Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Radio Netherlands to reward Cuban writers with shortwave radios


Radio Netherlands Worldwide is inviting people in Cuba to write and send in stories about their country. The writers of the best stories will be rewarded with a shortwave radio, with which they can listen to Radio Habana and other international broadcasters in Spanish. RNW expects to distribute about 500 receivers.
This initiative is very important for Radio Netherlands Worldwide, says Director-General Jan Hoek: “One of our core tasks is the promotion of pluroformity of news coverage in the world. By making available radios that, amongst other things, enable people to listen to our Spanish-language programmes, we’re making a contribution to the spread of independent news reporting. That’s especially important in a country like Cuba, where the possibility to listen to different radio stations is limited.”
Cubans can send stories about their country to Radio Netherlands Worldwide up to the end of March. Participants can choose their own theme (e.g. culture, music, politics). In April 2007, with the help of the Dutch Embassy, shortwave receivers will be distributed amongst the senders of the best entries. RNW is organising the contest in partnership with Radio Canada International.

(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)