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WEDNESDAY

[ 28.11.2007 - 16:26 ]

Radio Free Afghanistan Holds Its First Seminar On Media And Democracy

28 November 2007 -- Radio Free Afghanistan (RFA) of RFE/RL held its first seminar in Kabul University on November 14. Radio Free Afghanistan and the Faculty of Journalism of Kabul University jointly sponsored the seminar, “Media and Democracy.”

RFA Kabul Bureau organized 'Media and Democracy' seminar in Kabul. Kabul, 23Nov2007

(RFE/RL)

A recent comprehensive survey of life in Afghanistan by Asia Foundation says that electronic media especially, radio still remains the main form of acquiring information. The survey puts RFA on the top of most popular radios. RFA does not only provide fair, accurate and balance information, but it is also committed in providing a platform for discussion in the establishment and development of democratic institutions in Afghanistan.

“Media and democracy,” seminar was a way to provide an opportunity to people, especially to the professors and students of the school of Journalism to discuss the impact of free media and freedom of speech in a young democracy such as Afghanistan.

The half-day seminar included speeches by well know journalists, writers and cadre of the faculty of journalism. Topics such as the role of international broadcasting in democracy, freedom of speech, the impact of press in developing democracy and relations between state and media were discussed. Participants played crucial part in providing heated debate on the current situation of media in Afghanistan.

RFA Kabul Bureau organized 'Media and Democracy' seminar in Kabul. Kabul, 23Nov2007

(RFE/RL)

RFA director, Akbar Ayazi talked about the mission of Radio Free Afghanistan and reaffirmed the commitment of RFA in the development of democratic institutions and free media in Afghanistan. The staff and students of the faculty of journalism expressed their gratitude to RFA for providing the opportunity for discussion. One student called the seminar “practical way of learning modern and free journalism.”

The president of Kabul University, Abdul Rahman Ashraf thanked RFA for arranging the seminar and called for further close cooperation between Kabul University and RFA. He requested RFA to provide a video of daily news preparation and operation of FRE/RL to the faculty of journalism. He asked RFE/RL to provide opportunity for two of the students of faculty of journalism for a short-term fellowship.

The seminar was widely covered by local and international media. RFA plans to hold such seminars in the future, focusing on issues related to nation building, reconstruction, human rights, rule of law and etc.

(By Akbar Ayazi, Director of RFE/RL’s Radio Free Afghanistan)

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