ist briefing note 007 purpose - somali media...

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AU/UN IST CONFIDENTIAL Not to be disseminated without prior IST approval

IST Briefing Note 007

Purpose

IST Briefing Notes are intended to provide background information and analysis on Somali affairs and dynamics. The overall objective is to share situation awareness to inform AMISOM strategy and operations. The Briefing Notes are compiled by the Research & Analysis department and based on press articles, interviews and other first and second hand sources.

The objective of this IST Briefing Note issue is to provide an up to date list of Somali media outlets. The aim of this paper is to help relevant actors understand the landscape of Somali media and use this information in order to guide their engagement and approach with Somali media outlets. Based on empirical research this review includes: key findings; a brief presentation of the media observatory project; followed by a list of all media outlets (Radios, TV, print and news websites) according to their geographic location in South/Central Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland. Readers should be informed that the information presented in this report is continuously being edited and is therefore not a “definitive” version. We acknowledge the difficulties attached to seeking definitive information as access to all geographical locations belies the ability for in person verification. The fluidity represented in the contemporary Somali media scene equally is a cause for difficulty as media outlets “pop up” and “fold” quite quickly due to fluid economic support. This work should be understood as an attempt which can be regularly revised and updated.

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i. Background on AMISOM Sectors in South/Central Somalia

Sector I – Benadir (Mogadishu), Lower Shabelle and most of Middle Shabelle regions;

Sector II – Lower Jubba (Kismaayo, Afmadow), Middle Jubba (Jilib, Bu’aale) and lower Gedo;

Sector III – Gedo (Baardheere, Garbahaarrey), Bay (Baidoa) and Bakool (Xuduur) regions.

Sector IV – Hiiran (Beletweyne, Bulo Hurto) region.

Media Mapping Briefing Note

Introduction

This report is a product of the AU/UN Media Observatory project. The AU/UN IST Media Observatory project includes a website that has been publically accessible online since April/May2013 and will contain the information included in this report as well as additional relevant information on media and communication in Somalia1. The Somali Media Mapping website (Media Observatory website) now also features a Somali version. It is worth noting that there have been previous reports and mapping exercises published on Somali media. However, information even from 2012 is already out-dated, as the media landscape in Somalia is ever changing and growing. The aim of this paper is to provide an up to date source that can serve as a guidebook of the existing Somali news outlets. In addition to providing a geographical overview of existing media outlets, this report also offers a broad understanding of who controls the media outlets and at times an indication of their perceived political leaning (notably whether they are likely to support central/regional administrations or if they belong to competing or opposition groups). Many media outlets in Somalia have some sort of bias or allegiances, whether they are aligned with different movements or organisations or whether they tend to cover political affairs from either a regional or national perspective. These operational insights are intended to improve the practitioners’ ability to understand and interact with these outlets.

Classification and Presentation of Information

This first-hand research provides the most up to date information (as of April 2014) on the Somali media outlets: radio and television stations, print media as well as online media outlets. The information presented in this research has been listed per type of media outlets (radio, TV, print, internet) and inside each type of media outlets the information has been classified by geographic location per AMISOM sectors (under the general heading of South/Central), Puntland and Somaliland.2

Conversely, the Annex 1 classifies the outlets per geographical breakdown first, and then by type of outlet inside each main geographical zone. This allows the reader to gain a snap shot of how best to engage in public information campaigns for specific regions. Critical contact information for each outlet is presented in this Annex 1.

1 For practical purposes, in this report, the term “Somalia” will encompass South and Central Somalia, Puntland and

Somaliland. 2 The study also creates two specific regional categories for the outlets located in i. Central Somalia (part in Galguduud and

Mudug regions, between north of Sector 4 and South of Puntland) ii. The Disputed area between Somaliland and Puntland.

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Table of Contents Introduction 2 i. Background on AMISOM Sectors in South/Central Somalia 2 Key Findings 4 1. Radio Stations 10 ii. Background on the different type of broadcasting 11

1.1 Radio stations with their headquarters based outside Somalia 12 1.2 Radio stations based in South/Central Somalia 16

Sector I 16 Sector II 24 Sector III 25 Sector IV 26 Central Somalia 27

1.3 Radio stations based in Puntland and Somaliland 28 Puntland 28 Somaliland 31 Disputed Area (Eastern Sanaag) 32

1.4 Radio stations affiliated with Al Shabaab 32 1.5 AU/UN IST Media Access Polling results November 2013 34

2. Television 43 2.1 TV stations with their headquarters located outside Somalia 44 2.2 TV stations based in South/Central Somalia 46 2.3 TV stations based in Puntland and Somaliland 46

Puntland 46 Somaliland 47

3. Newspapers 48 3.1 Newspapers based in South/Central Somalia 49 3.2 Newspapers based in Puntland and Somaliland 50

Puntland 50 Somaliland 50

4. Websites 52 4.1 List of main Somali online media outlets 54 4.2 Websites with a particular focus on Puntland 60 4.3 Websites with a particular focus on Somaliland 61 4.4 Websites with a particular focus on disputed area (Khatumo) 63 4.5 Al Shabaab websites 63

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Tables p.

Table 1 : Number of Media Outlets in Somalia – per HQs location 8 Table 2: Number of Media Outlets in Somalia – per coverage 9 Table 3: Number of radio stations in Somalia – per HQs location 11 Table 4: Number of radio stations in Somalia – per coverage 12 Table 5: Number of TV stations in Somalia – per HQs location 43 Table 6: Number of TV Stations in Somalia– per HQs location 43 Table 7: Number of print outlets in Somalia – per HQs location 48 Table 8: Number of print outlets in Somalia–per coverage 48

KEY FINDINGS3 Total number4 of outlets Headquarters (HQs) - per sectors:

In the whole of Somalia: 90

In South/Central Somalia: 46 (33 in Sector 1 / 1 in Sector 2 / 2 in Sector 3 / 5 in Sector 4 / 5 in Galguduud-Mudug)

In Puntland: 14

In Somaliland: 18 + 2 in Eastern Sanaag

Outlets located outside Somalia: 10 Total number of outlets HQs - per type:

56 RADIO STATIONS in total: o In South/Central: 40 (26 in Sector 1 / 1 in Sector 2 / 2 in Sector 3 / 5 in Sector 4 / 5 in

Galguduud-Mudug) o In Puntland: 9 o In Somaliland: 1 + 2 in Eastern Sanaag o Radio stations located outside Somalia: 5

14 TV STATIONS in total: o In South/Central: 2 (all in Sector 1) o In Puntland: 3 o In Somaliland: 4 o TV stations located outside Somalia: 5

20 PRINT MEDIA in total: o In South/Central: 5 (all in Sector 1) o In Puntland: 2 o In Somaliland: 13

Regional discrepancies

Above average representation of outlets in Sector 1.

Below average representation of outlets in Sector 2 (especially), Sector 3 and Sector 4.

3 As of research period March 2013.

4 This amount does not take into account the number of Al-Shabaab radios; there are 7 radios run by Al-Shabaab across

Somalia which are counted separately.

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There are a much greater number of radio stations in Somalia than any other media.

Somaliland is an exception to this with only one radio station (state-owned) and an important of newspapers. The number of newspapers especially is decreasing.

The most popular Radio and TV stations have their HQs located outside Somalia. Al Shabaab media Outlets

Radio: Al Shabaab currently has 7 radio stations located in different AMISOM sectors; Sector 1: Radio Andalus in Baraawe (Lower Shabelle region) Radio Al Furqaan in Baraawe (Lower Shabelle region) Sector 2: Radio Andalus in Jilib (Middle Jubba region) Radio Andalus in Jamaame (Lower Jubba region) Sector 3: Radio Andalus in Baardheere (Gedo region) Radio Andalus in Dinsoor (Bay region) Sector 4: Radio Andalus in Ceelbuur (Hiiraan Region)

Online outlets: the following websites relay Al Shabaab propaganda; 1. www.amiirnuur.com 2. www.al-qimmah.net 3. www.calamada.com (official webpage for radio Andalus) 4. www.radioalfurqaan.com 5. www.somalimemo.net 6. www.somalimidnimo.com

Radio stations coverage The following stations have multiple reach inside Somalia (multiple stations/FM transmitters across the country), some for just one hour a day and others 24/7:

1. Radio Andalus (Al Shabaab): FM coverage in Baraawe (Lower Shabelle), Jilib (Middle Jubba), Jamame (Lower Jubba), Baardheere (Gedo), Dinsoor (Bay) and Ceelbuur (Hiiraan)

2. Radio Al hikma: FM coverage in Bosasso, Garowe, Galkacyo, Qardho, Burtinle and Galdogob 3. Radio Bar-Kulan: national coverage via regional satellite service (Thaicom 5); FM transmitters

in Mogadishu, Kismayo, Beledweyne and Baidoa; relay via the local 1 Nation radio in Bosasso (12h of RBK programming); live webstreaming.

4. BBC Somali Service: national coverage via shortwave; FM transmitters in Mogadishu, Bosasso, Hargeisa/Boromo and Burao; relay via local radios in Mogadishu, Jowhar, Dhuusamareeb (non-official), southern and northern Galkacyo, Garowe (non-official), Qardho and Bosasso.

5. Radio Daljir: FM stations in Bosasso, Qardho, Garowe, Galkacyo, and Cabudwaq/Xeraale, Buuhodle.

6. Radio Ergo: national coverage via shortwave (only one hour per day); relay via local radios in Mogadishu, Guriceel, Cabudwaaq, Caadado and southern Galkacyo.

7. Radio Hage: national coverage via shortwave; FM transmitter in Galkacyo

http://www.amiirnuur.com/

http://www.al-qimmah.net/

http://www.calamada.com/

http://www.radioalfurqaan.com/

http://www.somalimemo.net/

http://www.somalimidnimo.com*/

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8. Radio Jubba: Mogadishu, Middle and Lower Shabelle and Baidoa 9. 1 Nation Radio: FM transmitters in Bosasso and Garowe 10. Radio Muqdisho5: FM coverage in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Kismayo (Radio Kismayo) and

Beledweyne (Radio Beledweyne). 11. Somali Broadcast Corporation (SBC): FM transmitters in Bosasso, Garowe and Qardho 12. Radio Star FM: FM coverage in Mogadishu,

Guriceel,Dholow,Elwak,Dhobley,Abudwaaq,Bosaso,Guriceel,Galkacyo,Jowhar,Afmadow,Mara,Beledweyne,Dhusamareeb,Galkacyo.

13. VOA Somali Service: national coverage via shortwave; FM transmitter in Hargeisa; relay via local radios in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Guriceel, Dhuusamareeb (non-official), Cabudwaq, Garowe, Qardho and Bosasso.

14. Radio Qaran: FM Transmitters in Mogadishu, Lower and Middle Shabelle The following stations have a regional coverage (East Africa) and/or an international coverage: Via FM transmission

1. Star FM (FM transmitter in Nairobi and relay stations in Garissa, Dadaab, Wajir, Madogo in the Tana River valley and Mandera in the far northeast of Kenya)

2. Radio Qaran (FM transmitter in Mogadishu covering Lower & and Middle Shabelle). Via satellite (and web stream)

1. Radio Bar-Kulan

Via shortwave (and web stream) 1. BBC Somali Service 2. Radio Ergo 3. Radio Hargeisa 4. VOA Somali Service:

Via web streaming only – non-exhaustive list

1. BBC Somali Service 2. Radio Dalsan 3. Radio Ergo 4. Radio Kulmiye 5. Radio Risaala 6. Radio Shabelle 7. Raxanreeb 8. VOA Somali Service

Radio listenership and trustworthiness (AU/UN IST polling results Oct/Nov 2013):

Similarly to the 2012 survey, BBC (54%) & VOA Somali Services (48%) held the positions of the most listened to radios in 2013. They were followed in 2013 by Radio Bar Kulan (25%) and Radio Muqdisho (23%) and Radio Shabelle (19%).

Also similarly to the 2012 survey, international stations (BBC and VOA Somali Services) are still considered in the 2013 polling, the most trustworthy radio stations in south central Somalia. They are followed by Radio Mogadishu and Radio Bar Kulan.

TV coverage The following stations have an international reach (via satellite and/or web streaming):

5 Radio Muqdisho (also known as Radio Mogadishu) is the Somali spelling of Somalia’s State-radio.

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1. TV Royal 2. Somali Channel 3. Somsat TV 4. Universal TV 5. Somali National TV (SNTV) 6. Horn Cable TV 7. Somaliland National Television (SLNTV) 8. Star TV

The following stations have a local reach only (terrestrial):

1. Shabelle TV 2. Bosasso TV 3. Bulsho TV 4. Eastern Television Network (ETN TV) 5. Somali Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) 6. Bulsho TV 7. Somaliland space Channel

TV audience

There are two public (state-controlled) national TV: Somali National TV (South/Central) and Somaliland National TV (Somaliland).

The private TV stations widely regarded as the most popular are Universal TV, Horn Cable TV, Somali Channel, SNTV, Somsat TV, and Royal TV.

Print outlets

The newspaper industry has suffered in the recent years with many printing organisations shutting down in South/Central Somalia and Puntland.

Somaliland is the only region with over a dozen of printing outlets still operational with small circulation titles. The most popular ones – Haatuf, Jamhuuriya and Geeska Afrika – are daily. Others publish two or three times per week or even weekly.

There are five newspapers remaining in Mogadishu and two in Puntland Other key remarks/trends Results from the AU/UN IST Oct/Nov 2013 and Nov 2012 polling survey in AMISOM 4 sectors:

In 2013, the highest number of applicants listed Radio as the most informative way of receiving information followed by TV.

Newspapers are not as widely spread and common as TVs and Radios. Print media takes the fourth position as the main source of information after Radio (1st), TV (2nd) and Internet (3rd).

Mobile Phones are the most widely used ICT in South/Central Somalia. More than two-thirds of respondents reported access to a mobile phone (with a smaller percentage of women than men).

An increasing number of radios are acquiring live streaming capability (Nov 2012 survey). The use of radio on mobile has increased from 56% (Nov 2012 survey) to 62% (Oct/Nov 2013 survey) of the respondents.

The AU/UN IST Nov 2012 polling survey established that the number and overall quality of Somali TV channels is quickly growing and access is not only confined to Mogadishu; 47 % of those interviewed in Baidoa and Beletweyne towns have access to TV.

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Table 1: Number of Media Outlets in Somalia – per HQs location6

LOCATION (HQs) MEDIUM NUMBER (per outlet

type)

NUMBER (Total)

REGIONAL/ INTERNATIONAL

Radios 5 10 Televisions 5

Newspapers 0

SECTOR 1


Newspapers 5

SECTOR 2


Newspapers 0

SECTOR 3


Newspapers 0

SECTOR 4


Newspapers 0

CENTRAL SOMALIA


Newspapers 0

PUNTLAND


Newspapers 2

DISPUTED AREA


Newspapers 0

SOMALILAND


Newspapers 13

TOTAL7


Newspapers 20

6 See “Somalia Media Distribution” map – Annex 2.

7 This amount does not take into account the number of Al-Shabaab radios; there are 7 radios run by Al-Shabaab across

Somalia which are counted separately.

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Table 2: Number of Media Outlets in Somalia – per coverage8

COVERAGE MEDIUM NUMBER OF COVERAGE

POINTS

NUMBER (Total)



Newspapers 0

SECTOR 1


Newspapers 5

SECTOR 2


Newspapers 0

SECTOR 3


Newspapers 0

SECTOR 4


Newspapers 0

CENTRAL SOMALIA


Newspapers 0

PUNTLAND

Radios 18 29

Televisions 5

Newspapers 6

DISPUTED AREA


Newspapers 0

SOMALILAND


Newspapers 13

TOTAL9


Newspapers 24

The classification per HQs location maps out the reality of the media industry in Somalia (e.g how many outlets are operating in Somalia overall, with which structure, location of their HQs etc) –

8 See Annex 1: the radio stations are counted in every Somali region where they have a transmitter or a broadcasting

capability; the TV Stations are counted in every Somali region where they have a presence (office/studio); the newspapers are counted in every Somali region where they have a presence (office/studio); the newspaper are counted in every Somali region where they are distributed. 9 This amount does take into account the number of Al-Shabaab radios; there are 7 radios run by Al-Shabaab across

Somalia.

