Mama FM - the voice to listen to

Last week I participated in a workshop at UMWA. The training was for the radio staff in Mama FM, and it was great chance to brush up on my knowledge about press ethics and journalism skills. Somehow it seems as the codes of conduct and journalistic principles can never be repeated to often. We discussed and brainstormed on “simple” questions such as “Who is a journalist?” and “what is a good radio program?”. Some of the staff at Mama FM has no formal training as journalists, so for them this was an extremely useful exercise. But for me as well, although I just finished my degree in journalism – rethinking what my profession actually entails and what defines good radio was valuable.

Moreover, the workshop was good opportunity to learn a whole lot more about Mama FM and my fellow colleagues. I did know a few things about the radio even before the workshop. I knew that it was set up by UMWA in 2001 as a way of disseminating development information to engage and empower marginalised and impoverished women. I knew that it was the first women radio station in Africa (and the second in the world after the Norwegian RadiOrakel). But throughout the workshop I also got further insight into the different programs and presenters, some of the challenges they face and some of their hopes and wishes for the future.

One of the programs that we took a closer look at in the training is Abakyala Tweyogerere (Women Talk Back). The program is on from 6:00PM – 8:00PM every Sunday and focuses on women’s activities, aspiration and achievements in politics, economic and social arenas. It gives women the opportunity to exchange ideas, offer advice and present solutions to problems that affect women’s development. The objective is to encourage women to speak out about what they are doing to improve their livelihoods and share experiences and ideas on attaining recognition and status in society.

The program is hosted by some very lovely and talented ladies; Brenda Namaganda and Rebecca Birunji (in the picture).

Another show at Mama FM which is important is the morning show. In Luganda it is called ”Ssubi Lya Kunkya” (Early Morning Hope). The morning show focuses on issues affecting disadvantaged people and encourages these people, especially women, to stand on their own and build their self-esteem. It also updates people on important local, national and international happenings that have occurred during the night. There are numerous other programs that deserve a closer description here. Most of them do in some way or another engage in the fields of health, law, politics, human rights or religion. I am sure I will write more about them later, but if you are interested you can also read more about them on the website: http://www.umwamamafm.co.ug/mama-fm-1017/programs. 

Currently, Mama FM reaches out to cover a population of 3 million people in 400 km across eastern, central, south-western and western parts of Uganda. In the workshop, when the radio presenters and producers were asked about their wishes for the future, national coverage was on top of most people’s lists. Another wish was on funding. Today UMWA and Mama FM depend heavily on donor support. Some donations are short e.g. one year or just a onetime event.  This is a major limitation to the organization’s activities. A strong independent financial source is therefore something that most of the presenters, producers and reporters wish for, especially those who work as volunteers (and they are quite many!).

The staff at Mama FM

As resources are scarce, most programs on Mama FM are prepared, produced and presented by one or two people. (That is quite amazing when you compare it to some of the programs at NRK. One hour of Her & Nå, the news and “current affairs” program at NRK P1 in Norway, requires intensive work from at least 8 or 9 journalists). (My impression is that) pre-produced edited features tend to be a bit too time consuming, so most programs are based on a “talkshow-model”. The presenters research a specific and current topic (for instance divorce or maternal mortality – or the nomination for the election). Then they present relevant statistics and facts about the topic, and talk about the current situation in studio. Then they might invite two or three relevant guests for a debate or a conversation about the topic, and then, very often, receive phone calls from listeners to hear their stories and opinions. There are some vox pops and preproduced interviews, but in most cases the “talking in studio” is the way the program is produced.

I believe Mama FM could earn from getting more “out of the studio”. As I’ve been taught at NRK - it is important to bring the listeners out – out in the villages, on the market, in the streets. Of course it is hard, if not impossible with such limited resources, but maybe that is one area where I can contribute in some way or another in the ten months that I’ll be working here.