HERAT, Afghanistan (Apr. 19) – On the evening prior to the transfer of authority ceremony between the Italian "Sassari" and "Taurinense" Brigades, the Under-Secretary of State of Italian Ministry of Defence, Mr Guido CROSETTO cut the tricolor ribbon at the opening of the Italian contingent’s radio station "Sada and Azadi West" which translates to “The Voice of Freedom- West.”
Through its broadcasts from Camp “Arena”, the station will offer information of public interest for the Afghan people in an attempt to increase knowledge on the purpose of ISAF coalition forces present in Afghanistan.
The radio station, as part of the NATO radios network, is the editorial staff of the western area of the country. It has been developed with Italian funds, by the men and women of Regional PSYOPS Support Element (RPSE), composed by personnel of 28th Regiment "Pavia", a unit specializing in "Operating Communications".
The Task Force Commander, Major Renato ROCCHETTI, directs and manages the new radio station which consists of an Italian Air Force NCO and 3 local journalists and will add additional staff members shortly.
The selection of the editorial staff is chosen by local personnel and is closely connected with the target audience, the population of Regional Command West. For this reason, all of the programs will be broadcast exclusively in Pashto and Dhari languages.
The program will include, in the first phase, spaces for musical entertainment, local news and in-depth sections on important social issues and local culture.
The radio is the main tool to disseminate information throughout Afghanistan and will reach people even in the most remote areas; easily crossing the boundaries of illiteracy and distance. This will provide an important contribution of growth and social development of the country and provide immediate information in case of emergencies or dangerous situations.
Hon. CROSETTO, accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff, General Vincenzo CAMPORINI, the Commander of Combined Joint Operational Command, Air Force General Tommaso FERRO and the Commander of Regional Command West - Brigadier General Alessandro Veltri - had the pleasure of turning the light "ON AIR" with his welcoming address that was translated simultaneously in two Afghan languages.
"Sada and Azadi Radio,” said Hon. CROSETTO during his radio speech, “is a media that relies entirely upon Afghan journalist staff, young and prepared with which we offer to all citizens of the four western provinces, to city dwellers and those living in more isolated communities, careful and objective information on the new reality of Afghanistan. The programming of Azadi Sada Radio will deliver a constant attention to your proud traditions and your prestigious culture, but without neglecting the specific needs of your everyday life. A service tool, but also an entertainment tool; a new voice that will increase the space of conscious participation in the democratic life of this Country."
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