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whereas the classification per coverage rather intents to reflect the “media offer” per each Somali region i.e identifying the various media outlets that are available in every city/region, amongst which media consumers can choose from. The latter approach (per coverage) is thought for practitioners who are interested in the “coverage”, the “reach”, in other words knowing which media outlets are able to reach a specific city or region – whereas the former approach (per HQs location) is more useful for those who want to envisage the structure of the media industry, and to physically contact the media “hubs”.

1. Radio stations Radio has a longstanding importance in Somalia because of the strength of oral traditions, high illiteracy rates and its relative inexpensiveness. Radio receivers are small, cheap and can be handled by the nomadic population and urban dwellers. It is also the most effective conduit for communicating news and information to the entire population, those living in both urban and rural areas. Background Radio broadcasting in Somalia was started by the British colonial administration in 1945. After gaining independence in 1960, and a short experience with civilian government (1960–1969), the Somali media landscape was primarily shaped by the revolutionary/military government of Siad Barre. Under the Siad Barre regime, the media was almost entirely government controlled. While the regime did not allow for freedom of expression and the existence of private and independent media, some stations emerged that broadcasted from across the border in Ethiopia or, later, from the rebel held areas of Somaliland. During this period, Radio Mogadishu became the primary Somali radio station legally broadcasting in the country and some have credited it with having an important role in the process of state building and the fostering of a national identity. Under Siad Barre, it remained one of the tools used to spread and promote the government’s official ideology and agenda.10

A second phase of the media’s historical trajectory in Somalia began with the collapse of the Siad Barre regime in 1991 and the beginning of the civil war. The rise and proliferation of radio stations in North-Eastern and South Central Somalia has been a defining feature of Somalia’s political and social landscape since the early 1990s. Radio has exacerbated and provoked violence and at times promoted peace and valuable information on security-related issues. This growth can be attributed to the lack of government regulation, the ubiquitous availability of cheap radios and the usefulness of radio in serving the interests of warlords, aspiring politicians or businessmen. Over the past decade, many radio stations have sprung up; some have survived for years, others only months. They have often been started with the financial assistance and expertise of Somalis from the diaspora. After the international community pulled away from Somalia in the mid-1990s, small stations run by warlords proliferated. Many had weak signals and primarily reflected the interests of limited communities or neighbourhoods, with their influence and role shifting as the conflict evolved. While some smaller ‘civil society’ or community radio stations existed during this period, these were the exception. Warlord radios continued to proliferate until power consolidated in the mid-2000s with the Islamic Courts. A new phase within the radio sector was instigated by the emergence of more commercial and professionally run stations. With strong financial backing and expertise from the diaspora, as well as an agenda to provide consumer-oriented news and entertainment, stations

10

Media, Power, and Politics : The Structure of Radio Broadcasters in Somalia. March 2012 (publication pending), Oxford University in partnership with AU /UN IST.

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consolidated their leading position in Somalia’s radio market and started to transform the media environment. With the growing influence of Al-Shabaab, which eventually took control of most of the capital in 2007-2008, the period of commercial growth and increasingly institutionalized radio stations came to a close. After the Al Shabaab lost power in Mogadishu in 2012, radio stations started to flourish again. The range of radio stations span the spectrum with small FM stations established and operated by private individuals or small commercial operations and larger stations supported by the government such as Radio Muqdisho or international organizations such as BBC and VOA Somali Services. International broadcasters, such as BBC and VOA, produce the programme content thousands of miles away with input from the country and diaspora, sometimes using live links. The programme for broadcast is relayed to the local or regional transmitters via satellite and more recently some using IP connections.

Table 3: Number of radio stations in Somalia – per HQs location

LOCATION (Radio HQs)

NUMBER


5

SECTOR 1 25

SECTOR 2 1

SECTOR 3 2

ii. Background on the different type of radio broadcasting Almost all radio services in Somalia transmit on the FM band, which is the most effective and of lowest cost. The FM transmitters provide a “line of sight” local signal which depending on the power and elevation of the transmitter can provide a broadcast range of either just a few Km to approximately 150 Km. The FM signal follows line of site and lower power transmissions will be affected by buildings and land elevation. The cost of FM receivers is very low and they can also be found built in to other appliances, such as mobile telephones, and use less power than other types or radio wave receivers. Shortwave transmission is a common method of broadcasting, covering much greater distances than FM and allowing transmission from outside the country. However, the transmitters are more complex than FM, have high power consumption and produce an inferior signal. Shortwave receivers are more expensive and power-consuming than FM. Consequently, as FM transmission has increased, there are now few shortwave services in Somalia. More recently website streaming has become a common service provided by radio stations. This service makes the station output available within Somalia for the listener that can access the internet. Most significantly, website streaming is an effective way of making the radio station available to diaspora communities anywhere in the world. There are some regional satellite services delivering Somali language programmes directly to domestic or community operated satellite receivers. The satellite signal can cover large regions of the world and most Somali language services cluster on just one or two systems, thus maximising potential audience.

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SECTOR 4 5

CENTRAL SOMALIA 5

PUNTLAND 9

DISPUTED AREA 2

SOMALILAND 1

TOTAL 55

Table 4: Number of radio stations in Somalia – per coverage (see Annex 1)

COVERAGE

NUMBER OF TRANSMITTERS/ BROADCASTING SOURCES


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SECTOR 1 28

SECTOR 2 5

SECTOR 3 6

SECTOR 4 8

CENTRAL SOMALIA 8

PUNTLAND 18

DISPUTED AREA 3

SOMALILAND 5

TOTAL 93

1.1 Radio stations with their headquarters based outside Somalia

1. Radio Bar-Kulan 92.0FM (Mogadishu, Baidoa, Kismayo, Beledweyne) / 89.5FM (Bosasso – via 1

Nation Radio) / Thaicom 5 Satellite (24/7) www.bar-kulan.com

Radio Bar-Kulan was founded in March 2010. The station previously had their headquarters in Nairobi and a second office in Mogadishu. However the station has now moved its HQs from Nairobi to Mogadishu. The station has previously been broadcasting under UN funding for two and a half years and in 2013 embarked on the post UN phase that will sustain its operations. It has installed a 1KW transmitter that will broadcast regular RBK programming for the population of Kismayo and surrounding areas. Radio Bar-Kulan also has its own transmitter in Baidoa and is able to relay some of its programmes in Puntland (Bosasso) via the 1 Nation Radio which broadcasts Radio Bar-Kulan programs for 12 hours a day. Radio Bar-Kulan broadcasts news, information, sport, music and development programmes. It broadcasts 24/7 in Mogadishu area. In Bosasso, it broadcasts from 6am to 11pm. In Baidoa the station can be heard at 9:00-12:30, 15:30-20:00 and 23:00-06:00. It also broadcasts 24/7 via live web streaming as well as via satellite (Thaicom 5) on Frequency 3640. The station has 31 employees in Mogadishu. Radio Bar-Kulan has 18 correspondents throughout Somalia. Radio Bar-kulan also broadcast a programme in the Galgaduud via Horyaal radio.

The AU/UN IST survey conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 across AMISOM 4 sectors found that in 2013 Radio Bar Kulan on average was the third most listened to radio (25% listenership daily) and the

http://www.bar-kulan.com/

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fourth most trustworthy (about 43% trustworthiness) across the AMISOM sectors. The AU/UN IST survey conducted in November 2012 found that after eight months on air Radio Bar-Kulan was the fourth most popular radio station in South/Central Somalia (“ever listened to”) and the sixth most frequently listened to. Radio Bar-Kulan stated aim is to be nonpartisan and to promote peace and reconciliation. The station has gradually gained respect for the quality and range of programmes that it broadcasts. The current station Director is Mohamed Farah. A Press statement from Puntland’s Ministry of Information said Bar-Kulan, Ergo and Hirad radios can resume broadcasting to the area after a six months ban. The radio’s currently have no studios in Puntland, therefore broadcast their programs through local FMs in the area. The administration urged the owners of the local FMs to register the radio stations that they have relationship with. Radio Bar-Kulan’s programs had been aired by Puntland-based radio dubbed ‘1 Nation’.

2. BBC Somali Service www.bbc.co.uk

Shortwave: 13 MHz 19MHz 49MHz Transmitters: 91.0FM (Mogadishu) 96.9FM (Galkacyo) 88.2FM (Bosasso) 89.0FM (Hargeisa, Boromo) 88.8FM (Burao)11 Relay via local radios: 101.5 FM (relay via Radio Shabelle in Mogadishu) 102.2 FM (non-official relay via Radio Risaala in Mogadishu) 97.0 FM (relay via Star FM in Mogadishu) 89.5 FM (relay via Radio Jowhar) 96.9 FM (relay via Codka Mudug in southern Galkacyo) 88.9FM (relay via Codka Nabadda/Voice of Peace in North Galkacyo) 89.8 FM (non-official relay via Radio Garowe in Garowe) 89.9 FM, 88.7 FM and 88.5 FM (relay via SBC Radio in Bosasso, Qardho and Garowe respectively) 88.8 FM (non-official relay via Radio Dhuusamareeb in Dhuusamareeb) . The BBC Somali Service FM station was founded in 1957. Along with the VOA Somali Service, BBC Somali Service is the most popular and trusted radio station in Somalia. The AU/UN IST survey conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 across the 4 AMISOM sectors found that BBC Somalia service on average was the most listened to radio (54% listenership daily) and the most trustworthy (about 77% trustworthiness) in South Central Somalia. This is consistent with the survey conducted in November 2012. In Somalia, the BBC broadcasts all BBC programs – Somali, English and Arabic – 24 hours a day. BBC Somali Service broadcasts for a total of three and a half hours per day at the following local times: 07.00-07.30; 14.00-14.30; 17.00-18.00; 21.00-21.30. It broadcasts international and local news, current affairs, phone-in programmes and programmes about business, sport and culture. The rest of the day it broadcasts BBC English and BBC Arabic programmes. It broadcasts to Somali speakers throughout East Africa on shortwave and on FM via its own transmitters (in Mogadishu, Bosasso, Hargeisa, Boromo, Burao, Galckacyo) and via relay partnerships with local radio stations in Somalia. The BBC used to broadcast to Mogadishu on 91.1 and 91.9 FM until its local transmitter was shut down by Al Shabaab in April 2010. It now broadcasts on 91.0FM. BBC Somali Service programmes are also relayed in the capital by the popular independent station Radio Shabelle on 101.5 FM, Radio Risaala on 102.2 FM and the Kenyan radio station Star FM on 97.0 FM. Other relay partners of the BBC Somali Service include (to name a few); Radio Jowhar in Jowhar / Radio

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The BBC Somali Service does not have its own transmitter in Boromo and Burao. It rents transmitters from some of the Telecommunication companies in both cities.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/

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Dhuusamareeb in Dhuusamareeb (Central Somalia) / Codka Mudug in southern Galkacyo / Voice of Peace, Radio Garowe and SBC in Puntland. Finally, the BBC Somali Service internet live broadcasts are widely listened to by the Somali diaspora in other parts of the world.12 BBC Somali Service has two foreign correspondents inside Somalia. The current Editor of Somali BBC Service is Andres Elvis. He has replaced Yusuf Garaad Omar who quit the BBC to run for Presidency last August 2012.

3. Radio Ergo – shortwave 13,885 KHz www.radioergo.org/so/

Radio Ergo was formerly known as IRIN radio until a Danish media development organisation – International Media Support (IMS) – took ownership from the United Nation Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) in July 2011 and renamed the station Radio Ergo. The station solely broadcast news and humanitarian programmes. The station is located in Nairobi and broadcasts to Somalia one hour per day between 11:30 and 12:30 via shortwave. The stations programmes are also relayed by local Somali radio stations such as Radio Kulmiye, Radio Xurmo, Star FM, Radio Dalsan, Radio Kulmiye, Radio Mustaqbal, Radio Iftin, Radio Kasmo and Radio Daljir in Mogadishu; Radio Galgadud and radio Guriceel in Guriceel; Radio Abudwaq/Codka Galgaduud, Radio Codka Gobolada Dhexe and Radio Codka Mudug in Central Somalia. Radio Ergo also broadcasts over the internet via its website. On the 21st of February 2013 Radio Ergo was the target of an action taken by the Puntland Ministry of Information in seeking to prevent Puntland radio stations from broadcasting programming produced by Radio Ergo, Bar Kulan, and Radio Hirad. In response to this decree, 13 Somali radios stations (among which Puntland-based Codka Nabadda and Radio Daljir) produced an open letter on 18 March 2013 rejecting the decision of the Puntland authorities and affirming that they would continue airing Radio Ergo.13 A Press statement from Puntland’s Ministry of Information on 27th of September said Bar-Kulan, Ergo and Hirad radios can resume broadcasting to the area after a nearly seven months ban. The radio’s currently have no studios in Puntland, therefore broadcast their programs through local FMs in the area. The administration urged the owners of the local FMs to register the radio stations that they have relationship with.

4. Star FM Mogadishu 105.9FM, Guriceel 89.5FM, Bulla Hawa/Dolow 92.5FM, Elwak 89.9FM, Dhobley 89.5FM, Afmadow 89.5FM, Kismayo 89.5FM (from Oct 20th), Jowhar 97.0FM, Marka 97.0FM, Beledweyne 88.5FM, Dhusamareeb 89.5Fm, Galkacyo 88.5FM, Abudwaaq 89.5 FM, Bosasso 88.5FM www.starfm.co.ke Star FM is the leading Somali-language radio station in Kenya. It was founded in October 2010 and is privately owned by North-Eastern Media and Telecommunications Ltd, which is based in Garissa. The station’s headquarters are based in Nairobi, but it has relay stations in Garissa, Dadaab, Wajir, Madogo in the Tana River valley and Mandera in the far northeast of Kenya.

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Also to be noted, the BBC World Service Trust has a project that provides support to six radios including Radio Hargeisa, Radio SBC-Puntland, Radio Galkacyo, Radio Dhusamareb, Radio Xurmo, Radio Shabelle. The two-year programme, entitled ‘Strengthening Radio Stations in Somalia to promote Human Rights, Peace and Governance’ aims ‘to enhance the reach, levels of audience participation and professional capacity of Somali media, through capacity-building of radio stations and media-related training for civil society organizations, in particular women’s and youth associations’. (Oxford PCMLP, 2013) 13

In this letter, the members of “Network 2013” affirm that they ‘have rejected what they view as an attempt to interfere with their editorial independence, and have stated that they will continue to air the Radio Ergo programming as part of their normal schedules.’ Network 2013 members include Radio Daljir; Codka Nabadda; Codka Mudug; Radio Guriceel; Codka Gobollada Dhexe; Radio Kulmiye; Radio Xormo; Radio Mustaqbal; Radio Dalsan; Radio Iftin; Gool FM; Star FM; Radio Kasmo. Email: [email protected]

http://www.radioergo.org/so

http://www.starfm.co.ke/

15


In Somalia, Star FM also has an FM station in Mogadishu (established in July 2012), located in Waberi district, which broadcasts on 105.9 FM (formerly 97.0 FM). It also has transmitters in Guriceel (89.5FM), Bulla Hawa/Dolow (92.5FM), El wak (89.5FM), Dhobley (89.5FM),Afmadow (89.5FM) ,Kismayo (89.5FM), Jowhar (97.0FM), Marka (97.0FM), Dhusamareeb (89.5FM), Beledweyne (88.5), Abud Waq (89.5FM), Bosasso (88.5FM) and Galkacyo (88.5FM). In order to allow for a more Somali focused programming, the Star FM Mogadishu branch has its own local programming and it is also planned for the stations based in Somalia to have local programming (with relay from Mogadishu, not Nairobi). Star FM programming consists of news, entertainment, political, business, sports and humanitarian programs. The station rebroadcasts programmes of the BBC and VOA Somali Service as well as Radio Ergo. Star FM has 35 employees in Mogadishu overall (including 7 staff in Mogadishu; 5 journalists, 1 technician and 1 civil society coordinator). The station obtains its funds through advertisements as well as owners’ contribution. The current director is Mohamed Hass an Osman and the Chairman is Mahamud Abdullahi.

