Radio Station Disabled by Equipment Theft

November 9, 2011

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is disturbed to learn from its affiliate, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) of successive waves of theft at the Prime FM radio station in Kavre district in central Nepal.

The radio station was robbed of essential cables and other equipment on the night of October 23, following which broadcasts were discontinued. On November 2, masked assailants attacked the security guard on duty at the radio station and stole essential transmission equipment as well as a battery.

These successive waves of theft have completely disabled the radio station.

”The IFJ asks local authorities to consider whether this was a targeted attack to silence the radio station or just a case of theft,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“Unsettled conditions in certain parts of Nepal have made news gathering and dissemination a hazardous pursuit.”

“In light of the importance of radio broadcasting among all other forms of media in the country, we urge Nepali authorities to consider whether some form of insurance for radio stations could be provided, to protect them against theft and vandalism.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media