Syrian Radio Rozana – for free and fair media

“The background for our presence here today is one based on a tragedy of immense dimensions,” said Jesper Højberg, IMS’ Executive Director, speaking at the launch of  the new independent, Syrian Radio Rozana

Radio Rozana, run by Syrian journalists with support from IMS and a number of partner organisations, will channel content from professional local journalists located across the country in every governorate, with the aim of providing Syrians inside and outside the country with independent and reliable information in the ongoing conflict. The radio broadcasts online at www.rozana.fm and via satellite.

The official launch of the radio took place on 26 June in central Paris in the presence of the international media and diplomatic core, and with IMS Executive Director Jesper Højberg as one of the main speakers.

“The renowned French Ambassador and Human Rights Activist Stephan Hessel a few years ago encouraged us all, through his famous manifest “Indigniez Vous”!, to engage against injustices. Radio Rozana is an initiative in this spirit: you must take action – which precisely is what the team around Rozana has done,” said Jesper Højberg in his opening speech.

He continued:

“All aspects of life in Syria have been affected and Freedom of Expression has been completely obstructed. Faced with enormous challenges and obstacles, the Rozana team has insisted on the necessity of defending at all costs the free media to ensure that ordinary Syrians are given access to vital & unbiased information. This is only possible due to the courage and dedication of all the Syrian journalists on the ground in Syria working for Rozana under extremely dangerous conditions. All of you deserve our respect and support.  Our most important mission as international media support organisations must be to ensure your integrity and independence.”