Local radio Patrin FM launched to promote Roma rights and inclusion

11.02.2019 17:41
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The radio station Patrin FM has been officially launched to broadcast locally in Soroca on the frequency 103.6Mhz. It can be also listened to online at www.radiopatrin.md and on Android smartphones through an application.

Patrin FM founder Victorina Luca told a press conference the radio answers the need of combating discrimination and stereotypes faced by Roma people in Moldovan society. “Together we made this special program to give the Roma community a voice and fight discrimination. We will inform the Roma community about the their rigths and obligations, and about the development of our society so that it becomes an inclusive society”, said Victorina Luca.

The issues that will be addressed in radio programs include the rights and obligations of the Roma and their involvement in social life. A special weekly program will inform the Roma community about key issues and events taking place in the community. Interviews about intercultural dialogue between Roma and other ethnic groups will also be broadcast, a program that will encourage Romani language teaching as well as programs for young people and their vision in a democratic society.

Tatiana Buraga, member of the Audiovisual Council, praised Radio Patrin FM as a good, community-driven product. Previously, it was found that the Roma minority is the only minority that didn’t have a license to broadcast program services and then actions have been taken to launch Radio Patrin today. Tatiana Buraga urged journalists working on the Radio Patrin team to overcome all difficulties with dignity and adhere to the principles of fair journalism.

Launching the radio station was possible due to a project supported financially by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Roy Hans, chargé d'affaires of the Dutch Embassy in Chisinau, said it is very important to promote independent journalism in Moldova and it is good news that a voice was given to the Roma community through this project.

Patrin FM will broadcast in Romani, Romanian and Russian and will involve full-time journalists as well as unpaid volunteers.