18 March 2007
AMMAN - New Ma'an Radio (Voice of the South), a pioneer local developmental radio station in the governorates, was launched on March 5, through an initiative by Al-Hussein Bin Talal University in Ma'an with the funding of the British Council in Amman. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Fayez Al-Tarawneh, chairman of the university's board of trustees, and attended by British Ambassador Mr James Watt; Chairman of the British Council Mr Charlie Walker; and his deputy Ms Azzeh Hammoudeh, as well as a number of invitees in the fields of local community development and media.
New Ma'an Radio's media campaign chose a slogan for its media campaign that reflects its vision of "knowledge is power", which aims at empowering the Jordanian youth in Ma'an through media and mass communications to leave a positive impact on their developmental process. This is achieved by introducing the youth to their society's needs and challenges, and come up with the most efficient ways to face these social, economic and cultural challenges. Al-Hussein Bin Talal University President, Dr Rateb Al-Oran said "The University's initiative, and the funding by the British Embassy and British Council strengthens the friendship and relationship between both countries, as well as translates the University's visions and goals into a reality. Our master vision is to replace the concept of 'community service' with 'community productivity' through a number of programs that train unproductive members of the communities surrounding the University. To reach that end, the University has established a Regional Information and Research Database, which is the first of its kind in the governorates and focuses specifically on Ma'an."
Oran went on to say, "The university will work hand in hand with the radio station to use this significant media channel for the economic, social and cultural changing process through spreading awareness on challenges and trying to find solutions for them, especially major obstacles such as poverty, unemployment and illiteracy that are most prevalent in the south of Jordan."
Dr Basem Tweisi, head of the Center for Studies, Consultations and Society Development, and head of New Ma'an Radio founders explained that the "station aims to provide the youth and local community in Ma'an with what facilitates their access to all necessary information they need to handle the difficulties they face in their community. This stems from the belief that local radio stations are free markets for thought and exchanging opinions and information."
Tweisi added, "Funding and sponsorships from the private sector as well as all parties concerned with national development are vital to ensure the success and sustainability of this pioneering project."
The 90.3 FM broadcast station covers most of Ma'an, which makes up 37 percent of the Kingdom, and a large part of Tafeeleh and Aqaba. In the second half of 2007, coverage will include most of the southern areas in the Kingdom.
AMMAN - New Ma'an Radio (Voice of the South), a pioneer local developmental radio station in the governorates, was launched on March 5, through an initiative by Al-Hussein Bin Talal University in Ma'an with the funding of the British Council in Amman. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Fayez Al-Tarawneh, chairman of the university's board of trustees, and attended by British Ambassador Mr James Watt; Chairman of the British Council Mr Charlie Walker; and his deputy Ms Azzeh Hammoudeh, as well as a number of invitees in the fields of local community development and media.
New Ma'an Radio's media campaign chose a slogan for its media campaign that reflects its vision of "knowledge is power", which aims at empowering the Jordanian youth in Ma'an through media and mass communications to leave a positive impact on their developmental process. This is achieved by introducing the youth to their society's needs and challenges, and come up with the most efficient ways to face these social, economic and cultural challenges. Al-Hussein Bin Talal University President, Dr Rateb Al-Oran said "The University's initiative, and the funding by the British Embassy and British Council strengthens the friendship and relationship between both countries, as well as translates the University's visions and goals into a reality. Our master vision is to replace the concept of 'community service' with 'community productivity' through a number of programs that train unproductive members of the communities surrounding the University. To reach that end, the University has established a Regional Information and Research Database, which is the first of its kind in the governorates and focuses specifically on Ma'an."
Oran went on to say, "The university will work hand in hand with the radio station to use this significant media channel for the economic, social and cultural changing process through spreading awareness on challenges and trying to find solutions for them, especially major obstacles such as poverty, unemployment and illiteracy that are most prevalent in the south of Jordan."
Dr Basem Tweisi, head of the Center for Studies, Consultations and Society Development, and head of New Ma'an Radio founders explained that the "station aims to provide the youth and local community in Ma'an with what facilitates their access to all necessary information they need to handle the difficulties they face in their community. This stems from the belief that local radio stations are free markets for thought and exchanging opinions and information."
Tweisi added, "Funding and sponsorships from the private sector as well as all parties concerned with national development are vital to ensure the success and sustainability of this pioneering project."
The 90.3 FM broadcast station covers most of Ma'an, which makes up 37 percent of the Kingdom, and a large part of Tafeeleh and Aqaba. In the second half of 2007, coverage will include most of the southern areas in the Kingdom.
© The Star 2007
