Today, 13 February 2021, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) joins the rest of the world to commemorate the annual World Radio Day, and to observe radio as the most popular and accessible medium of mass communication in Somalia.
The commemoration of the World Radio Day, which comes at a crucial time as Somalia is gearing up for parliamentary and presidential elections, offers radio journalists an opportunity to dig deep in their hearts and work towards fulfilling their professional obligations as critical ingredients of Somalia’s democratisation process by ensuring that Somalis receive sufficient and balanced information.
“We congratulate radio journalists across the country who have made great strides in the journalism profession. But they have equally paid the highest price in serving the people of Somalia. Sustained and concerted efforts are therefore needed to empower and protect radio journalists,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
NUSOJ encourages all radio journalists to be innovative, connect different communities and evolve the Somali society by continuing to provide Somalis with equal access to high range of quality information, entertainment and education as every Somali in every region should have a broad access to radio stations of their choice.
As the delayed national election is fast approaching, NUSOJ inspires radio journalists to practice responsible journalism in order to promote a peaceful election coverage by producing fair, balanced and objective reporting about the political campaigns and elections. Radio stations should reject dissemination of hateful remarks to avoid fanning violence and hostilities in the upcoming elections.