5. Voice of America (VOA Somali) www.voanews.com/somali

Shortwave: available through Somalia on Shortwave 19, 25 & 49 MB Transmitters: 88.0 FM (Hargeisa) Relay via local radios: 88.0 FM (relay via Radio Mogadishu in Mogadishu); 88.8 FM and 90.0 FM (relay via Radio Kulmiye in Mogadishu); 88.0 FM and 88.8 FM (Radio Daljir in Puntland)

Voice of America Somali Service was originally launched in 1993 and stopped service within a year. The Service was re-launched in February in 2007. Along with the BBC Somali Service, it is the most popular and trusted radio station in Somalia. The AU/UN IST survey conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 across AMISOM 4 sectors found that on average VOA Somali was the second most listened to radio (54% listenership daily) and the second most trustworthy (about 72% trustworthiness) across 4 sectors. The AU/UN IST survey conducted in November 2012 across AMISOM 4 sectors found that of the sixteen radio stations pre-coded in the survey, VOA Somali Service was the second most popular radio station in South/Central Somalia (“ever listened to”) and the fourth most frequently listened to. The station headquarters are located in Washington, USA. This station broadcasts in the entire country on shortwave on 13580, 15620 and 1431 kHz and on medium wave from powerful transmitters in Djibouti. In addition, VOA broadcasts in English and Somali from its own FM transmitter in Hargeisa on 88.0 FM. The VOA Somali Service is also rebroadcast on FM by several radio stations in Somalia although not all are official relay partners. Radio stations that relay VOA programmes on FM include: Radio Muqdisho, Radio Kulmiye, Jubba Radio, Radio Dalsan, and Star FM in Mogadishu – Sector 1 / Radio Baidoa in Baidoa – Sector 3 / Radio Beledweyne in Hiiran region and Radio Dhuusamareeb (unofficially) in Galgaduud – Sector 4 / Radio Galgaduud (non-official) (Guriceel town) and in Galgaduud region – Sector 4 / Radio Abudwaq (Abudwaq) in Central Somalia / Radio Daljir, and Radio Garowe in Puntland. Programmes are also streamed on the internet through the VOA Somali Service website. The VOA Somali Service broadcasts news, entertainment programmes and talk-shows from studios in Washington on shortwave four times a day at the following times: 06:30, 16:00, 19:00 and 20:00. The VOA Somali Service has introduced short interviews with Somalis in different parts of Somalia and the world. The VOA's network of correspondents is wide and VOA journalists can be found across Somaliland, Puntland, and southern Somalia. Similar to the BBC

http://www.voanews.com/somali

16


Somalia Service, the VOA Somali Service has faced challenges operating on the ground, particularly in southern Somalia. Al Shabaab has banned local stations from broadcasting VOA or BBC, accusing them of violating Islamic law and using pro-western information. Along with BBC, the VOA Somali Service is one of the most popular and trusted international broadcasters in Somalia. VOA Somali has the highest listenership in all VOA Language Services.

1.2 Radio stations based in South/Central Somalia

Sector I There are 25 radio stations with their HQs located in Sector I as well as two radio stations belonging to Al Shabaab in Baraawe (Radio Andalus and Radio Al Furqaan).14 Other Radio’s that Broadcast’s in Sector one include Sector one include Star FM. Star FM has transmitters in Mogadishu (105.1FM), Jowhar (97.0FM) and Marka (97.0FM). 1. Aman Radio 97.4FM

Aman Radio is an all-female Mogadishu-based station, with a mission to raise the profile of Somali women and train them in the media. The station that started broadcasting March 2012 from its offices in Hodan district was launched by the Nasib Information and Media Training Centre for Women with financial backing from Somali women journalists in Finland. The centre offers young women interested in media a number of journalism courses, which Aman Radio will complement by providing graduates an opportunity to practice their new skills at the station. The radio produces programmes that focus on the education of young girls and celebrate the positive contributions Somali women have made to society during the civil war. Currently the radio has 25 employees. Aman Radio Assistant Director is Farhia Farah Roble.

2. Radio Banadir 103.4FM www.radiobanadir.com

Radio Banadir is a privately owned station which was founded in 21 February 2000 in Shibis district. It was closed in 2010 and reopened in January 2012 in Karan district, Mogadishu. The station broadcasts news, entertainment, sports, social affairs and religious programmes as well as music. It is on air for 13 hours a day; 7:00-10:00 and 13:00-23:00. The station has a fairly wide coverage area which includes Mogadishu, Middle and Lower Shabelle. It employs 25 staff and 6 trainees and is a member of the National Union of Somali Journalists ()15. The station’s owner is the businessman Ahmed Nur Ali “Ahmedna” and its Director is Hassan Salad Hassaan. Two staff were wounded in 2010 in Mogadishu with stray bullets. Radio Banadir was closed between early 2011 to January 2012 after Al Shabaab fighters used the radio building as shelter during the fighting in Mogadishu.

3. Radio Dalsan 91.5FM www.dalsanradio.com

Radio Dalsan was founded in 4 April 2012 and is located in Wadajir district, Mogadishu. The radio is managed by Hassan Ali Geesey, a veteran Somali journalist who has returned from Nairobi where he served as an exile journalist for the past four years. The owner of the station is called Mohamed Cajiib. The station airs 15 hours a day (6:00-9:00 and 12:00-00:00) in Mogadishu and

14

See Section 1.4 15

Many countries have different representative organisations/trade unions for the journalists and the broadcasters. In Somalia however, NUSOJ represents journalists only.

http://www.radiobanadir.com/

http://www.dalsanradio.com/

17


surrounding areas. The station can also be listened to via live stream on its website. Its programming consists of news, entertainment, and programmes about peace, youth and women affairs. Dalsan radio receives small funds from SYAO (local youth development organization) as well as from advertisement. Radio Dalsan relays VOA Somali Services programmes as well as radio Ergo’s programmes (an hour daily). The station employs 29 people16 and is a member of NUSOJ. Early February 2013, a journalist at Radio Dalsan, Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim, was sentenced to a year in prison after interviewing a woman who alleged that government soldiers raped her. Ibrahim was charged with insulting state institutions, and court documents claimed he induced the woman to give false evidence.17

4. Radio Danan 94.0FM www.radiodanan.net

This privately owned station is based in Bakara Market, Mogadishu. It was founded in 2009. Danan Radio broadcasts 14 hours a day (6:00-9:00 and 12:00-23:00) in Mogadishu and its surroundings. The station broadcasts news programs, entertainment, women, youth, sports and music programmes. The station has 20 employees (including females) and 5 trainees. It is a member of NUSOJ and gets some incomes from advertisement. The owner and director of Radio Danan is Mohamed Barre Hajji ‘Fiyoore’.

5. Radio Goobjoog 88.5FM www.goobjoog.com

Goobjoog FM 88.5MHz is a privately owned Radio station which was founded in July 2012. The radio station is located in the Hodan district of Mogadishu, Goobjoog currently airs 15hours a day and it covers Mogadishu and surrounding districts such as Lower and Middle Shabelle. Radio Goobjoog currently airs programmes which consist of news, sports, music, education, history, health and participatory programs. The station is owned by Abshir Ahmed ‘Bukhair’ along with other Somali Diaspora who contribute to the day to day costs. The station is directed by Hassan Mohamud Mohamed. They currently have 53 employees and goes by their slogan ‘Always loyal to the Public.

6. Radio Iftin 94.5FM www.radioiftin.com

Radio Iftin (“light” in Somali) was founded in July 2012 as the first education based radio stations in Somalia. Iftin focuses solely on educational news and progammes, their aim is to give those in the education field a voice. The station is based in KM 5, Wadajir district in Mogadishu and is on air 11 hours a day. It currently has 13 employees and is owned by PanAfrica media group. The current Director is Ahmed Mohamud ali.

7. Gool FM 99.0FM www.goolfm.net

Gool FM is the first and only all-sports radio station (with an emphasis on football) established in Somalia. The station was founded on the 15th May 2012. Gool Fm is a privately owned radio

16

These numbers include not only journalists but also management and administrative staff (such as guards, secretaries and cleaners). The numbers of staff’ are most likely indicative of the individuals that are “affiliated” with a station rather than actual employees. (Oxford PCMLP, 2013) 17

Al Jazeera, Fear spreads after Somali journalist jailing, 5 February 2013

http://www.radiodanan.net/

http://www.goobjoog.com/

http://www.radioiftin.com/

http://www.goolfm.net/

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/02/20132691735535890.html

18


station and is currently based in KM 5, Wadajir district in Mogadishu. It broadcasts sport news and programmes 16 hours a day in Mogadishu, from 8:00-00:00. Gool FM has hired experienced radio journalist who have previously worked within the field of sports news for different media houses. It currently has 27 employees. The Station is owned by PanAfrica Media Group and the Director is Abdifatah Omar Halane.

8. Radio Jowhar 89.5FM www.radiojowhar.com (website under construction)

Radio Jowhar is a privately-owned station which was founded on 16 February 2013. It is located in Hantiwadaag district in Jowhar (Middle Shabelle). It is on air 12 hours a day; 7:00-9:00 and 12:00-00:00. It also re-broadcasts BBC Somali service programs as well as a weekly Somali program by Radio Hirad which is owned the Free Press Unlimited. The station employs 15 people and is a member of NUSOJ. The Director is Mohamed Abukar Caseyr.

9. Radio Jubba 99.5FM

Radio Jubba is a privately owned station which was established in Baidoa October 2008. The branch in Baidoa was closed by Al Shabaab after the radio’s equipment including the FM transmitter was taken away by Al Shabaab in September 2011. The radio subsequently moved to Mogadishu (Wadajir) and re-opened in January 2012. It is now located in Hamar Jajab disctrict. The station airs 14 hours a day (6:00-9:00 and 12:00-23:00) in the Mogadishu region with 40% of its programs in Maymay. It is the most listened to by Maymay-speaking IDPs in Mogadishu because it broadcasts in their language. Its programming consists of news, music, sports, education, peace and gender programmes. The station also relays VOA Somali programmes. The station has around 30 employees and is a member of NUSOJ. It receives income from advertisement as well as contribution from the owner, a Somali diaspora living in Denmark, called Abdiaziz Mayow. The Director of radio Jubba is Mukhtar M. Atoosh.

10. Radio Kasmo 89.1FM

Radio Kasmo was founded on the 1st of January 2013 in the capital of Somalia Mogadishu. Kasmo is one of the few women’s only radio stations In Somalia. It was officially launched in Mogadishu during the international Women’s day which was celebrated on the 8th of March 2013. The radio station broadcasts from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day. The station is the ‘first independent community radio station’ which is managed and run by the women’s NGO, women for Relief and Development Actions (WARDA). WARDA’s executive director is Zahra Abdullahi Yusuf. The establishment of this community radio is sponsored by UNESCO’s International Programme for the development of Communication (IPDC), which is the only multilateral forum in the UN systems, designed to mobilize the international community to discuss and promote media development in developing countries. The mission of radio Kasmo is to focus and speak on women issues. Radio Kasmo Aims to provide a platform for women voices, especially those who have been subjected to human rights abuses, to be heard on radio and talk about their problems to the Somali and international community. Radio Kasmo is also a partner with Radio Xamar (The Voice of Democracy).

11. Radio Kulmiye 88.0FM www.kulmiyenews.com

Radio Kulmiye is a privately owned station that was founded in February 2011 by Osman Abdullahi Guure, a well-known poet who used to be the director of Shabelle Radio and

http://www.radiojowhar.com/

http://www.kulmiyenews.com/

19


Abdirahman Al Adala, the former deputy director of Somali National TV. The station is based in Hamarweyne district, Mogadishu. It broadcasts in Mogadishu, Middle and Lower Shabelle region and is on air 15 hours a day; 6:00-9:00 and 12:00-00:00. Its programming consists of news, poems, sports, music and programmes on culture, peace, religion and human rights. The station works in partnership with Free Press Unlimited (media training) and relays programmes from VOA, Radio Ergo. It has 45 employees (including four women) and is a member of NUSOJ. Its broadcasts are streamed live on the internet and the radio station’s website offers written news in Somali and English. The station has attracted a substantial audience because of its reputation for reliability and balance. The AU/UN IST survey conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 across AMISOM 4 sectors found that on average Radio Kulmiye was the seventh and eight most listened to radio and the sixth most trustworthy (about 27% trustworthiness) across 4 sectors. Radio Kulmiye listenership slightly dropped this past year. The AU/UN IST survey conducted in November 2012 across AMISOM 4 sectors found that of the sixteen radio stations pre-coded in the survey, Radio Kulmiye was the sixth most popular radio station in South/Central Somalia (“ever listened to”) and the fifth most frequently listened to. Two of Radio Kulmiye staff members were wounded. In April 2012 the reporter Ahmed Ali Kahiye was wounded during the suicide explosion at the National theatre. In September 2012, another reporter, Abdullahi Sultan, was seriously injured during the suicide attack at the Village restaurant.

12. Radio Maanta 95.5FM www.radiomaanta.com Radio Maanta is a privately owned radio station that was founded in early 2012. The station is owned by one of Somalia’s Member of Parliament (and famous businessman) Addow Ali Gees. The Director of the radio is called Ali Abdirahman (Ali Deeq). This media outlet is located in Baar Ayaan, near the Mogadishu Stadium, from where it broadcasts news and entertainment programmes in Mogadishu. The radio is on air 13 hours a day; 6:00-9:00 and 12:00-22:00. It employs 20 staffs and is a member of NUSOJ. Radio Maanta gets its revenues from advertisements and also gets some funds from the owner.

13. Radio Mogadishu City 102.8FM Radio Mogadishu City is one of the newly established stations in Mogadishu (Siinay area). It is a privately owned radio station which was founded in August 2012. It is on air 9 hours a day and broadcasts in Mogadishu. Its programming mainly consists of news, entertainment and youth-oriented programs. Radio Mogadishu City has 8 staff members and is a member of NUSOJ. It receives financial backing from the owners. The director of the station is Shiine Abdi Gedhi.

14. Radio Muqdisho 90.0FM and 88.8FM (Mogadishu) and 90.0 FM (Baidoa) 90.0 FM (Kismayo) 88.0 FM (Beledweyne) www.radiomuqdisho.net

http://www.radiomaanta.com/

http://www.radiomuqdisho.net/

20


Radio Muqdisho is state run radio and is located inside the Ministry of Information compound. It was founded in 1951 by the Aideed family until it shut down in 1991.18 It was reopened in 2003 and was later handed over to the Ministry of Information in October 2009.19 The current Director of the radio is Abdirahim Isse Adow. The station has around 50 staff members (130 in the whole Ministry of Information) and is a member of NUSOJ. UNSOA supports Radio Muqdisho in some technical aspects. Its programs include news, political debates, religious programmes, entertainment, awareness, sport and music. It also relays some programmes from the VOA Somali Service. The station broadcasts in Somali (with small sections in English) for 18 hours (6:00-00:00) in Mogadishu, Middle Shabelle and Lower Shabelle. Radio Muqdisho broadcasts in Baidoa and Beledwayne. Radio Muqdisho is also meant to broadcast in Kismayo (via radio Kismayo) but at the time of writing this report Radio Kismayo – which airs via a transmitters provided by the Ministry of Information – was reportedly broadcasting its own local programming. The AU/UN IST survey conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 across AMISOM 4 sectors found that on average Radio Muqdisho was the fourth most listened to radio (23% listenership daily) and the third most trustworthy (about 50% trustworthiness) across 4 sectors. The AU/UN IST survey conducted in November 2012 across AMISOM 4 sectors found that of the sixteen radio stations pre-coded in the survey, Radio Muqdisho was the third most popular radio station in South/Central Somalia (“ever listened to”) and the third most frequently listened to. Like many other stations Radio Muqdisho was subjected to threats by Al Shabaab however the TFG government of Sheikh Sharif encouraged the journalists to continue reporting on the current affairs of the nation despite the Al Shabaab ban. Therefore Radio Muqdisho was one of the few stations that reported on issues that were censored by Al Shabaab. Besides its strong opposition to Al Shabaab, Radio Muqdisho arguably also has a pro-governement stance. Four of Radio Muqdisho staff members were killed by Al Shabaab in different times and locations. Two of those journalists, Sheikh Nur Abkey and Yusuf Ali Osman were assassinated in 2009 and 2012 respectively, while the two others were killed at Village Restaurant bombing on 20 September 2012.

