A call away from publicity

You turn on your radio almost anytime when FM radio stations are still operational and you would most probably hear callers commenting on an issue, at times discussing with other callers with a journalist moderating. Considering that ours is a traditional society, the number of callers and the liberty they display on air is above expectation - to say the least. To hear people talk about their sexual lives and other private matters openly for the whole public to hear is something that is new for the society.
The lack of open discussions has been raised as the major factor drawing back efforts towards development. It has always been said that the HIV/AIDS pandemic owes its high rate of infection to the lack of public awareness, which is a result of the hush hush norm related with raising and discussing the topic. Other issues that have to do with development were also not discussed as much by the public as the fora were not all that much available.
Considering the number of people that call the FM stations to reflect their views and the level of openness exhibited, it can be said that the stations have created a forum for people to express their views better. The once government officials' opinions dominated electronic media is these days a phone call away for ordinary citizens as well. That is a big step towards ensuring popular participation in matters concerning our everyday lives.
However, there are moments that cast a shadow on the forum's potential to contribute to society. The fact that some callers call the stations just to hear their own voices over the radio without anything tangible to say about the topic of discussion affects the quality of programs negatively. The absence of experts that come up with a professional view on the discussion point at hand is also another problem. It is good to hear the opinions of people but expert opinions or wrap ups of the discussion are crucial for the programs to be more educational.
The omission of political issues, though not surprisingly, as points of discussion is also a problem as it would do a lot to enhance the democratic culture of society. Open debates and expert opinions on hot political issues and government policies would do much to acquaint people with the idea of solving political problems through peaceful means.

Do you
think the widely spread FM radio audience
discussion sessions are constructive?

The discussions are generally boring as people try to get very philosophical and present themselves as the ultimately perfect being that they are not. All of them blame the rest of the society for all the wrong that goes on in the country.

Hailu Desta, Laboratory Technician

The topics picked up by the stations for discussion are not that interesting. They are mostly about HIV/AIDS or sexual relationships. Though they might tempt people into calling, the opinions raised are mostly not new.

Fasil Belay, Clerk

I think it is nice that people have been given the opportunity to say their minds about issues on the media. It encourages people to talk more openly on issues that were once considered taboo.

Etsegenet Yesubalew, musician

All the FM stations are doing these days is to make people take more time for talking. People talk in their offices, homes and almost everywhere they go. The FM stations have taken talking to another level by providing the speaker with a national and regional audience. Nothing more comes out of it.

Bilal Ahmed, businessman

By Tewedage Sintayehu