Swedish experts train Lao radio presenters

Presenters from five provincial radio stations hope to become experts and extend their knowledge to others after attending a two-week training course in Vientiane.

The course took place on March 19 at the Lao National Radio Centre, supported by the Swedish International Development Authority. The centre selected two radio presenters from each of the provinces of Vientiane, Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Saravan.

The Deputy Director of Lao National Radio (LNR), Mr Thongphim Dimanivong, said the goal of the course was to establish a core group of 10 trainers, and to introduce educational methods that could be used to train staff at the LNR and provincial stations, as well as local stringers. It also aimed to develop a training manual to be used by trainers in the future.

He  added  that   the course would standardise the level of knowledge in radio broadcasting within the LNR. It was important to educate a core group of trainers and increase the numbers of Lao trainers.

Mr Thongphim explained that the experience gained in the pilot phase, along with continued support begun in March 2006 to Lao Radio, would ensure that more progress could be made. After introducing the public service concept to two provincial radio stations, the project will now implement it on a wider scale.

He said it promoted a more professional radio media in Laos that could take on new and improved roles in poverty reduction and the promotion of human rights, in turn raising public awareness and participation, and improving channels of communication between the authorities and the public.

The Swedish radio project team leader, Mr Peder Gudstafsson, explained   that  the  project had helped foster a more positive perception of the pilot project. Its partners believed the project should be replicated on a larger scale to have a wider impact on the radio sector in Laos.

Mr Gudstafsson  added  that  the outcome of the pilot phase of the radio project showed that capacity building could produce lasting effects, as shown in the introduction of new formats for programmes, improved investigative journalism, increased interaction with listeners, and livelier and more interesting programmes at the two provincial radio stations involved. The project is a possible first step towards a public service radio, something that is essential for the Lao development process and the role of the project was to produce better and more knowledgeable radio products, and increase the awareness of development issues among journalists, media managers and owners for the benefit of the Lao audience.

The pilot project  “Support to Provincial Radio in Laos ”  was initiated in July 2002, and the activities were finalised in May 2003.

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