Static Signals

With all of the atoll reporters in the capital, we felt obligated to begin the radio training right away. Fortunately, Bob had a power point ready to go and I improvised after fumbling with a dirty white board and dry marker pen. We discussed the importance of including crisis and conflict in a story and not just reading the press release. Using actual examples from the English version of the newscast, we pointed out the lack of any natural sound and long sentences which made some of the stories difficult to read. Badru found a reason to leave the room. More than 50 participants listnened intently and contributed to a Q and A, but saved their questions for after the formal lecture. Azdha and a group of young women pressed me on the difficulties of getting real people to comment. An editor named Ahmed pointed out that radio reporters are prevented from telling the "real" story due to pressure from unidentified higher powers. Two reporters from the atolls confessed that they feared being jailed on trumped up charges if they reported anything critical. There is universal distrust of the TV side.
And we're in charge of getting these two news organizations together?
Update on 4/22/08: The radio managers never bought in to the training and resisted making any changes in the broadcast. Read on.