Afghanisatan: Italian-funded NATO Radio Launched

22 April 2010

Music, local news and in-depth discussions on important social issues and local culture are now more prevalent in western Afghanistan.

A NATO radio network station began broadcasting from Camp Arena recently, offering public-interest content to help local residents better understand the purpose of ISAF forces in Afghanistan.

Radio is the main tool to disseminate information throughout Afghanistan and can reach people even in the most remote areas, easily crossing the boundaries of literacy and distance. The radio station will provide an important contribution to the growth and social development of the country and provide immediate information in case of emergencies.

The broadcast selection is chosen by local personnel and closely connected with the target audience, the population of Regional Command-West’s area of responsibility. For this reason, all of the programmes are broadcast exclusively in the Pashto and Dari.

Mr. Guido Crosetto, under-secretary of state for the Italian Ministry of Defence, turned on the “On Air” light and spoke over the air during the ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday [19 April].

“Sada and Azadi West Radio [The Voice of Freedom - West],” said Mr Crosetto, “is a media that relies entirely upon an Afghan journalism staff and offers objective information on Afghanistan to all the citizens of the four western provinces - to city dwellers and those living in more isolated communities. The programming of Sada and Azadi Radio will pay attention to your proud traditions and prestigious culture without neglecting the specific needs of your everyday life. It is a service tool and an entertainment tool; a new voice that will increase the conscious participation in the democratic life of this country.”

The Task Force Commander Maj Renato Rocchetti directs and manages the new radio station, which is manned by an Italian Air Force NCO and three local journalists. Other staff members will be added soon.

The station was developed, with Italian funding, by the men and women of the Regional PSYOPS Support Element (RPSE), composed by personnel of 28th Regiment “Pavia,” a unit specializing in operating communications equipment.

Source: Text of press release from International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Joint Command