15. Mustaqbal Radio 97.9FM (Mogadishu) 89.5FM (Beledweyne) www.mustaqbalradio.com

Radio Mustaqbal is a privately owned radio station which was founded in March 2012. Radio Mustaqbal is based in Hodan district in Mogadishu and broadcasts in Mogadishu, Middle Shabelle and Lower Shabelle. The station is on air for 18 hours from 6:00-00:00. Its programming consists of news, education, social affairs, sports, business and political programmes. Some of the Radio’s income comes from advertisements, however the station is still relatively new therefore the proprietor still contributes to the station financially.

18

The radio also opened briefly in 1993/4 during UNOSOM operation and was under the control of former Warlord Mohamed Farrah Aideed. The radio was bombed after Aideed’s Somali National Alliance, which claimed Presidential power, used it to incite violence towards UN forces. After the UN bombed the ‘official’ Radio Mogadishu, Aideed quickly resumed broadcasting with another station, also called “Radio Mogadishu, Voice of the Masses of the Somali Republic”. Several other stations owned by warlords were also broadcasting under the name ‘Radio Mogadishu’ including Aideed’s main rival, Ali Mahdi Mohamed, who started “Radio Mogadishu”, and Osman Ali Ato, who launched “Radio Mogadishu, Somali Pacification” (Oxford PCMLP, 2013). 19

There was another period between 2003 and 2009 when the radio stopped broadcasting before resuming its programmes again.

http://www.mustaqbalradio.com/

21


The station has 58 staff members and is a member of NUSOJ. Free Press International, a Dutch press freedom organization who supports the station with training of its reporters and Partner with Ergo supported International Media Support (IMS). The owner of radio Mustaqbal station is Mustafa Sheik from Mustaqbal Media Corporation (MMC) and the Director is Aweys Haji Noor (Aweys Aar). On 18th of March 2013, Mohamed Ali Nuhurkey a senior producer from Mustaqbal Radio was killed in a suicide car bombing at the vicinity of the National Theatre, along with Abdirashid Nur Ibrahim a reporter from Mustaqbal Radio who was also wounded in the accident. Mustaqbal Radio is also partners with NUSOJ and helps support and sponsor the Somali journalists for the trainings. Radio Mustaqbal has also installed a new FM station in Beledweyne, which transmits their programs from their Mogadishu branches to their more local broadcast.

16. Raxanreeb Broadcasting Corporation (RBC) www.raxanreeb.com

Radio Raxanreeb is a web-based radio, founded in January 2005 and based in the Medina district of Mogadishu. Raxanreeb covers the Horn of Africa with programmes focusing on news, entertainment, sports and politics. They currently have 17 staff members (with 5 based in Mogadishu). This station is also a member of NUSOJ. Raxanreeb broadcasting generate their income from advertisements and some contribution from their owners. The current owner is Farah Ahmed Atto. Their programmes stream online 24/7 via webstream.

17. Radio Risaala 102.2 FM www.risaala.net

Risaala Radio was founded in April 201120 and is privately owned. It broadcasts only in Mogadishu where its outlet is based and is on air for 17 hours a day; 6:00-23:00. Until recently, Risaala Radio used to have live streaming capacity on its website, which allowed people in the Diaspora to listen to the radio. Its programmes include news, education, social affairs, sports, music and business. It also unofficially relays some BBC programmes in order to attract audience. The station has 21 employees (3 trainees) and is a member of NUSOJ. Free Press International, a Dutch press freedom organization supports the station with training of its reporters. The owner of Risaala radio is Sheikh Dahir Gelle and Director; Mohamed Abdiwahab.

- Radio Sahan 104.5FM www.radiosahan.org (WEBSITE ONLY – RADIO INACTIVE) Radio Sahan was a privately owned radio station founded in 2008, however it was shut down in 2010 by the Islamist militia group Al Shabaab. The radio equipment including the FM radio was removed from the building and was later sold out. The station was located in Shibis district, Mogadishu. Radio Sahan used to be on air 12 hours a day (7:00-9:00 and 12:00-22:00) and broadcasted in Mogadishu and its surrounding areas. It had 15-22 employees and a member of NUSOJ. Despite the radio station being shut down, the website is still active.

18. Radio Shabelle 101.5FM www.shabelle.net

20

Risaala was formerly known as IQK radio but that station was confiscated by Al Shabaab in 2010. The owner later opened a new station with the new name “Risaala”.

http://www.raxanreeb.com/

http://www.risaala.net/

http://www.radiosahan.org/

http://www.shabelle.net/

22


Radio Shabelle is a privately owned radio station which was founded in May 2002 in Marka and later moved to Mogadishu in September 2003. It is currently and based in Waberi district, Mogadishu. It forms part of the privately-owned Shabelle Media Network which also owns an internet TV service and a well-respected news website. Radio Shabelle broadcasts in Mogadishu and Lower Shabelle region for 15 hours a day; 6:00-9:00 and 12:00-23:00. The station broadcasts news and entertainment programmes in Somali, English and Arabic, as well as political debates. It also rebroadcasts few BBC Somali Service programs. The station is a member of NUSOJ and currently has between 25 and 35 staff members21 (3 trainees) which include Shabelle Radio, Shabelle TV and SKY FM. Most of the station’s income comes from advertisement as well as training funds from National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The Director of the station is Abdi Mohamed Ismail (Abdi Cuud). The owner, Abdimaalik Yusuf, is based in London. AU/UN IST survey conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 across AMISOM 4 sectors found that on average Radio Shabelle was the fifth most listened to radio (19% listenership daily) and also the fifth most trustworthy (about 29% trustworthiness) across 4 sectors. The AU/UN IST survey conducted in November 2012 across AMISOM 4 sectors found that of the sixteen radio stations pre-coded in the survey, Radio Shabelle was the fifth most popular radio station in South/Central Somalia (“ever listened to”) and the second most frequently listened to. Radio Shabelle has been the most vulnerable outlet to assassinations targeting Somali journalists. Seven staff members of Radio Shabelle were killed and wounded in different instances. In 2007, the radio director Mukhtar Hirabe was killed in Bakara market, and the same year another Director, Bashir Gedi, was killed. In February 2012, the radio Director Hassan Fantastic was shot dead in Mogadishu. Ahmed Addow Anshur, Hassan Mayow, Mahad Jarmal and Mohamed Tuuryare were also assassinated in Mogadishu, Beledweyn and Afgooye. In September 2012 Shabelle radio editor Muhyidin Husni escaped assassination attempt by unknown people in Mogadishu after he sustained minor injuries.

19. Radio Simba 95.0FM www.simbanews.com Radio Simba is a privately owned station that was founded on July 2006. This station is located in Bakara market, Hawlwadag district. It broadcasts in Mogadishu and surrounding regions. It airs 14 hours a day; 6:00-9:00 and 12:00-23:00. The radio had 30 staff members (6 trainees/volunteers) and is a member of NUSOJ. It gets incomes from advertisement. The station’s programming includes news, sport, music, social programs, health programs and dramas. The owner/Director of the station is Abdullahi Farah (Atoosh).

20. SKY Radio 87.5FM Sky FM Radio was founded in October 2012 and is privately owned. It is a sister radio of Radio Shabelle which was established by the owner of Radio Shabelle, Abdimaalik Yusuf. The station also shares the same premises in Waberi district, Mogadishu. The station’s broadcasting content focuses on youth programmes, news, sports, music, entertainment and call-in programmes. It is

21

There is contradiction information about Radio Shabelle’s number of staff. Some claims that there is a much larger number of people working for the radio.

http://www.simbanews.com/

23


on air 15 hours a day (9:00-00:00) and broadcasts in Mogadishu and surrounding areas. It is member of NUSOJ.

21. STN Radio 98.5FM www.stnradio.com

STN radio was founded in 2000 but remained closed from 2006 to 2011 before being eventually re-launched in 2012. This privately owned station is situated in Bakara Market (Hawlwadaag district) and broadcasts in Mogadishu for 17 hours a day. Its programmes include news, political debates and programmes on social affairs, culture and peace. The station has 35 employees (including 6 trainees/volunteers) and is a member of NUSOJ. Some of the station income comes from advertisement. The owner and Director of STN radio is Ahmed Abdulahi Mohamed.

22. Radio Ummadda 92.5FM www.radioummadda.com Ummadda Radio is a privately owned station founded in July 2012 by Farah Sheikh Abdulkader, the previous political advisor to the president and Abdikarim Hussein Guled, the previous interior Minister. It is a Radio close to the Dam Al-Jadeed group and the PDP party of the current President (the radio was mainly supporting Hasaan Sheikh’s candidacy in September election). It is based in Wadajir district, Mogadishu. The station broadcasts 6 hours a day in Mogadishu; 7:30-8:30, 13:00-15:00 and 18:00-21:00. Its programming consists of news, political and entertainment programmes as well as sports, music, religions, business and education programmes. It has around 20 employees and is a member of NUSOJ. The owner, Farah Sheikh Abdukadir who is currently an MP and State Minister for the presidency contributes to some of radio costs. The Director of the station is Abdiqasim Mo’alim.

23. VOD Radio Xamar (The Voice of Democracy) 93.5FM www.xamarradio.com

Radio Xamar also referred to as “The Voice of Democracy” was founded in July 2004. It is located in Yaaqshiid district of Mogadishu. Radio Xamar is privately owned with other income from advertisement. It has 25 employees (7 trainees/volunteers) and is a member of NUSOJ. Radio Xamar broadcasts in Mogadishu and surrounding areas for 18 hours a day.The former Director Abdirahman Yasin was among the three journalists killed in the Village restaurant suicide bombing in September 2012. The current owner is called Da’ud Abdullahi Gabeyre.

24. Radio Xurmo 96.0FM www.xurmo.net

Radio Xurmo was founded in 2006. It is the only community radio station in Waberi district, Mogadishu that focuses on humanitarian issues. It is owned by local NGO (INXA) and civil society groups. It receives funds both from advertisement and from INXA NGO. The station airs 13 hours a day; 6:00-9:00 and 12:00-22:00. Radio Xurmo’s programming focuses on humanitarian news. The radio relays the daily one-hour broadcast of Radio Ergo. It is a member of NUSOJ and has 16 staff members (2 trainees). The Director is called Abdifatah Maalim Noor Qeys. In August 2010, former radio Xurmo Director Barkhad Cawaale Aadan was killed after a stray bullet hit him in the radio station.

25. Radio Qaran 89.7FM www.radioqaran.com Radio Qaran is a Somali based radio station which is located in the Hodan district of Mogadishu. It was created on June 2013 and currently has 42 employees. It’s privately owned by Abdikarim Khalif, with Farah Lamaane serving as the Chief Editor. Radio Qaran is also a member of the National Union of Somali Journalist (NUSOJ). It covers the Mogadishu, Lower Shabelle and Middle

http://www.stnradio.com/

http://www.radioummadda.com/

http://www.xamarradio.com/

http://www.xurmo.net/

http://www.radioqaran.com/

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Shabelle regions with their FM transmitters. Radio Qaran also reports Daily Somali news as well as current affairs. It airs twice daily at 06:00-09:00 and 12:00-23:00.

Listenership of stations in Mogadishu An AU/UN IST polling survey conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 showed that BBC Somali Service (69%) still held the position of the most listened to radio station in Mogadishu, with VOA Somali Service (66% ) taking second position followed by local ‘Radio Muqdisho’ (54%) in third, (‘Radio Shabelle’ (53%) in fourth and Radio Bar kulan in fifth position.

Sector II Upon departing the city, Al Shabaab dismantled their radio outlet (and only radio that was present in this region): Radio Andalus. Radio Andalus remain present in Lower Jubba (Jilib) and Middle Jubba (Jaamame). There are currently only two radio broadcasts in Kismayo region; Radio Kismayo and Radio Bar-Kulan (RBK). However Star FM will be broadcasting in Kismayo on the 20th October 2013, Although Star FM currently broadcast in other areas of sector II; Elwak(89.5FM), Dhobley 89.5FM) and Afmadow (89.5FM). It is also reported by sources inside Kismayo that persons living in this region are also able to tune in to BBC Somali, VOA Somali and Radio Shabelle. For those who have access, online and satellite-delivered media is also available. Radio Bar-Kulan station has installed a 1 KW transmitter that broadcasts regular RBK programming for the population of Kismayo and surrounding area. Radio Bar-Kulan currently has partial local programmes with local content being specially produced for airing in Kismayo. STAR FM has a transmitter in Kismayo however it still has not aired. Additionally, there is a diaspora radio initiative underway. Somalis living in the diaspora (USA) have been collecting funds since May 2012 – through the NGO called AFREC – to install a 300 foot tall tower and powerful transmitter with enough power for a radio and future TV broadcast capability. This initiative includes planning for the use of alternative energy. A design is underway to capitalize on wind/sun power to form a hybrid diesel/alternative energy source for radio broadcast. 1. Radio Kismayo 90.0 FM http://www.radiokismayo.net

Radio Kismayo is a radio station founded in January 2013 and owned by the Somali federal government. The radio transmitter was provided from the Ministry of Information. The station initially broadcasted both its own content and re-broadcasted (from satellite) daily programs of Radio Muqdisho but has now stopped and they broadcast their own shows. The station broadcasts their programmes 15 hours a day; 6:00-10:00 and 12:00-23:00. Its programmes are mainly news as well as programmes focused on youth, peace, sports and women affairs. It has 15 staff members (4 female). All Radio Kismayo staff members were newly recruited, mostly exile journalists returning from Nairobi and some from Mogadishu. The Director of the station is Aadan Mohamed salaad.

Listenership of stations in Kismayo An AU/UN IST polling survey conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 showed that BBC Somali Service (87%) still held the position of the most listened to radio station in Kismayo, with VOA Somali Service (78%) and the local radio ‘Radio Kismayo’ (69%) taking the second and third place as second most listened to radio, followed by Radio Bar Kulan (60%).

http://www.radiokismayo.net/

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Sector III There are four radio outlets broadcasting in Baidoa: Radio Baidoa 89.5 FM, Radio Muqadisho (90.0FM) and Radio Bar-Kulan (92.0FM) who all broadcast in Baidoa through their own transmitters, with only one having its Headquarters in Baidoa (Radio Baidoa). Al Shabaab is able to broadcasts in Sector 3 via Radio Andalus in Baardheere and Dinsoor. 1. Radio Baidoa 89.5 FM

Radio Baidoa is a newly established FM Radio in Cadada district, Baidoa. The station was founded in September 2012. It airs 15 hours a day ((6:30-9:00 and 12:00-22:00) in a 40km radius around Baidoa. The station broadcasts news, agricultural and education programmes, music and programmes on human rights. It relays some programmes from VOA Somalia Service. It has 7 staff members and gets the majority of its income from advertisement. The owner of this radio is called Mohamud Mohamed Kheyre, a young Somali who worked with several radios in the region before. The chief editor is called Abdulkadir Barre.

- Radio Jubba 99.5FM www.jubaradio.net (INACTIVE)

Radio Jubba was established in Baidoa (Cadada area) in October 2008 and is privately owned. It has another branch in Mogadishu. The branch in Baidoa was closed by Al Shabaab but there are plans of re-opening the station soon. 60% of the programs in the Baidoa branch were aired in Maymay which is the local language of the region and 40% is in national the language.

2. Radio Warsan 88.2FM www.warsannews.com

Radio Warsan previously known as Democratic Media Concern and was founded in 2002. The station was funded by a Somali community living in the Diaspora. It used to broadcast 14 hours a day in the Bay Region until the whole equipment (including transmitter) was captured by Al Shaabab and renamed Radio Andalus. The station has been off air since late 2009 however has now re-opened. Radio warsan broadcasts from 6:30am to 9am and from 12pm 10.30pm daily

Listenership of stations in Bay region An AU/UN IST polling survey conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 showed that BBC Somali Service (87%) still held the position of the most listened to radio in Baidoa, with VOA (83%) and the local radio ‘Radio Baidoa’ (76%) coming second and third as the most listened to radios in Baidoa. Radio Mogadishu (59%) and Radio Bar Kulan (58%) take the fourth and fifth position. An AU/UN IST polling survey conducted in November 2012 found that BBC Somali Service (64%) and VOA Somali Service (54%) were the most listened to in Baidoa, with Radio Muqdisho (41%) and Radio Bar-Kulan (40%) coming in third and fourth position.

