antonis_p
22-06-09, 22:17
With mullahs and militants using the air waves to broadcast propaganda against their opponents and Western governments, illegal FM radio stations have mushroomed in Pakistan's north-west.
The content of these FM radio stations vary.
Some are run by local mullahs who want to spread religious information. They use the radio as an informal "distance learning" programme.
The aim is to educate people who have little chance of getting a formal education.
In some cases, the target audience is mainly women who are not usually allowed to go to mosques or learn face-to-face from a male teacher.
However, a large number of FM stations are run by "fire-brand" clerics who mix religion with politics and preach against the West.
Some illegal FM radio stations also criticise the Pakistani army's operations in the region and threaten tribesmen with dire consequences if they help the government fight the Taliban.
FM mullahs
It is believed that there are about 150 illegal FM radio stations in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and the adjacent tribal areas.
The pirate stations are mainly based in madrassas or religious seminaries, mosques and the compounds of militant leaders, but they often move to different locations to avoid detection.
Popularly known as "FM mullahs" they condemn everyone and everything that goes against their interpretation of religion.
"There aren't many sources of entertainment and information in this region. FM radio is an easy - and in some cases the only - option people have," says Khadim Hussain, a research fellow at the Peshawar-based Ariana Institute for Regional Research and Advocacy (AIRRA).
"Electricity is not available all the time and television can't be watched. In many areas, there are no or very few television cable operators. You just need a small radio set and the mullah is already there talking to you," he adds.
Setting up an illegal FM radio is cheap and easy.
All you need is a transmitter the size of a small box and an antenna that can be put on a tree or a minaret.
Former government officials are said to earn a living setting them up.
The cost of these FM transmitters range from $60 (£36.50) to $185 (£112).
In Pakistan, legal FM radio licences are generally awarded through an open bidding process and normally costs tens of thousands of dollars in fees, equipments and offices.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) says that operating an illegal FM radio station is an offence and is punishable by jail and/or a fine.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8108881.stm
The content of these FM radio stations vary.
Some are run by local mullahs who want to spread religious information. They use the radio as an informal "distance learning" programme.
The aim is to educate people who have little chance of getting a formal education.
In some cases, the target audience is mainly women who are not usually allowed to go to mosques or learn face-to-face from a male teacher.
However, a large number of FM stations are run by "fire-brand" clerics who mix religion with politics and preach against the West.
Some illegal FM radio stations also criticise the Pakistani army's operations in the region and threaten tribesmen with dire consequences if they help the government fight the Taliban.
FM mullahs
It is believed that there are about 150 illegal FM radio stations in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and the adjacent tribal areas.
The pirate stations are mainly based in madrassas or religious seminaries, mosques and the compounds of militant leaders, but they often move to different locations to avoid detection.
Popularly known as "FM mullahs" they condemn everyone and everything that goes against their interpretation of religion.
"There aren't many sources of entertainment and information in this region. FM radio is an easy - and in some cases the only - option people have," says Khadim Hussain, a research fellow at the Peshawar-based Ariana Institute for Regional Research and Advocacy (AIRRA).
"Electricity is not available all the time and television can't be watched. In many areas, there are no or very few television cable operators. You just need a small radio set and the mullah is already there talking to you," he adds.
Setting up an illegal FM radio is cheap and easy.
All you need is a transmitter the size of a small box and an antenna that can be put on a tree or a minaret.
Former government officials are said to earn a living setting them up.
The cost of these FM transmitters range from $60 (£36.50) to $185 (£112).
In Pakistan, legal FM radio licences are generally awarded through an open bidding process and normally costs tens of thousands of dollars in fees, equipments and offices.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) says that operating an illegal FM radio station is an offence and is punishable by jail and/or a fine.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8108881.stm