Burkina Faso’s public radio station Radio Burkina cancelled its lunchtime news broadcast yesterday because it had run out of practically everything needed to make the programme. “We are unable to give you the news because of a lack of petrol, meaning we were unable to make a single report,” the programme’s presenter told listeners. The station was also suffering from a “recurrent lack” of batteries for its recording equipment and even paper on which to write the stories, said the apologetic presenter. Listeners were given half an hour of music instead.
(Source: News24.com)
on Jan 31st, 2007 at 11:54
I think this story is incredibly sad. The contrast is even more stark since is being accessed via the internet using thousands of pounds worth of equipment. Yet here we have a public radio station that cannot even afford paper on which to file a report or a few gallons of petrol to fire a generator.
I think we should all pause for a moment in silence to consider the inequality and then hang our heads in shame at the injustice of it all.
on Jan 31st, 2007 at 20:46
Joe, I agree it’s a very sad story. The worst part, it’s not just about the newscast… It’s a little reflection of the broader heartbreaking situation in many countries of Africa.
On a different note: it seems that these days no one is really interested in supporting the native African broadcasters except for China. Everyone one else is busy fighting the “international terrorists.”
on Feb 1st, 2007 at 13:20
Sergei,
On a general note you are correct, and it’s a point I make repeatedly here. However, you may not be aware of the excellent work being done by our African Burea in Benin (http://www.bureauafrique.nl/autresdepartements/english/10yearsBARN)