radio antennas in Chad

Threat to private radio stations in Chad – A call for solidarity

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Pontarlier, May 17, 2025. Thirteen private radio stations, including five Christian stations, are at risk of disappearing as a result of a decision by the High Authority for Media and Audiovisual (HAMA). With a deadline deemed too short to comply with the requirements, these essential media outlets are calling for urgent support.

Compliance under pressure

The High Authority for Media and Audiovisual Communication (HAMA) requires new private radio stations in Chad to begin broadcasting quickly and to strictly comply with regulations before June 12, 2025. Thirteen stations are affected, including five Christian radio stations that enrich the media landscape and offer spiritual support to communities that often lack other sources of information.

A crucial issue for social cohesion

Among the stations under threat are FM Adventiste (N'Djamena), La Vie Nouvelle (Gagal), Koode Kandam (Dourbali), Matchiwala (Baktchoro), and FM Philadelphia (Kélo). Some have been in existence for several years, others have just been launched, but all face financial and administrative challenges. In response to this situation, the Médias Ebène association is calling for action to obtain an extension and concrete support so that these radio stations can continue their essential mission.

Denis Steffen, treasurer of the Médias Ébène association

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Médias Ébène active in the launch of Koode Kisndam radio station in Chad

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Radio Koode Kisndam in Dourbali, in the Chari Barguimi region, was officially inaugurated on February 13, World Radio Day. This unique and unprecedented event marked a milestone in the history of the town, which now has its very first radio station.

Dourbali, February 21, 2025

Administrative authorities, including the regional governor, as well as traditional and religious authorities, were present alongside the residents of Dourbali to celebrate this instrument, in which they have placed all their hopes for long-awaited development.

Radio Koode Kisndam, housed in its own premises built by its promoter, Moussa Batchaguine, nicknamed here "the pastor of the Bororos," broadcasts on 99.1 FM with a 1,000-watt transmitter and a 42-meter-high tower. It will serve a cosmopolitan and predominantly Muslim population, which is very attached to oral tradition and listening to the radio.

Although dedicated and open to the public, Koode Kisndam still faces the challenge of completing its facilities, notably by installing a lightning rod to protect its equipment from the frequent electrical storms in the region.

Médias Ebène contributed to this launch by providing comprehensive training to the radio teams, covering topics such as rigorous financial resource management, fundraising, marketing, the use of artificial intelligence in program creation, and the use of technical equipment. These training sessions were led by our volunteers Christian Gaspoz and Emmanuel Ziehli.

Administrative authorities, including the regional governor, as well as traditional and religious leaders, joined the residents of Dourbali to celebrate the inauguration of this new radio station.

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