April 27, 2016, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon’s latest episode was about the impact of Sabawoon radio program in sensitizing the public on a variety of subjects. These include democratic values, inculcating citizens with the spirit to uphold and respect the rule of law, tolerance, equal citizenry and countering violence, extremism and terrorism.
The key points of discussion were behavioral changes through radio advocacy, how such radio programming can influence decision makers and opinion leaders, as well as educate the public about social issues. Moreover, the program also highlighted the importance of radio advocacy, and its need where television and newspapers are not accessible.
The program was aired under the theme of “Jwandey Jazbey” (alive spirits), on Wednesday. Ms. Tooba Shah, student of Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar, Mr. Ijaz Khan, education activist, and Mr. Salem Shah from Bajour Agency, were the guests on the show.
Report on ‘Sabawoon listeners’ Club’ in Kurram Agency:
A special report in the show highlighted the listener club activity organized in Kurram Agency, FATA. Mr. Shabir Gul, a resident of Kurram Agency, said, “I regularly listen to the Sabawoon radio program. It is always highlighting issues of social importance. I request other radio stations to highlight such issues.”
Mr. Kareem Khan, a local elder, said, “Mass awareness on our local and cultural issues is quite necessary. The majority of our population is illiterate and they are not aware about their basic rights.”
Mr. Wazif Gul, a student, said, “Da Ilam Ranra program always highlight different disciplines. It gives us an exposure to different types of study courses and sensitizes us about different emerging themes such gender equality, climate change, and rule of law.”
Mr. Khalid Khan, a student, said, “State run radio stations should work on community issues. We are facing a lot of issues which need awareness and basic education. If our media focus to educate, inform, and create public awareness, we can make a serious dent in the problem.”
Live Callers on the Show:
Six callers took part in the show. They counted radio advocacy as an important tool to spread awareness among the public about their rights and responsibility and by keeping them informed about local and national issues.
The first caller, Mr. Niaz Ali Shah, said, “I have always used radio as a platform to propagate our regional issues because it is a free medium for me. Media, and especially the community radio station should highlight the issues and sensitize the public about it.”
The second caller, Mr. Malik Naib Khan, said, “We have so many radio stations, but a very few of them are playing their role to educate and inform people. Most of the media outlets are focusing on business and current affairs.”
The third caller, Mr. Khan Raziq, said, “I am really inspired by Sabawoon. Radio is an accessible medium for us. I pay tribute to the Sabawoon team for such a great a campaign.”
Ms. Tooba Shah said, “Radio is an affective medium to educate people about their rights and responsibilities. As a female listener of the Sabawoon program, I have always found that the program encourages women to engage in the community and empowers them with their rights. In the outskirts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, (KP) it is difficult for women to obtain access to a TV or Newspaper but radio is accessible for them. We should advocate them via radio.”
Mr. Salem Shah said, “Hailing from an area where we don’t have the right of expression, it is quite necessary to have a medium through which we can spread awareness among our people about rule of law, importance of education, conflict resolution, and gender equality. For this, I think radio is an accessible medium because television and newspaper is not prolific. I am very happy that Sabawoon is playing its role to educate people.”
Mr.Mr. Ijaz Khan, education activist