Somalia: Radio Stations in Puntlad suspend broadcasting VOA Somali Service

GAROWE, Somalia - The privately owned local FM radio stations in Somalia's semi-autonomous region of Puntland stopped broadcasting News and Programs of VOA's Somali Service, Garowe Online reports.

The Independent Media outlets, including Radio Garowe, SBC and Daljir that operate in Puntland have seized airing Voice of America (VOA) Somali Service's programs round the clock on their FM stations.

The suspension came after VOA Somali has halted the entire collaboration with its partner radio stations across Puntland and training programs that it has been providing to the journalists of the Media houses.

Radio Garowe, a leading and popular station headquartered in Puntland state capital, Garowe was the latest broadcaster to discontinue broadcasting the Washington-based VOA Somali Service.

The management and directors of the FM Radio stations talked to the representatives of VOA Somali Service in Puntland over the issue, but they said they will submit their concern to Washington. BBC Somali Service filled the gap after VOA was ejected from the airwaves.

An estimated of 3 million people in Puntland have now tuned in live to BBC Somali Service and listening its daily and nightly programs, after the suspension of VOA Somali Service.

BBC broadcast has had a great chance to replace the VOA, as its BBC Media Action is constantly supporting the radio stations in the field of training for their staff members and equipment.

The VOA Somali Service has not yet commented on this issue.

GAROWEONLINE