Sector IV There are five radio stations with their HQs located in Sector IV as well as one radio station belonging to Al Shabaab in Ceelbuur (Radio Andalus). Star FM has recently set up transmitters in Beledweyne (88.5FM), Dolow (92.5FM), Dhusamareeb (89.5FM), Guriceel (89.5).

http://www.jubaradio.net/

http://www.warsannews.com/

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1. Radio Bulsho 85.6FM

Radio Bulsho was founded in February 2012 and is a privately owned station located in Guriceel town (Galgaduud region). The radio is the only station in Central Somalia that speaks on behalf of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a (ASWJ). Since its creation the radio has been obtaining funds from numerous Sufi clerics living overseas. The station broadcasts 6 hours a day in the Guriceel area. Its programming includes news, nasheeds of Sufism and Islamic lectures. Radio Bulsho is owned by Dr Rashiid (Somali diaspora).

2. Radio Beledweyne 88.0FM

Radio Beledweyne is a public radio station (government-owned) founded on 27 July 2012. It is located in the heart of the city near the entrance of Lamagalay (military training camp), around 6km from the airport. The radio transmitter was provided by the Ministry of Information and covers Beledweyne, Bulo Burte, Halgan and Buq Agable area. The station is set to broadcast 14 hours a day; 9:00-23:00. Radio Beledweyne has a partnership with Radio Muqdisho and is likely to serve as a pro-government radio. The station broadcasts its own programmes as well as programmes from radio Muqdisho. It also relays programmes from the VOA Somali Service. For now, Radio Beledweyne has only 5 staff members. The Director of the station is Abdinasir Hassan Jim’ale (Cawke).

3. Radio Codka Hiiran 99.9FM

Radio Codka Hiiran broadcasts from Beledweyne in the region of Hiiran. It is a privately owned station that was founded in June 2012. The radio is located in the heart of the city next to the Police station. It airs for 12 hours a day and broadcasts news, sports, programmes on religious youth, gender and education matters. The station also broadcasts music which was previously banned when Al Shabaab was controlling the city. Codka Hiiran has around 20 employees and is part of the Hiiran Journalists Association. Both Al Shabaab and the regional forces made arbitrary arrested against the radio reporters in different times.

4. Radio Dhuusamareeb 88.8FM www.radiodhuusamareeb.com

Radio Dhusamareeb – also known as Codka Bartamaha ‘voice of the central’ – is a privately owned radio station founded in September 2006. The station broadcasts from Dhuusamareeb ASWJ-controlled town, capital of Galgaduud region. The radio station is on air 16 hours a day broadcasting in Dhuusamareeb town and surrounding area. Its programming consists of news, entertainment, business, sports, and cultural programmes. It also unofficially relays some programmes from BBC and VOA Somali services. The station has 5 staff and is managed by Abdijamal Mo’alim (Director). The owner is Mohamed Yaardi. The radio was closed several times by the ASWJ administration after it aired news about movement of the Ethiopian forces in central regions. The station is member of the NUSOJ (Union of journalists).

5. Radio Galgaduud 97.7FM www.radiogalgaduud.com Radio Galgaduud is a privately owned station based in Guriceel (Galguduud region). It was founded in September 2011. It broadcasts in the region of Galgaduud and airs intermittently as it has been subject to closure by the ASWJ administration from time to time. It is on air for 12

http://www.radiodhuusamareeb.com/

http://www.radiogalgaduud.com/

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hours a day and its programming consists of news, sports, music and programmes on political and social affairs. It also relays programmes from radio Ergo and VOA Somali Service (unofficially). The station has 14 staff (3 female) and 5 trainees. It receives training from Free Press Unlimited and is a member of NUSOJ. It is mainly dependent on incomes from advertisement. The owner is a businessman called Ahmed Osman Abdi.

Listenership of stations in Hiraan region An AU/UN IST polling survey conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 found that VOA and BBC Somali Service are the most listened to radio stations in Beledweyne with 88% of respondent claiming to listen to both radios several times a week or more. Radio Beledweyne (58%) and Radio Bar Kulan (36%) came in third and fourth positions as the most listened to radio station in Beledweyne. An AU/UN IST polling survey conducted in November 2012 found that VOA Somali Service (61%) and BBC Somali Service (54%) were the most listened to in Beledweyne, with Radio Muqdisho (41%) coming in third position.

Central Somalia There are six radio stations with their HQs located in Central Somalia. Other Radio’s that broadcast there include Star FM. Star FM currently broadcasts in Abudwaaq (89.5FM). 1. Radio Abud Waq / Codka Galgaduud 88.5FM www.radiocabudwaq.com

Radio Abud Waq was founded in February 2002. This privately owned radio station is located in Cabudwaaq, Galgadud region. Radio Abudwaq broadcasts with old transmitters in the central regions of Somalia. Its programming consists of news, sports, music and cultural programmes. Radio Abud Waq rebroadcast some of its programmes in Radio Ergo. It relays programmes from Radio Muqdisho, VOA and Radio Ergo. It has 26 staff (10 trainees/16 volunteers) and is member of NUSOJ. The owner is Hasan Bulhan and the Director Abdikariin Ahmed Bulhan.

2. Radio Al Ansaar 88.8FM Al Ansaar is a newly established radio in Cadaado town (Galgaduud region) which is under the control of Himan and Heeb administration. This privately owned station was founded in September 2012 and broadcasts in Cadaado town. The station broadcasts news, nasheeds, Quran and Islamic lessons of Hadith and is on air 10 hours a day. It is the only Islamic radio in Cadaado. It has 11 staff members. The owner – Sharmarke Suuley, former district commissioner – says his radio is independent and non-related to Islamist groups in Somalia.

3. Radio Codka Gobolada Dhexe (“Voice of Central Regions”) 89.9FM www.goboladaradio.com Gobolada Radio was founded in April 2011 and is based in Caadado (Galgaduud region). The station airs 14 hours a day (6:00-9:00 and 13:00-00:00) in Cadaado. Its programming consists of news, entertainment, music and sports. It also relays Radio Ergo programs. The station has only 4 staff members and receives training from Free Press International. The Director of Radio Gobolada is called Mohamud Gurey. The station owner is Mohamed Omar Hagafey, who is also the press officer/spokesman for the Himan and Heeb administration.

4. Radio Codka Mudug 89.5FM www.codkamudug.com

http://www.radiocabudwaq.com/

http://www.codkamudug.com/

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Radio Codka Mudug was founded in May 2008 and is privately owned. It is the leading radio in Southern Galkacyo. It has outlets in Galmudug, Galkayo and Radio Codka Mudug airs 16 hours a day (6.30-22:30) in Glakacyo and suburb areas. The station covers Somalia with an emphasis on coverage of Galmudug state and is aligned with the administration of Galmudug (although it is privately owned). Its programming consist of news, entertainment, music, sports etc. The station also broadcasts weekly anti-piracy programs and relays BBC Somali Service and Radio Ergo programs. It has 16 employees and is a member of both NUSOJ and the Media Association in Galmudug (MAG). Radio Codka Mudug receives training from Free Press International and gets income mainly from advertisement. The owner of the radio station is called Abdulkader Ali Jama and his Director is Liban Isse Mohamed.

5. Radio Hobyo 87.5FM www.hobyoradio.com

Radio Hobyo is a privately owned station, founded in April 2010. It has a total of five outlets located in Galkayo, Hobyo, El-Gurre, Mudug and Galmudug, with its headquarters in Southern Galkacyo. Radio Hobyo crosses the borders between Puntland and Galmudug and had to face several bomb attacks. The station airs 10 hours a day in Hobyo, Gaalkacyo and Ceelgula. Its programming, which focuses on regions controlled by Galmudug state, includes news, sports, music, education, health and political interviews. The station, a member of NUSOJ, has 16 employees. The owner is called Abdiasis Hogolof and is a Somali diaspora from San Diego (USA). The Director’s name is Jamal Hashi Abdi.

1.3 Radios stations based in Puntland and Somaliland

Puntland There are nine radio stations with their HQs located in Puntland. Star FM has now set up transmitters to broadcast within in Puntland, they currently broadcast in Galkacyo (88.5FM) and Bosasso (88.5). On the 24th of March 2013, the authorities in Somalia’s northern region of Puntland ordered closure of three radio stations in its region, by a decree from the Puntland ministry of information. The decree however reached the media houses on the April 3rd 2013, the three local radios namely Radio Daljir, Radio 1 Nation and Radio Voice of Peace were ordered to close their offices and stop airing programmes alleging that these radios violated the region’s internal media regulation and also threatened the security. The decree also said that the administrative of the three stations failed to comply a new rule from the ministry of Puntland which was issued March 13 which banned local radios from reproducing or relying any programme from three other radios including Radio Ergo, a Nairobi based humanitarian radio supported by the United Nations and Radio Bar-Kulan, which is Somali Public Radio based in Nairobi and Mogadishu.22 A Press statement from Puntland’s Ministry of Information on 27th September 2013 said Bar-Kulan, Ergo and Hirad radios can resume broadcasting to the area after a six months ban. The radio’s currently have no studios in Puntland, therefore broadcast their programs through local FMs in the area. The administration urged the owners of the local FMs to register the radio stations that they have relationship with.

22

A decree signed by the Puntland minister of Information, communication and culture, Eng. Mohamoud Aideed Dirir, and

dated in February 2013, was issued to the all media houses operating in Puntland ordering that ‘No radio station can reproduce or air any materials and programs of a media station that is not licensed under the ministry, such as Radio Ergo, Radio Bar-Kulan and Radio Hirad.

http://www.hobyoradio.com/

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1. Radio Al Hikma 87.6FM (Bosasso) 90.0FM (Garowe) 90.0FM (Galkacyo) 92.0FM (Qardho) 92.0FM

(Burtinle) 92.0FM (Galdogob) Radio Al Hikma is a privately owned station founded in 2006. It has six transmitters located in Bosasso and Qardho (Bari region), Garowe and Burtinle (Nugal region), Galdogog and Galkayo (Mudug region) with its headquarters located in Bosasso. Radio Al Hikma broadcasts 18 hours/day in Bosasso, Qardho, Garowe, Galkayo, Burtinle and Galdogob (with a different transmitter in each town). It has three staffs in each of these cities (except in Galdogob and Burtinle where there is only one person). Radio al Hikma does not employ female journalists. The station is a member of NUSOJ and MAP (Media Association in Puntland). Radio Al Hikma does not broadcasts news. Its programming focuses on religious programs , Quran, Islamic nasheed and social affairs. The station does not broadcast news, music and entertainment. The station is mainly funded by a religious organization in Puntland called ‘Al Ictisaam’. The owner is called Mohamud Adbi Yare (Somali Diaspora living in Norway).

2. Codka Nabadda (Voice of Peace) 88.9FM (Galkacyo) www.codkanabada.org

Radio Codka Nabadda was founded in 2004 and is privately owned radio station located in Galkayo. The station is on air 15 hours a day (6:00-9:00 and 12:00-00:00) in Galkayo. Its programming consists of news, interviews, sports and music. It also relays BBC Somali Service. The station gets some funds from advertisement. It has 15 staff and is a member of NUSOJ and MAP. Codka Nabadda’s owner is Prof. Ahmed Ali Ahmed. Codka Nabadda’s Bosasso branch, which used to broadcast at 95.0FM, was shut down and its equipment taken away by Puntland forces following an order by the Puntland administration (this came after the radio aired an interview with al Shabaab commander). The radio’s Director Awke Abdullahi was also jailed for more than three months without trial. Codka Nabadda’s branch in Mogadishu was launched in March 2008 and used to broadcast at 98.8FM. However the radio’s guard was wounded in a bombardment that hit near the building in December 2008. The radio was later closed down on February 2012, after most of the staff members fled from Mogadishu due to insecurity. This branch station has 35 employees (including 7 female). The owner is Ahmed Ali Ahmed and the Director is Hassan Muudey.

3. Radio Daljir 88.8FM (Bosasso), 88FM (Qardho), 88.0FM (Garowe), 88.0FM (Cabudwaq/Xeerale23), 89.1FM (Galkacyo) 88.80FM (Buhoodle) www.radiodaljir.com Radio Daljir is a privately owned station that was founded in 2005. The station’s headquarters is in Bosasso and also has a studio in Garowe. The station has FM transmitters in Bosasso, Garowe, Galkacyo, Qardho, Cabudwaq/Xeraale and Buhoodle. Radio Daljir broadcasts in all of Puntland as a result and is on air 15 hours a day; 6:00-9:00 and 12:00-23:00. Its programming consists of news, interviews, sports and music as well as an emphasis put on politics and women issues. The station also relays VOA programmes. It employs 56 staff members overall and is a member of NUSOJ and MAP. The owner is called Jama Abshir Walde (businessman and US diaspora) and the general Director is Mohamed Sheikh Dheere“Tallman”.

23

Xeerale (also known as Herale) is located in Galgadud region, 40km from Dhusamareb and 40km east of Abudwaq. The area is under the control of ASWJ.

http://www.codkanabada.org/

http://www.radiodaljir.com/

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Two journalists, Farah Jeemis (2012) and Abdulahi Gehdi (2010) were killed in Galkacyo by unknown assailants. The director of Radio Daljir Garowe, Abdifatah Gehdi escaped an assassination attempt in Puntland on 2nd August 2012.

4. Radio Gaalkacyo 88.2FM www.allradiogaalkacyo.com

The station was founded in August 1993 and is a community radio owned by Gaalkacyo residents (the Director of the station is Awil Mohamud Abdi). As one of the oldest radio stations in Galkayo, Radio Gaalkacyo has changed its shortwave transmitter to a FM transmitter. Its programming includes news, entertainment, music, sports, health and education programmes and is on air 12 hours a day. The station has 12 staffs (including guards) and is a member of both NUSOJ and MAP. It gets some income from advertisement and contributions from the diaspora. In September 2012 a reporter Ali of Radio Gaalkacyo, Ahmed Abdi, was killed in Galkacyo. Xoriyo Abdulkadir, a female producer for the Radio was seriously wounded in November 2011 and later fled to Nairobi.

5. Radio Garowe 89.8FM www.garoweonline.com Radio Garowe is a privately owned station founded in 2004 by Somalis living in the diaspora. It is located in Garowe, the administrative capital of Puntland. Radio Garowe is on air 16 hours a day in Garowe town and suburb area. Its programming consists of news and programmes on news, entertainment, interviews, music and sports. It also relays programmes from VOA Somali Service. It also unofficially relays some BBC programmes in order to attract audience. It has 34 staff and is member of both NUSOJ and MAP. Radio Garowe gets some income from advertisement as well as contributions from the owner’s, Mohamed Abdurahman Farole, who is the son of Puntland’s current President. Radio Garowe was popular for criticizing former Puntland’s administration but the radio subsequently changed its editorial line in 2009 as President Farole came into office. GaroweOnline.com is the online sister publication of Radio Garowe.

6. Radio Hage 93.0FM (Galkayo) / 3980 kHz, 6915 kHz shortwave Radio Hage is a privately owned station situated in Galkacyo which was founded in February 2008. It has been active on shortwave on 3980 kHz and on 6915 kHz since 2009 and acquired an FM transmitter in 2011. Radio Hage broadcasts in Galkayo area on FM and regionally through its shortwave transmitters. It is on air 3 hours a day (15:00-17:00 and 21:00-22:00). Its programming consists of news, sports and music. The station has 15 staff and is a member of NUSOJ and MAP. Radio Hage’s owner and Director is called Abdikarim Aw Isse.

