IREX Observes World Press Freedom Day: Somalia
May 1, 2009
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One theme of World Press Freedom Day is empowering citizenship through media, dialogue, and education. Somalia’s lively media sector regularly provides informational segments on topics of popular interest as well as forums for citizen debate, primarily via radio programs but also newspapers, television, and blogs.
Somalis in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Galkayo, Bosaso, Hargeisa, Burao, and towns and villages in between regularly tune in as prominent figures face off on topics such as the latest peace initiative, the new president’s performance, women’s rights, and ways to best protect Somalia’s semi-arid environment. Even more popular are call-in shows where everyone shares their own opinion on the topics of the day, such as the government justification for the postponement of an election or ways to effect community and national reconciliation.
The media face enormous challenges: there is endemic violence particularly in the south; persistent, crippling paper shortages plague newspapers throughout the country; outlets are sometimes shut down by local authorities; journalists are arrested (or occasionally even killed); and financial operating conditions can sometimes seem bleak. Through it all, Somali journalists persevere and thrive, providing a vital outlet for the Somali people to receive information and engage in debate and dialogue towards a brighter, more peaceful future.
In commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, IREX interviewed Zeinab Ayan of the Puntland Women in Media Association and Mohammed Barre Haji of the newly-established Radio Danan.
Interview with Zeinab Ayan
