By Justin BAFUNYEMBAKA, Program Manager at RATECO/SUD-KIVU
In a significant step forward for community radio journalism in South Kivu, Congo, journalists have successfully mastered digital sound processing techniques using Adobe Audition. This achievement follows the completion of a project implemented by Réseau des Radios et Télévisions Communautaires (RATECO) with support from Cultural Survival.
The programs, which ran from August 2023 to June 2024, aimed to enhance the skills of community radio journalists in collecting and processing quality information. Community radios are vital communication tools, connecting communities and leaders on issues crucial to democracy. In a region marked by conflict and human rights violations, these journalists are the eyes and ears of the people, bringing critical information to local, national, and international audiences.
Recognizing these journalists' challenges, RATECO and Cultural Survival jointly planned to equip six rural community radio stations and train their journalists in Adobe Audition software. The program also focused on producing radio programs and public service announcements in various local Indigenous languages on critical topics like the DRC elections, climate change, violence, and the fight against insecurity. These broadcasts were designed to strengthen democracy and promote informed citizen participation.
The results of the program have been profound. Mazombo Katchelewa François, a journalist with Radio Bulikoko in Shabunda, shared his transformation: "I knew nothing about digital sound processing. In our newsroom, we're used to throwing unprocessed material straight from the field at the radio... We have received machines and flash discs to help us process the sounds in our radios. We've also acquired knowledge that we're proud of."
Destin Mubalama, Director of the community radio station in Kamole, recounted how the training impacted the quality of his reporting: "Several times, due to a lack of assistance, I threw this information out unprocessed on the air. I received many calls from listeners who disagreed with the quality of the information delivered. But since I've been trained at RATECO to process information using Adobe Audition software, my information is among those of interest to our listeners."
The program's impact extends beyond the newsroom. Julienne M'badesirhe, a resident of Cishebeyi village, discovered her political rights through spots on the electoral law broadcast on Nshoko community radio: "I didn't know that the DR Congo's electoral law gives advantages to political parties that line up women in the country's various decision-making positions... I've decided to join political parties, especially opposition ones, because my voice will be heard."
The success of this program highlights the critical role of community radios in promoting democracy and empowering citizens. By equipping journalists with the tools and skills to produce high-quality content, the project has strengthened the voice of the voiceless and fostered greater understanding and participation in the democratic process.
All photos by Cultural Survival.