7. 1 Nation Radio 89.5FM (Bosasso) 88.8FM (Garowe) www.1nationradio.com

1 Nation Radio is a privately owned station based in Bosasso. It also has a branch in Garowe. The radio airs 18 hours a day in both Bosasso and Garowe. Its programming includes news, social affairs, music and cultural programs. Before April 3rd decree by puntland authorities, 1 Nation radio used to broadcast Radio Bar-Kulan programs, as part of its 18 hours broadcasting, to its audience in Garowe and Bosasso. The station has 11 employees in Bosasso and 8 employees in Garowe. The station is a member of NUSOJ and MAP. It receives income from ads and small contribution from owner. The owner of 1 Nation Radio is Ahmed Sagaar, a businessman living in the diaspora. 1 Nation also airs Radio Bar-Kulan’s programs.

http://www.allradiogaalkacyo.com/

http://www.garoweonline.com/

http://www.1nationradio.com/

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8. Radio Puntland Radio Puntland was officially opened by former Puntland President Dr. Abdurrahman Faroole in April 2013. This new radio, which will be the voice of the Puntland administration, will air from Garowe and will be heard throughout Puntland. The project was funded by the Italian government and operated by Italian technicians. The governmental Puntland TV is also under way and will be released in the near future.

9. Somali Broadcast Corporation (SBC) 89.9FM (Bosasso) 88.5FM (Garowe) 88.7FM (Qardho)

allsbc.com SBC was the first independent radio station to be established in June 2001 in Puntland after the fall of Siad Barre government. It has studios in Bosasso, Qardho and Garowe with Bosasso as its headquarters. The station is on air for 15 hours a day in Puntland’s 3 regions; Bari, Karkaar and Nugal. Its programming includes news, sports, educational and gender programmes as well as peace and human rights programmes. In 2001 SBC obtained a staff training and equipment rehabilitation contract with the BBC Somali Service in exchange to broadcast their transmission. It receives income from adverts and a small fund from the BBC. Radio Daljir relays BBC Somali Services programmes as part as their official partnership. The station has 15 staff in Bosasso, 16 in Garowe and 2 in Qardho. The station is a member of NUSOJ as well as MAP. The current owner of SBC is Ali Abdi Aware (former Puntland minister) and the Director is Mohamed Deeq Abdalla. SBC has also a local TV that operates in Garowe. In 2002 the station was shut down by Abdulahi Yusuf Ahmed, the then Puntland President. The owner of the radio was a close ally of Jama Ali Jama who was elected President of Puntland succeeding Abdulahi Yusuf, but after months of fighting Jama was ousted by Yusuf’s militia. The station reopened in 2003 after the two warring parties signed a peace agreement. Ahmed Hassan Mahad, a SBC radio reporter in Jowhar was killed in 16 May 2007 with his colleague Abshir Ali Gabre, who was a reporter working for Radio Jowhar.

Somaliland There is only one radio station with its headquarters in Somaliland; 1. Radio Hargeisa 101.5FM http://www.radiohargaysa.net

Radio Hargeisa was founded in 1943 by the British colonial authorities. It is owned and controlled by the government of Somaliland (since 1991 when the country declared its independence from the rest of Somalia). The station is the only station permitted to operate in Somaliland and is based in Hargeisa. The station acquired a 100 kilowatt transmitter in October 2012 that allows the station to broadcasts internationally. The station previously operated on a FM frequency that was limited to broadcasting in Hargeisa only. The station broadcasts 10 hours per day in three segments. It is on air during the following periods: 06.30-09.00, 13.00-16.00 and 18.00-22.30. It broadcasts mostly in Somali, but also has news bulletins in English, Arabic and Amharic. The Director of the radio is called Said Aden Igeh.

There are also two web-based radios and news websites: Radio Waaheen www.waaheen.com

http://www.allsbc.com/

http://www.radiohargaysa.net/

http://www.waaheen.com/

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Radio Waaheen is a web-based opposition radio. Waaheen is primarily a newspaper but it has a popular online radio service with links to BBC and VOA Somali service programmes on its website. Hadhwanaag radio www.hadhwanaag.com Hadhwanaag radio is a popular and influential web-based radio perceived to be neutral though it promotes Xaqsoor party.

Disputed Area (Eastern Sanaag) There are two radio stations located in Eastern Sanaag; 1. Radio Saanag 89.2FM www.radiosanaag.net

The newly opened (June 2012) Radio Sanaag is a community radio. The station is located in Baran town of Eastern Sanaag. It broadcasts in the area of Baran and is on air 8 hours a day, with programs combining news, social, entertainment and music. The station has 5 staff members and is a member of NUSOJ and MAP. The owner of the station is called Jamac Ayaanle Feyte who is the main financial backer of the radio.

2. Somali Public Radio (SPR) 89.5FM www.spr.fm

Somali Public Radio was founded in June 2010. This privately owned station is located in Waberi, Dhahar town in the Eastern Sanag region. The station is mainly funded by Somalis from the community living in USA. It also works with partner radios, Radio Ergo and KSAI Radio in Minnesota (USA). Radio SPR mainly focuses on news, social issues, entertainment and the environmental protection of the eastern Sanaag region (which is popular for deforestation). The station is on air 11 hours a day and broadcast in Dhahar town and eastern Sanaag region at large. It has 16 staff (including 4 trainee and 2 volunteers) and is a member of NUSOJ and MAP. The owner of the station (US diaspora) is called Salah Nur Donyale. The Director is Naima Ahmed.

1.4 Radio stations affiliated with Al Shabaab

Radio Andalus operates a network of media outlets in South/Central Somalia. Radio Andalus has six radio stations broadcasting from 88.8 or 88.0 FM frequencies. Another Al-Shabaab controlled radio, Radio Al Furqaan, is located in Baraawe town (Lower Shabelle region) and broadcasts at 106.5FM. The director of Radio Andalus is called Jibril Nur Yusuf. Jibril Nur Yusuf works under the authority of Sheikh Yonis who is in charge for Al-Shabaab’s media stations, himself under the authority of Al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Ali Dheere. The station’s programming consists of Al Shabaab news propaganda and jihadi nasheeds (with one program in Arabic on Fridays). All Al Shabaab-controlled radio stations do not have female journalists.

1. Radio Andalus – Baraawe 88.8FM www.calamada.com

Radio Andalus in Baraawe (Lower Shabelle region) is the HQS of Radio Andalus. It was founded in August 2010 after FM transmitters were looted from Radio IQK (a private radio in Mogadishu). The station broadcasts in Baraawe town from 6:00 to 23:00. The station’s programming consists of pro-Al Shabaab news, Arabic nasheeds and Quraan (Arabic programs each Friday). The station has 5-8 staff members.

2. Radio Andalus – Jilib 88.0FM www.calamada.com Radio Andalus Jilib (Middle Jubba region) is the second biggest station of Al Shabaab. Formerly located in Kismayo, the station was relocated to Jilib after KDF forces, Somali

http://www.hadhwanaag.com/

http://www.radiosanaag.net/

http://www.spr.fm/



33


National Army and Ras Kamboni militia took over Kismayo town. The station started up using FM transmitters looted in September 2012 from former Hornafrik radio (a privately owned radio in Kismayo). It now airs 18 hours a day in Jilib area. The station’s programming consists of Al Shabaab propaganda, jihadi nasheeds (with one program in Arabic on Fridays). The station has 5-10 staff members.

3. Radio Andalus – Baardheere 88.0FM www.calamada.com The fourth biggest station of Al Shabaab, located in Baardheere (Gedo region), was founded in May 2012 with FM transmitters looted from Radio Markabley (a privately owned radio from Baardhere). The station airs 18 hours a day in Baardheere town and the surrounding areas. The station has 5-10 staff members.

4. Radio Andalus – Jamaame 88.0FM www.calamada.com

The station, founded in May 2012, is located in Jamaame town in Lower Jubba region. The station is on air for 8 hours a day and broadcasts in Jamaame area. The station has 2-5 staff members.

5. Radio Andalus – Ceelbuur 88.0FM www.calamada.com

Radio Andalus Ceelbuur station, founded in early 2011, is believed to use FM transmitter looted in 2010 from former radio Somaliweyn in Mogadishu. The station was moved out from Ceelbuur after ASWJ and Ethiopian forces seized the town in 2011 – and was reopened when Al Shabab re-took the town. The station has 2-5 staff members.

6. Radio Andalus – Dinsoor 88.0FM www.calamada.com Radio Andalus was established in Dinsoor on the 10th of December 2013, it currently runs daily programs.

7. Radio Al Furqaan24 106.5FM www.radioalfurqaan.com Radio Al Furqaan is located in Baraawe town, Lower Shabelle region and was founded in April 2010. After government forces and AMISOM took over Bakara market (in Mogadishu) where radio Al Furqaan was originally based, the radio moved to Ceelasha Biyaha (Al Shabaab controlled area). In May 2012 Radio Al Furqan relocated to Afgooye and later to Marka. Following the ongoing operations by AMISOM and government military which lead to Al Shabaab losing control of the towns, radio Al Furqaan has now relocated in Baraawe, broadcasting in the town and its suburb area. It airs from 6:00 to 22:00. The station’s programming consists of Al Shabaab propaganda, Islamic nasheeds and Arabic nasheeds. The station has 8-10 staff members, including the editor Abdifatah Mohamed Qasim Filibin. The Radio benefits from some income coming from business adverts.

1.5 Polling results An AU/UN IST survey was conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 across 5 urban centres in South Central Somalia; a sample of 2,191 people in Mogadshu (including Afgooye), Kismaayo, Baidoa, Beledweyne and Marka took part in the study. The study showed that across all the sectors BBC Somali and VOA still held the position of the most listened to radio stations, followed by Radio Bar Kulan and Radio Muqdisho, with Radio Shabelle coming further down in the fifth position.

24

The name Alfurqan is an important Islamic word, which refers to the whole Islamic religion and sometimes used as interchangeable with the name Islam itself. Al Furqan is also the name of an Al Qaeda media organisation in Iraq which produces a large number of Al Qaeda films.






34


An AU/UN IST survey was conducted in November 2012 across AMISOM 4 sectors; sample of 2000 people in Mogadishu and Afgoye corridor, Beletweyne, Baidoa and Jubba (Kulbio and Dhobley). The results of this survey found that; of the sixteen radio stations pre-coded in the survey, VOA and BBC Somali Services are the most listened to, followed by Radio Muqdisho, Radio Bar-Kulan, Radio Shabelle and Radio Kulmiye. Radio Listenership by Region

In Mogadishu (Sector 1), 2013 survey; BBC Somali Service (69%) and VOA (66%) were the most listened to, with Radio Muqdisho (54%), Radio Shabelle (53%) and Radio Bar-Kulan (45%) coming in third, fourth and fifth position respectively.

VOA Somali took the position that Radio Mogadishu had in 2012 in the last survey. According to the 2012 survey, BBC Somali Service (82%) and Radio Muqdisho (78%) were the most listened to, with VOA Somali Service (68%), Radio Shabelle (59%) and Radio Bar-Kulan (56%) coming in third, fourth and fifth position.

In Marka (Sector 1), 2013 survey; BBC Somali Service (75%) and VOA (68%) were the most listened to, with Radio Muqdisho (27%) and Radio Bar-Kulan (24%) coming in third and fourth position.

In Kismayo (Sector 2), 2013 survey; BBC Somali Service (87%) and VOA Somali Service (78%) were the main radio stations listened to, followed by local Radio Kismayo (69%) and Radio Bar Kulan (60%).

In 2012, Radio Kismayo and Radio Bar Kulan were just starting in Sector 2; so BBC Somali Service (94%) and VOA Somali Service (92%) were the main radio stations listened to.

In Baidoa (Sector 3), 2013 survey; BBC Somali Service (87%) and VOA Somali Service (83%) were the most listened to, with Radio Baidoa (76%) and Radio Muqdisho (41%) coming in third and fourth position.

Radio Baidoa is the new development in Sector 3. According to the 2012 survey, BBC Somali Service (64%) and VOA Somali Service (54%) were the most listened to, with Radio Muqdisho (41%) and Radio Bar-Kulan (40%) coming in third and fourth position.

In Beledweyne (Sector 4), 2013 survey; VOA Somali Service (88%) and BBC Somali Service (88%) were the most listened to radios, with Radio Muqdisho (59%) and Radio Beledweyne (58%) coming in third and fourth position.

Radio Beledweyne is the new development in Sector 4. According to the 2012 survey, VOA Somali Service (61%) and BBC Somali Service (54%) were the most listened to, with Radio Muqdisho (41%) coming in third position.

35


AU/UN IST 2013 SURVEY:

AU/UN IST SURVEY 2011/12:

36


Frequency of listenership - 2013 results (ranking based on daily listenership)

In 2013 the frequency in terms of listenership showed significant shifts in the popularity of the different radio stations. BBC Somali Service, VOA Somali Service and Radio Bar kulan were amongst the 3 top listened to radio station in 2013, followed by Radio Muqdisho, Radio Shabelle, Radio Baidoa and Radio Kismayo.

Stable frequency: compared to 2011/12 results in Mogadishu 2013 indicated that BBC Somali service still remains the most listened to radio station with 45% daily listenership.

Higher frequency: compared to 2011/12 results in Mogadishu 2013 show a significant shift in VOA Somali Service which has shifted from fourth place to second place with 39% daily listenership in Mogadishu.

Lower frequency: Matched with the 2011/12 listenership results, the survey displays change in listenership for Radio Shabelle which shifted from second place to third place. Radio Muqdisho also shifted from third to fourth place with 26% daily listenership.

Frequency of listenership - Nov-Dec 2011/ 2012 comparisons

In terms of frequency, among the 7 radio stations quoted by the study, the top 3 radios that the respondents listened to with the greatest frequency were: 1) BBC Somali Service 2) Radio Shabelle 3) Radio Muqdisho (Government radio). There were followed by: 4) VOA Somali Service 5) Radio Kulmiye 6) Radio Bar-Kulan 7) Radio Al Andalus (Al Shabaab radio).

Stable frequency: compared to the 2011 results in Mogadishu, BBC Somali Service remains most listened to and VOA Somalia Service remains the fourth most listened to.

Higher frequency: compared to the 2011 results in Mogadishu, Radio Shabelle has moved from the third to the second most listened radio station and Radio Kulmiye has moved from the sixth to fifth most listened to.

Lower frequency: compared to the 2011 results in Mogadishu, Radio Mogadishu has moved down from the second to the third position and Radio Bar-Kulan has moved down from the fifth to the sixth most listened radio station.

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Trustworthiness – Oct/Nov 2013

In 2013 the results showed that BBC Somali service and VOA Somali Service were the most trustworthy radio stations across the sectors (Mogadishu, Kismayo, Baidoa and Beledweyne), followed by Radio Muqdisho who received most of their trust from Baidoa.

In 2013 BBC Somali Service and VOA Somali Service showed to be trusted more in Kismayo, Baidoa, Marka and Beledweyne than in Mogadishu.


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Trustworthiness – 2013 / 2012 comparisons

BBC Somali Service (77%), VOA Somali Service (72%) and Radio Mogadishu (50%) are considered the most trustworthy radio stations. These are followed by 4) Radio Bar Kulan (43%) and 5) Radio Shabelle (29%).

These are relatively stable perception of trust.

Trustworthiness - Nov-Dec 2011/ 2012 comparisons

BBC Somali Service (76%) and VOA Somali Service (66%) and Radio Muqdisho (49%) are considered as the most trustworthy radio stations. These radio stations are followed by 4) Radio Bar-Kulan 5) Radio Shabelle 6) Radio Kulmiye 7) Radio Andalus.

Stable perception of trust: compared to the 2011 results in Mogadishu, BBC Somali Service remains most trusted and Radio Kulmiye remains the sixth most trusted.

Greater perception of trust in 2012: compared to the 2011 results in Mogadishu, Radio Bar-Kulan has moved from fifth to fourth most trusted radio station and VOA Somalia Service has moved from fourth to second most trusted.

Lower perception of trust in 2012: compared to the 2011 results in Mogadishu, Radio Shabelle has moved down from third to fifth most trusted radio station and Radio Mogadishu has moved down from second to third most trusted.

