Rumbek marks 3rd anniversary of state-owned Radio FM-98

By Manyang Mayom

February 4, 2010 (RUMBEK) – The government of Lakes state celebrated the third anniversary of its Radio FM-98 on Wednesday. The event was attended by all various political parties although SPLM members were the majority celebrating at the premises.

Lakes’ state-owned Radio FM-98 was established by ex-minister Hon. Adak Costa Mapuor in March 2007. Lakes state has two radio stations, one of which is the newly established Catholic station called Good News Radio.

Trade unionists, a team of traditional dancers, boy scouts, girl guides and chiefs were invited as well as journalists.

The radio director James Magok Chilim appealed to the Lakes state authority to lower state media censorship. Magok told the crowd that “you are under monitor by independent media and I called upon all Lakes state government institution to give full freedom to journalists to cover this coming election fairly. We need protection from government and full security to all independent media to be granted in this coming election — avoid harassment toward journalists and now it is time to cooperate with journalists”.

Lakes state had been skipped by independent media like the UN-backed Radio Miraya FM-101. Local reporters last year fled Radio Rumbek complaining to their radio management of being harassed by state security personnel in the town on their way home at night.

The Lakes state Acting Governor and a minister for Local Government and Law Reinforcement Agency, Lt-Col David Nok Marial Buot delivered a long speech recommending protection of journalists.

He said “tonight is the very important night for us because it is the third anniversary of our Radio FM-98 – and I would like to run quickly on how we have Radio 98. In 2006 Bashir visited the area here and gave us some project including University of Rumbek, airport plus road to Unity state, Shambe port and Rumbek Teaching hospital as well as the technical school, unfortunately all those projects fail to yield fruit.”

James Magok said that “Radio and TV in Rumbek is served by only 56 staffers which run short of the consumption needed by directorate department to run a full directorate.”

Radio FM-98 has earned revenues by fees charged for announcing local marriages, at 50 Sudanese pounds, as well as advertising for local artists’ performances at 100 pounds. Curfew and emergency meetings are also announced over the radio.

(ST)