By Bampia James Bundu
The Independent Radio Network (IRN) has supported five radio stations across the country with five new transmitters and Studio links to enhance their radio frequencies.
Presenting the items to station managers, the National Coordinator of IRN, Ransford Wright, explained that as a network they were doing all they could to uphold their values and maintain their relationship with their partner radio stations across the country. He noted that a radio station would never be complete without a transmitter, and that the transmitters they were giving to radio stations would help them do their work effectively and enable them cover more areas.
Mr Wright said that was not their first support to radio stations as they have been supporting them in various ways depending on the request.
Wright commended the Foundation for West Africa, headed by Christopher Harmlet, for providing the latest equipments for the beneficiary radio stations and assured him of proper use.
Beneficiaries stations include Radio Bintumani in Kabala, Radio Mankneh in Makeni, Choice FM in Freetown, East End Radio in Kenema, and Radio Konikay in Tonkolili.
President, Sierra Leone Association of Journalist (SLAJ), Kelvin Lewis, commended IRN for their effort in securing such support for its membership in the country. He also commended the donor for considering the media more so when the media is faced with herculean task in educating the public on Ebola prevention and control.
Mr. Lewis said as an association they would always support the strengthening of media institution and encouraged journalists to work in line with the Independent Media Commission code of practice.
Chairman, IRN Board, Andrew Kromah, describe the 700 watts transmitters as guaranteed and effective for the smooth running of a radio station in a country. He explained that IRN selected five of the marginalized radio stations within their network and provided them with those equipments.
“We have been supporting radio stations and we will continue to do so,” he said.
IRN Regional Coordinator East, Ahmed G. Kallon, recalled that the network was formed about 13 years ago with six radio stations coming together to provide independent coverage for the general public. He said today they can boast of having about 27 radio stations under the network, which was a demonstration of their hard work and commitment to enable the improvement of radio stations across the country.
Kallon, on behalf of other station managers, commended IRN and Foundation for West Africa for their support towards radio stations in the country. He assured that the equipments would be used for their intended purpose.
© Politico 24/02/15