AU/UN IST 2011/12 SURVEY:

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Access to information

In the 2013 Mobile Phones are still seen as the most widely spread use of ICT in the 4 sectors. In the 2011/2012 surveys, nearly two-thirds of respondents reported access to a mobile phone (with a smaller percentage of women than men).

Newspapers are now virtually non-existent.

The use of radio on mobile has increased dramatically with 56% of the respondents listening to radio on mobile in the 2011/12 and 62% in 2013.

Online outlets are also increasingly visited through the use of mobile phones (less so in Kismaayo and Marka) .


40



41


AU/UN IST 2011/12 SURVEY:

42


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2. Television

Television viewing has become popular in Somalia with the development of satellite and online TV services. This allows a very wide geographical coverage is a major conduit for connecting Somalis in the diaspora with persons back home. However only those with access to electricity supply, satellite dishes and cable connection are able to enjoy the privilege of television broadcast. For this reason television viewing is limited to those living in urban areas. Very few towns and cities enjoy free-to-air terrestrial television. Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Burao, Bossasso and Garowe are notable exceptions. Several Somali language satellite TV channels have been launched over the past decade – many of these founded in the diaspora – and the quality of programs is quickly improving. Universal TV – the oldest and most respected TV station, based in London and Hargeisa – and Horn Cable TV – which broadcasts from studios in London – are particularly popular. They are closely followed by the increasingly popular Somali Channel as well as Somsat TV and Royal TV. International satellite broadcasters in Arabic and English such as Al Jazeera have also acquired a strong audience. There are two public (state-controlled) national TV: Somali National TV (south/central) and Somaliland National TV (Somaliland). Table 5: Number of TV stations in Somalia – per HQs location

LOCATION (TV HQs)

NUMBER

INTERNATIONAL 5

REGIONAL 0

SECTOR 1 2

SECTOR 2 0

SECTOR 3 0

SECTOR 4 0

CENTRAL SOMALIA 0

PUNTLAND 3

DISPUTED AREA 0

SOMALILAND 4

TOTAL 14

Table 6: Somali TV Stations (per Headquarters location)

LOCATION (per HQs)

STATION HQs OFFICE(S) IN SOMALIA

OWNERSHIP COVERAGE BROACSTING TYPE

INTERNATIONAL TV Royal 24 London Mogadishu Private International Satellite

Somali Channel TV

London Mogadishu Private International Satellite / Live webstream25

Somsat TV London Mogadishu Private International Satellite / Live webstream

Universal TV London Mogadishu Private International Satellite / website

25

“Live webstream” broadcasting allows listening programs live as opposed to pre-recorded programs which can be heard on TV’s “websites”.

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Star TV London Mogadishu Private International Satellite

SOUTH/CENTRAL SOMALIA

Shabelle TV Mogadishu Mogadishu Private Local Analog Atenna

Somali National TV (SNTV)

Mogadishu (with other main office in London)

Mogadishu State International Satellite

PUNTLAND

Bosasso TV Bosasso Bosasso, Garowe

Private Local: Bosasso, Garowe

DSAT TV antenna

Eastern Television Network (ETN TV)

Bosasso Bosasso Private Local: Bossasso, Garowe

Terrestrial

Somali Broadcasting Corporation (SBC)

Bosasso Bosasso Private Local: Bossasso Garowe

Terrestrial

SOMALILAND

Bulsho TV Burao Hargeisa, Burao

Private Local: Hargeisa, Burao

Terrestrial

Horn Cable TV

Hargeisa Hargeisa, Mogadishu

Private International Statellite/ Live webstream

Somaliland National Television (SLNTV)

Hargeisa Hargeisa State Local & International

Terrestrial (Hargeisa) Satellite (elsewhere)

Somaliland Space Channel

Hargeisa Hargeisa Private Local Terrestrial

2.1 TV stations with their headquarters located outside Somalia 1. Somali Channel TV: 3600/2800 Thaicom 5 www.somalichannel.tv

Somali Channel TV was founded in March 2010 and is based in London but also has a second station in Hamarweyne in Mogadishu. The station programmes mainly include news, interactive political debates/talk show and programmes on Islamic issues and social affairs. It is on air 24 hours, seven days a week a week and broadcasts internationally (via satellite). Somali Channel’s TV programmes are also streamed live through the website. Somali Channel also uploads most of its video content to its You Tube channel. The channel has reporters throughout Somalia, but it was banned from operating in Puntland in November 2011 (it is now back on air in Puntland). The TV station employs about 80/100 people (15 are in the Mogadishu office). The TV station owner is Mahdi Mohamed and its Director Mohamed Said. Three employees of Somali Channel TV have been wounded. One of them, Hamdi Abdullahi was among the journalists wounded in the Theatre suicide bombing in April 2012.

http://www.somalichannel.tv/

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2. Somsat TV Hot Bird 13 Degree East somsattv.com Somsat TV, formerly known as Somalisat TV was founded in October 2011. It has its headquarters in London and a second station in Mogadishu. Somsat TV broadcasts 24/ 7 by satellite in Africa, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Australia. The channel is also available internationally as a live webstream on the internet. The stations programming includes news, Islamic programmes and sports. The station does not broadcast music as per its editorial policy. It broadcasts programmes in both Maymay and Mahatiri. The TV station has 68 employees (including 6 staff members in the Mogadishu office) and is a member of NUSOJ. In its early stages of development, the channel is still partly funded by the owner of the channel Mahamed Ahmed Ali (London based) and in part from advertisement. The Director of Somsat Somali office (in Mogadishu) is Adam Jama Ahmed.

3. Star TV Hotbird Frequency: 11240 satellite www.smcorp.tv

Star TV is a new home-grown British, Somali Channel. It’s an independent and progressive media organisation which officially launched on the 30th of June 2013. Star TV has offices and studios in both Europe and East Africa and will also be available on satellite and online for a worldwide audience. Star TV features a wide variety of shows both in English and Somali. The programmes are family oriented but will also include content specifically geared towards the new generation of the youth, particularly those living in the Diaspora and in East Africa: “Talk the Talk”, a youth show focusing on everyday issues affecting the youth in the UK, “Live with Dawn”, a current affairs programme and “Baadisaac”, a show that gives insights into Somali culture and many more. The station was created in December 2012 in England and Wales and is owned and managed by a Somali speaking youth in the diaspora.

4. TV Royal 24 Thaicom and Hot Bird www.tvroyal24.com

TV Royal 24 is a privately owned television station that was founded in 2010. The TV station’s headquarters is based in London (with its second HQs in Dubai) and has another station situated in Mogadishu. TV Royal 24 broadcasts 24 hours a day and can be viewed internationally. It has 23 staffs and benefits from incomes from advertisement. The owner of TV Royal 24 is called Asad Abukar Mahdi. The Director is Ali Abukar Mahdi.

5. Universal TV 3640/27500 Thaicom 5 www.universaltv.co

Universal TV is a privately owned TV station that was founded in London in January 2005. It was the first Somali satellite television station to go on air and is probably the most popular, well-known and respected Somali language TV station. Its headquarters is situated in London, with another main office in Mogadishu (and another one in Djibouti). It programming includes news, political programmes, music, and entertainment, cultural as well as peace building programmes. It airs 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to Somali speakers throughout the world. Its programmes can be viewed internationally via its website as well as on satellite TV. The stations employs 50 person overall (including 6 staff members in Mogadishu) and is a member of NUSOJ. Universal has an extensive network of reporters in Somalia and around the world. It also airs numerous advertisements for the service industry, including remittance agencies, airlines, import/export companies and other international businesses, inside and outside Somalia. Universal TV owner, based in London, is called Ahmed Abubakar. The TV station is perceived to be rather neutral. On July 2012, a reporter for Universal TV, Abdukadir Abdulle was seriously wounded in Mogadishu. On 31 July 2012, a comedian who was working for both Universal TV and Radio Kulmiye, Abdi Malaaq Marshaale, was killed in Mogadishu.

http://somsattv.com/

http://www.smcorp.tv/

http://www.tvroyal24.com/

http://www.universaltv.com/

46


2.2 TV stations based in South/Central Somalia

1. Shabelle TV www.shabelle.net Analog & Atenna Shabelle TV is a privately owned television station that was founded in 2005. The station is situated in Waberi district in Mogadishu. It airs 7 hours a day and its programming includes news, sports and music. The TV station has 16 employees and is a member of NUSOJ. The owner of Shabelle Radio and TV station is Abdimalik Yusuf (based in London).

2. Somali National TV (SNTV) www.sntv.gov.so

3640/ 28066 ¾ Thaicom, Hot Bird 13A (13.0°E) 157 Horizontal: 2500 FR: 11642.00 MHz Somali National TV is the official television station of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It is located in Mogadishu (with another major office in London and another one in Nairobi). The station is owned and managed by the Ministry of Information of Somali Federal Government. The station was founded in 1983 but was off air since 1991. It was later re-established in April 2011. It was the first time a government TV station has operated since the fall of President Siad Barre in 1991. It is on air 24 hours a day and broadcasts pro government news, debates, religion, music and sports programmes and can be viewed internationally via satellite. The station has 65 employees in general (including 18 in Mogadishu). It receives most of its funds from the Ministry of information as well as some support from UNPOS. The Director of the Media section for the Ministry of information is called Abdukadir Jimcaale and the Director of TV station is called Abdurahman Yusuf Omar (Cadaala). Two of SNTV’s popular presenters were killed in the Village restaurant explosion of September 2012.

2.3 TV stations based in Puntland and Somaliland

Puntland 1. Bosasso TV DIGITAL FM 668

Bosasso TV is using a DSAT TV antenna that re-broadcasts from international channels such as CNN, Al Jazeera and Press TV to its local station. Bosasso TV charges $165 to its viewers for a year rental antenna. The station was founded in July 2011 and broadcasts in Bosasso town 6 hours a day; 18:00-00:00. It’s also a member of NUSOJ and MAP and has 15 staff members. Its programmes include health, entertainment, music and sports. The owner of Bosasso TV is called Yusuf Isse.

2. Eastern Television Network(ETN) FM TV 682/663

ETN is the main local TV station in Bosasso. In 2005 when it was founded, ETN was airing from its former headquarters in Nairobi Kenya, however in 2009 the television station relocated to Somalia. The station has two branches located in Bosasso and Garowe. It broadcasts 6 hours a day in both towns, with programmes combining news, music, culture, sports and ads. The station has 17 employees. The owner is Abdirahman Sheikh.

3. Somali Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) www.allsbc.com


http://www.sntv.gov.so/


47


This television station is located in Bosasso and was founded in 2003. It is an extension of the aforementioned radio station (SBC). It can also be seen in Garowe, the administrative capital. SBC TV broadcasts news, sports, discussions and educational and, humanitarian programming. The Director of the station is Mohamed Deeq Abdalla.

Somaliland 1. Bulsho TV www.bulshotv.net

Bulsho TV is a privately owned television station founded in 2009. The station has two media outlets located in Burao and Hargeisa. Bulsho TV began broadcasting in Burao in 2009 and later opened the Hargeisa branch in September 2011. Bulsho TV broadcasts to Somaliland from terrestrial transmitters in both towns. Is a community TV station that specializes in news, current affairs, public debates and education. The station also broadcasts programmes that raise awareness of controversial social issues, such as Female Genital Mutilation, HIV/AIDS and inter-clan disputes. The station has close links with the Shaqodoon youth training and livelihoods programme of the US NGO Educational Development Center (EDC).

2. Horn Cable TV 10815.00MHz/ 27500 www.hctv.tv Horn Cable TV is a privately owned television station that was founded in 2003. The TV station’s headquarters is in Hargeisa, Somaliland, but it also has an office/studio in Mogadishu, Nairobi and London. Horn Cable TV covers whole parts of Somalia and broadcast 24/7 to Africa, Europe, Asia and parts of Australia by satellite. The channel is also available as a live webstream on the internet (wwwhctv.tv). Its programming includes news and current affairs, drama, music, business, political debates and religious programmes. HCTV is more popular in Somaliland than its two main competitors, Universal TV and Somali Channel and claims to have the largest staff operating in the Horn of any Somali media outlet with an estimated 90 reporters on the ground throughout Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya. The TV station employs around 60 people (7 staff members in Mogadishu) and is a member of NUSOJ. It receives incomes from advertisement. A reporter called Abdisalan Hiis, who was working for Horn Cable TV was assassinated on 18th Dec. 2011 in Mogadishu. Horn Cable TV is owned by a young businessman called Farhan Haji Ali; a Somali-American, owner of the FAACO and who has been based in Hargeisa for the last 10 years. Jamal Ali Hussein, the former presidential candidate of UCID (opposition political party) also has a share in the TV. The Director of the Mogadishu branch is Hamdi Hussein.

HCTV is regarded as largely neutral, balanced and reliable, and is popular throughout Somalia, though it is often accused of taking a pro-Somaliland approach.

3. Somaliland National TV (SLNTV) www.somalilandntv.com

Somaliland National TV is the official television station of the government of Somaliland. It was founded in 2005 and is state-owned. The station is on air every evening for 6 hours; 18:00-00:00. It is available as a terrestrial service in the city of Hargeisa, and by satellite everywhere else (Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia) except in North America. The station carries news (much of it about the president and his cabinet), entertainment, sports, and programmes on

http://www.bulshotv.net/

http://www.hctv.tv/

http://www.somalilandntv.com/

48


humanitarian issues. It is widely regarded as generally following the line of the government. It has a substantial staff of about 150, some of whom are experienced journalists. The Current Director of the TV is Khadar Ali Gaas, a former journalist who was living in the UK.

4. Somaliland Space Channel Somaliland Space Channel is a privately owned television station located in Hargeisa. The station is on air 7 hours a day; 17:00-00:00. Somaliland Space Channel carries local news, drama, English and Arabic films, and humanitarian awareness programmes compiled by local and international NGOs. It is regarded as largely neutral. The managing Director is Muse Adam Qalinle.

3. Newspapers The newspaper industry has suffered in the recent years with many printing organisations shutting down in South/Central Somalia and Puntland. Low literacy rates, widespread poverty and the disruption of transportation by conflict have always restricted newspaper readership to the educated and relatively affluent elite in Somalia’s main cities. However, it is the rigorous control of the media by Al Shabaab which has led most newspapers from South/Central Somalia to stop printing. Somaliland is the only region with a dozen of printing outlets still operational and printed in Hargeisa with small circulation titles (less than 1,000 copies per issue). The most popular ones – Haatuf, Jamhuuriya and Geeska Afrika – are daily. Others publish two or three times per week or even weekly. Table 7: Number of print outlets in Somalia – per HQs location

LOCATION (Newspaper HQs)

NUMBER

INTERNATIONAL 0

REGIONAL 0

SECTOR 1 5

SECTOR 2 0

SECTOR 3 0

SECTOR 4 0

CENTRAL SOMALIA 0

PUNTLAND 2

DISPUTED AREA 0

SOMALILAND 13

TOTAL 20

Table 8: Somali print outlets

LOCATION (per HQs)

PRINTING OUTLET HQs OWNERSHIP DISTRIBUTION WEBSITE

SOUTH/CENTRAL SOMALIA

Hamar Mogadishu Private Weekly (in Mogadishu)

Mogadishu Times Mogadishu Private Daily www.mogtimes.com

Xog Doon Mogadishu Private Daily (Mogadishu)

http://www.mogtimes.com/

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Xog Ogaal Mogadishu Private Daily

Xushmo Mogadishu Private Monthly (Mogadishu)

PUNTLAND

Ilays Bosasso Private (Pro-Government)

Mondays and Thursday

www.ilaysnews.net

Kaaha Bari Bosasso Private Daily

SOMALILAND

Dawan Hargeisa State Three times a week

Geeska Hargeisa Private Daily www.geeska.net

The Horn Hargeisa Weekly www.hornnewspaper.com

Haatuf Hargeisa Private Daily www.haatuf.net

The Somaliland Times (in English)

Hargeisa Private Weekly www.somalilandtimes.net

Jamhuuriya Hargeisa Private Daily www.jamhuuriya.com

The Republican (in English)

Hargeisa Private Weekly www.ogaalnews.net

Ogaal News Hargeisa Private Daily www.ogaalnews.net

Saxafi Hargeisa Private Five times a week

www.saxafinews.com

Saxansaxo Hargeisa Private Three times a week

www.saxansaxopress.com

Somaliland Today Hargeisa Private Daily www.somalilandtoday.com

Waaheen Hargeisa Private Daily www.waaheen.com

Yool Hargeisa Private Three times a week

3.1 Newspapers based in South/Central Somalia

1. Hamar Newspaper This privately owned printing outlet is located in KM4 Hodan District in Mogadishu. It was founded in 2003. It is a weekly newspaper and its publications consist of news, social affair and humanitarian matters. The newspaper is distributed in Mogadishu. It has 5 employees (2 trainees) and is a member of NUSOJ. The owner of Hamar Newspaper is Mohamed Mohamud Dhicisow.

