By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Rise Radio 96.3 FM marked a significant milestone on Thursday, 26th September 2024, celebrating its second anniversary as a trusted media platform. In just two years, the station has cemented its place as a respected source of news, music, and community engagement in Sierra Leone.
Reflecting on the journey, Station Manager Mariama Bah expressed pride in the station’s progress and its growing role within the community. “Under my leadership, our focus has always been on delivering content that informs, empowers, and inspires,” she said. “We strive to create programming that resonates deeply with our listeners, ensuring we remain relevant to the needs and concerns of the people.”
Since its inception, Rise Radio 96.3 FM has positioned itself as a crucial platform for marginalized voices, particularly advocating for social justice. Through its daily programming, the station has prioritized women, children, and youth, providing them a space to express their concerns, hopes, and ideas. This focus has been central to the station’s mission from day one.
“Our two-year journey has come with its challenges,” Bah noted. “However, we are proud of our notable achievements. We’ve expanded our reach, both through traditional radio broadcasting and digital platforms, diversified our educational content to cater to a wide range of interests, and built strong partnerships with local and international organizations.”
These efforts have earned Rise Radio a loyal following, and the station’s commitment to service has been met with unwavering support from listeners and community members. Many have also actively participated as guest panelists, contributing to the station’s vibrant and diverse discussions.
Looking ahead, Mariama Bah outlined her vision for the station’s future, assuring listeners, partners, and guest panelists that Rise Radio 96.3 FM remains dedicated to its mission. “We see ourselves as more than just a radio station,” she said. “We are committed to being a catalyst for positive social change, a platform for amplifying voices, and a beacon of hope for our community.”
She emphasized that the station’s goal is to continue providing valuable content while making a tangible impact on the lives of women, children, and young people. “Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey so far,” she added. “We invite others to join us as we continue to shape a brighter future together.”
Mariama Bah noted that the objectives of the radio are to operate as a public and community service media organization, dedicated to promoting an agenda of issues, produce and disseminate empowering and motivating messages and products relating to girls, women and young people across Sierra Leone, to promote good governance, democracy and human rights, awareness raising about education, health, environment, and sport of all kinds, to engage in online news, event management, public relations, media advertisement, media advocacy, effective monitoring to support and protect the status and interest of the citizens of Sierra Leone etc.
The Manager said that the vision of the Radio is for it to be known for its high-quality, relevant and vibrant programming and will serve as a model for diversity, equity and inclusion, while maintaining professional standards and ethical values.
She concluded by stating that Rise Radio complied with all the rules and regulations governing the registration and operation of media institutions in Sierra Leone. It abides by the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Code of Practice, the rules and regulations of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Code of Ethics.
Mariama Bah concluded by informing all that the Radio, which is located at 20 Hall Street, Brookfields, Freetown will commence its first broadcast today Wednesday 1st March 2023, adding that all who want to do business with the radio should contact them on email: riseradiosl@gmail.com or call +232 33 963 963 / 76 959 207.
As Rise Radio 96.3 FM embarks on its next chapter, its commitment to community development and social justice remains stronger than ever, solidifying its role as a powerful voice in Sierra Leone’s media landscape.
