SOMALIA: Satellite radio officially launched
NAIROBI, 23 MAY 2003 (IRIN)--The Mogadishu-based Somali Television Network (STN) radio and television broadcasting station has officially launched a radio satellite broadcast, according to a press statement issued this week.

The statement said the radio broadcast would cover "every single part of Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America (Minneapolis)", 24 hours a day. The launch would soon be followed by a satellite TV channel.

The channel currently broadcasts in Somali, but plans are under way to introduce other language services such as English, Arabic, Amharic and Swahili.

"The Somali speaking people in different parts of the world can discuss their affairs, express their opinion live through STN Satellite Radio, which has never happened in Somali history before,” said STN chairman Abdirahman Robleh Ulayareh.

“What is unique is the STN satellite radio broadcasts 24 hours [a day] and can be accessed in every single city and village in Somalia. In addition, the STN is in a position to transmit its broadcast via FM everywhere in Somalia on demand,” added Abdulkadir Sharraay, the STN Operations Manager.

The network will provide a blend of news, business and cultural programmes and inform its listeners about political, economic and social trends at home, the STN statement said, adding that it welcomed the participation of interested partners.