South Africa to launch radio station to promote foreign policy

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South Africa to launch radio station to promote foreign policy

(Xinhua) 08:37, October 11, 2013

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CAPE TOWN, Oct. 10 -- An innovative media platform aimed at enhancing communication on South Africa's foreign policy will soon be launched, authorities announced on Thursday.

The platform, named Ubuntu Radio, will be accessible on the internet beginning from October 17, and will be the first of its kind on the African continent, said South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

The 24-hour station is the first to operate under the auspices of a government institution, for noncommercial purposes, with an operating format as that of a "Talk Radio."

The objective of Ubuntu Radio is to create a platform for exchange of views and opinions by various stakeholders. These would include opinion makers, think tanks, academics, scholars, students, diplomats and other key players in the field of diplomacy, and international relations, the DIRCO said.

By design, the targeted listenership is not limited to South African citizens, but includes the international community.

Through this station, the DIRC seeks to raise public awareness, and stimulate public discourse on South Africa's foreign policy, DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela said.

In choosing an internet-based radio station over a mainstream radio station, the department was inspired by the results of extensive research conducted on the effectiveness, influence and listenership of internet-based radio stations throughout the world, said Monyela.

Research indicates that internet-based radio has gained momentum over the past 10 years, and its benefits are visible.

The uniqueness of the station lies in the state-of-the-art technology used in the creation of its website. It has an active web link to DIRCO's official website, which extends access to social networks such as facebook, and twitter.

Access to DIRCO's website will allow users to browse through the Department's two official publications: the Diplomat and Ubuntu Magazines. These options, which are all available on the Ubuntu Radio website, will allow users and listeners easy access to important information about ongoing work of the department in promoting South Africa's foreign policy.

（Editor：YaoChun、Zhang Qian）