efforts for further strengthening SOMA media outlets networking and cooperation.
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