Lao PDR

The first ethnic Community radio in Thateng district, in the Southern province of Sekong, was officially launched in 27 April. The Thateng Community radio (TECRD) is the second in Lao PDR, following the example of the Community radio operating in Khoun district, in the Northern XiengKhuan province.

The TECRD with its 300 Watts covers a geographical area of 15-20 miles (24.14 km to 32.18 km) surrounding the Thateng district and neighboring districts of Saravane, Paksong, Kongsedone, Lakhonepheng and Lamam.

The community radio is a means to serve many purposes: information sharing, disseminating government policies, laws and other information. It also provides entertainment, enables communicating with colleagues, friends and family members, announcements and broadcasting of news and notices traditional events and ceremonies. The TECRD makes it possible for villagers to interact and raise concerns or problems to the district, provincial and central authorities for support.

The official launching ceremony was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Phonephet Kiewlavong, the Vice Governor of Sekong province and Mr. Dirk Wagener, Deputy Resident Representative a.i of UNDP Lao PDR.

Mr. Dirk Wagener emphasized the need to ensure active participation of communities, district authorities and other partners to enable the CR to operate according to the schedule. “Radio programming should be open for news inputs from all groups of ethnicity within the districts including vulnerable groups and social groups. All should be welcomed to use the TECRD as a medium for communication and information sharing”, he concluded.

The Thateng Community radio is financially supported by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and implemented by the Sekong provincial authority in collaboration with the District and Provincial Department of Information and Culture, communities and GPAR (Governance and Public Administration Reforms) Sekong project team.

Opening remarks at the Launching of the Thateng Ethnic Community Radio for Development (TECRD) by Dirk Wagener, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative (Programmes) a.i. (.pdf)

Notes for editors:

For more information please contact Inka Leisma at the UNDP Public Information Unit Tel: (021) 267 777 ext: 751, email: inka.leisma@undp.org

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