2. Mogadishu Times www.mogtimes.com

Mogadishu Times is a privately owned printing outlet that was founded in November 1996. The outlet is located in Shibis district, Sanaa’ Mogadishu. The newspaper is published daily and is distributed in the Banadir region. It has 10 employees and a member of NUSOJ. It covers mostly news, political and social affairs. The owner is called Habibo Ahmed Jimale (Bibto).

3. Xog Doon Newspaper Xog Doon was founded in February 2012. It is a daily newspaper that is published in Mogadishu six days a week from Saturday to Thursday. This newspaper’s publication consists of news, job

http://www.ilaysnews.net/

http://www.geeska.net/

http://www.hornnewspaper.com/


http://www.haatuf.net/

http://www.somalilandtimes.net/


http://www.jamhuuriya.com/

http://www.ogaalnews.net/


http://www.saxafinews.com/

http://www.saxansaxopress.com/


http://www.somalilandtoday.com/



http://www.mogtimes.com/

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vacancies, sports, politics and current affairs. The printing outlet is situated in K4 area. It has 5-10 employees and is a member of NUSOJ. The owner and Director of Xog Doon newspaper is called Abbas Ali Hasan. Mohamed Ahmed Siyad is the Chief Editor.

4. Xog Ogaal Newspaper

Xog Ogaal is a privately owned printing outlet that was founded in December 1993. It is based in Bakara Market in Mogadishu. Xog Ogaal is published six days a week from Saturday to Thursday. It focuses on news, features, job vacancies and sports. As one of the oldest printing outlet, Xog Ogaal still maintains its old version of printing (A3 format). Is has 6 employees and is a member of NUSOJ. Most of the newspaper’s expenses are dependent on job advertisement from local and international NGOs. The owner is Mohamed Adan Guleed.

5. Xushmo Newspaper

Xushmo was founded in January 2010 and is a privately owned printing outlet located in Hodan district in Mogadishu. This newspaper mainly focuses in humanitarian and human rights news. The newspaper is published monthly and is distributed in Mogadishu. It has 10 employees (8 trainees/volunteers) and is a member of NUSOJ. The chairperson of the newspaper is called Eng. Sidow Hassan Mahdi.

3.2 Newspapers based in Puntland and Somaliland

Puntland 1. Ilays Newspaper www.ilaysnews.net

Ilays newspaper is the largest newspaper in Puntland. It was founded in November 2008 and is located in Bosasso. This privately owned outlet is published twice a week (Monday and Thursday) and is distributed in Bosasso, Garowe and Galkacyo. It has 8 staff members across the three cities. Ilays newspaper gets income from advertisement and a small contribution from the Puntland government. Its publication includes news, features, stories and job vacancies. The newspaper is member of NUSOJ and MAP. Its owner is Abdishakur Mire and the editor Omar Said Mohamed.

2. Kaaha Bari Newspaper

Kaaha Bari was founded the 25 October 1991 and has its headquarters in Bosasso. Kaaha Bari is the oldest printing outlet in Puntland. It still prints newspapers using A4 sized paper. The newspaper is out six days a week, from Saturday to Thursday. It gets some income from advertisement. Its publications include news, features, stories and job vacancies. It has 12 staffs in Puntland’s three main cities and its owner and editor is called Prof Khalif Mohamed Barre.

Somaliland 1. Dawan

Dawan is Somaliland State’s newspaper and was founded in 1994 by the government of Somaliland. It is a weekly newspaper that is published three times a week. It was previously

http://www.ilaysnews.net/

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called Maandeeq before former Minister of Information, Abdillahi, now Ministry of Fisheries, renamed the outlet Dawan in 2010 during his term. The Director of Dawan is Sheikh Faysal Ali.

2. Geeska Afrika www.geeska.net

Geeska Afrika is a printing outlet located in Central Hargeisa owned by a young journalist called Mohammed Hussein “Rambow”. This printing outlet was founded in 2006 and is perceived to be Somaliland’s second popular newspaper. It is a daily newspaper that is distributed six days a week.

3. The Horn www.hornnewspaper.com The Horn has a sister newspaper of Geeska Afrika. It is published once a week in English.

4. Haatuf www.haatuf.net

Haatuf newspaper was founded in 2000 and is located in Hargeisa. Haatuf is published six days a week in Somali and is perceived to be pro-government. Although Haatuf is often perceived to be close to the current (Kulmiye) government, others consider it to be unpredictable. The proprietor of Haatuf Media Network is an SNM veteran called Yousuf Abdi Gabobe.

5. The Somaliland Times www.somalilandtimes.net The Somaliland times a sister paper of Haatuf, published in English. Each weekly edition of The Somaliland Times is also published on its website

6. Jamhuuriya www.jamhuuriya.com

Jamhuuriya, located in Hargeisa, is the oldest and most popular printing media outlet in Somaliland. It was founded in 199226 and is an independent newspaper (perceived by some to be a pro-government outlet). Jamhuuriya is published daily; six days a week in Somali. The owners consist of Faisal Ali Sheikh the current Director General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Hassan Said Yusuf the Secretary General of the Kulmiye (ruling) party.

7. The Republican The Republican is a sister newspaper of Jamhuuriya. It is published every Saturday in English.

8. Ogaal News www.ogaalnews.net

Ogaal was founded in 2005 in Hargeisa by brothers and local journalists; Muse and Abdiweli Farah Jambiir. The newspaper is considered to be fairly balanced and neutral. It is a daily newspaper published in Somali.

9. Saxafi www.saxafinews.com

Saxafi is a newspaper based in Hargeisa and founded in 2012, it currently publishes five times a week (Mondays-Saturday). Saxafi was founded by Haatuf newspapers former writers Mohamed-Rashid, Mohumaed farah (SOLIA Secretary), Abdifatah Mohamoud Aideed and Abdifatah Dheg Ahmed.

26

The first printed newspaper in Somaliland was created in 1991 and was called Codka Hargeisa. The outlet lasted for

almost a year. Jamhuuriya was the second.

http://www.geeska.net/


http://www.haatuf.net/


http://www.jamhuuriya.com/


http://www.saxafinews.com/

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10. Saxansaxo www.saxansaxopress.com

Saxansaxo newspaper was founded in 2007. It is a pro-government weekly outlet published in Hargeisa, which comes out between three and four times a week. The newspaper is owned by the former speaker of Somaliland Presidency and the current Vice Minister of Information and Culture Mr. Abdillahi Mohamed Dahir “Cukuse”.

11. Somaliland Today www.somalilandtoday.com

The print version of Somaliland Today online outlet was launched recently (January 2013). Somaliland today is a privately owned outlet. The owner is called Munir Ahmed Igal. He is a former reporter of Hadhwanaag news who resided until recently in the UK. It is distributed daily in Hargeisa and is widely considered to be a pro-government outlet.

12. Waaheen www.waaheen.com

Waaheen is a daily newspaper that was founded in 2007. This printing outlet is located in Hargeisa and is published six days a week in Somali. Waaheen Media Group is a pro-opposition daily that is very critical to the government. Waaheen is owned by Dr. Ahmed Hussein Issa, the former foreign secretary of Kulmiye party and challenger of Silanyo during the last the presidential race. The editor is Mohamud Abdi Jama “Huuto”. Waaheen has a popular online radio service with links to BBC and VOA Somali service programmes on its website.

13. Yool

Yool is a pro-opposition newspaper which was launched in 2008 and comes out in Hargeisa three times a week. It is owned by former editor of Jamhuuriya, Mohamed Abdi Urad.

4. Websites This section lists the main Somali online outlets, with an asterisk (*) marking the most used and relevant websites. Though many of the outlets have their audience in specific regions of Somalia, the location of the audience cannot be assumed from these categories, as the audience is often wider. For example, some of the outlets that had the name of a specific region or town became very popular and gained an audience beyond that geographical location, both within Somalia and beyond (Hiiraan and All Gedo Online are particularly good examples of this). This was often facilitated by the unique ability of the Internet to reach a geographically diverse audience. Many of the websites (both those started by diaspora Somalis like Amin Arts as well as those started inside Somalia like Horn Cable TV), in fact, cater to a diaspora audience scattered across countries or even continents, often influencing their choice of content. There are hundreds of Somali news websites. Although most of the websites can be unreliable at times, there are however some honourable exceptions such as www.hiraan.com, www.shabelle.net and others. It should also be noted that many of the websites listed below are many of which are tied to Radio stations and complement the news from the radio stations with news from international news agencies, which they translate in Somali and thus many websites have similar news items. Others have their own network of reporters. Most of the internet sites are in Somali although they have a limited number of pages in English.




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Some of the higher quality sites are linked to Somalia’s main radio, television and print organisations (they usually contain podcasts or live streaming). International news websites in Somali are also popular. The BBC Somali Service website www.bbc.co.uk/somali attracts more visitors than most other BBC foreign language websites, even though the population of Somalia and the Somali diaspora is relatively small. One reason why Somali online media has developed so fast is that the internet has served as a vital bridge for bringing together members of the diaspora with people living in Somalia. They read each other’s websites and this helps them to understand each other’s problems and points of view. The internet within Somalia is still limited however it is growing and it is envisioned that it will have a greater impact in the future. Officially, internet penetration still stands at just 1.14% of the population (on par with Afghanistan) in Somalia. However it has increased dramatically over the last year(s) and demand in Mogadishu is growing rapidly. A report by Somali Telecommunication Association, in 2006, stated that the country had more than 234 cyber cafes, growing at a rate of 15.6% per year. The number in Mogadishu today is believed to be much higher.27 Access to the internet just like television is primarily rooted in urban areas. AU/UN IST November 2012 polling results shows that 41% of the people interviewed in Mogadishu28 claimed to have used the internet over the past week (34% the day before and 7% in the last 7 days). In the AU/UN IST survey conducted in Oct/Nov 2013 showed 59% of participants in Mogadishu used the internet in the last 6 months and a range of 56% across all 4 sectors also used the internet in the last 6 months. The number of internet coffee-shops has been exponential. Facebook has taken off in Mogadishu since Al-Shabaab fled the city. Arguably, Facebook allows Somalia's youth to express their opinions freely, without being afraid. New accounts have grown by more than 25% in the period from September 2012 to February 2013. There are now more Facebook users than estimated internet users in Somalia, thanks to mobile phones and computer sharing. The internet traffic measurement website www.socialbakers.com recorded just over 34,000 Facebook users in Somalia in November 2011. By February 2013 there were now 112,460 Facebook users in Somalia, of whom half are under 24 years old and 74% are male. Web based social mobilization is a growing trend and political factions within Somalia make use of the internet to propagate their ideologies. There are numerous Somali online chat rooms, where fierce political debates are held, often involving people living in many different countries. Villa Somalia (where the President and Government offices of are located) launched its own a facebook, twitter and tumblr accounts where Villa Somalia posts press statements. The social media networks also provide a platform for the government to report its measure and decisions directly to the public. Global Internet Company, founded in 2003 by a consortium of Somalia's leading telecom companies including Hormuud and NationLink, provides dial-up, DSL and some point-to-point wireless. Dial-up is the cheapest option, at around $30 (£18) a month per computer, but is very slow – less than 56kbs – and highly oversubscribed. Direct satellite subscriptions cost as much as USD$3,000 per month for one-megabyte connections, and can be quite unreliable. Somalia Wireless, Mogadishu's newest wireless internet provider, was launched in April 2012 and hopes to find the middle ground in Mogadishu market, by offering both pooled (shared) and dedicated connections. The next step after wireless broadband will be high-speed internet with the connection fibre optic cables.

27

BBC, Somalia's ambitions online could bring Mogadishu to the world, by Jonathan Kalan, 23 October 2012 28

Sample of 1000 people interviewed in November 2012 in 15 of the 16 Mogadishu districts.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19961266

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4.1 List of main Somali online media outlets

1. www.aminarts.com This website is run by the popular Somali cartoonist Amin Amir (based in Canada). The website attracts a huge number of visitors. It’s entertaining cartoons are posted daily and touch on different issues on politics events in Somalia, social affair as well as anti-corruption campaigns. The website generally has a pan-Somali nationalist tone. This website is available in Somali. Contact: [email protected]

2. www.Amanhoorey.com Amaandhoorey is an online based news portal which covers up to-date news in Somalia. The website also covers other things such as local music and Interviews as well as religion. Amaandhoorey .com is currently in Somali and English.

3. allahlusunna.com All-Ahlu Sunna News Agency is the official website used by ASWJ, an Islamic movement in Somalia whose religious ideology is based on the traditional Sufism in Somalia. The movement uses this outlet to broadcast the operations, ideology and teachings of the movement, which now controls a number of regions in South and Central Somalia. Their news reporting is dominated by a number of issues including: reports on Sufi religious rituals within and outside Somalia; positive coverage of the SFG, Ethiopia and AMISOM; and consistent coverage of events in Puntland and Galmudug. The website is available in Somali.

4. www.allsbc.com All SBC website is part of the Somali broadcasting Corporation SBC (which includes SBC radio). The website is considered as fairly serious and reliable. It is available in Somali and in English. Based in Bosasso, it provides extensive coverage of news stories in Puntland and other parts of Somalia.

5. www.allgedo.com

All Gedo Online is a popular Somali news outlet, which covers news in South/Central Somalia. As the name suggests, the site is affiliated with the Gedo region in Southern Somalia. The site gives its readers the chance to comment on articles and as an indication of the wide readership the site attracts, most of the site’s news posts are subject to considerable discussions among the readers. The website uses both English and Somali in its reporting, though the latter is the main medium of communication. Contact: [email protected] /[email protected]

6. http://alshahid.net Alshahid is a media network that covers news in the Horn of Africa in three languages – Somali, English and Arabic, though primarily in Somali. The site is owned and managed by a member of the Somali diaspora in the UK who intended it as a source for “non-partisan news coverage” on Somalia and the Horn, though it is not frequently updated.

7. http://azaania.org Azaania.org is a website presenting news about South Somalia. The website is available in Somali and English.

8. www.balanbal.net Balanbal is a news outlet operated from Galgudud, whose major audience and news coverage is focused on Southern Somalia. In addition to news, the site provides a variety of information and entertainment. The site posts documentary videos, most of them about the Somali government

http://www.aminarts.com/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.amanhoorey.com/

http://allahlusunna.com/


http://www.allgedo.com/

http://alshahid.net/

http://azaania.org/

http://www.balanbal.net/

55


before the collapse and civil war. It also gives links to other Somali news outlets, including international, and enables readers to comment on its reporting.

9. www.baidoanews.com Baidoa News is an online News portal covering News, Music, Religion

and Somali History. Available in English and Somali. Baidoa News reports on the latest news in South West Somalia.

10. www.baydhabo.com

Baydhabo is a media outlet, mainly in Somali, and its name refers to the capital city of Bay region. The site also uses the Maay Maay language, which is a dialect of Somali prevalent in that area. The site covers news in Somalia and provides quite extensive coverage of events in Somaliland. In addition to news, the content of the site also includes music (both in Somali and Hindi), movies and comedy. The site uses a non-formal style of reporting and most of its reports are briefly summarised.

11. www.bar-kulan.com This website is among the reliable Somali news websites. It is affiliated to Radio Bar-Kulan and focuses on news from South Somalia, but with coverage of the entire Horn. The website is available in Somali with an English language news page.

12. www.bartamaha.com

This website is well known by its Somali diaspora viewers. It is available both in English and Somali.

13. www.bbc.co.uk/somali The BBC Somali Service website attracts more visitors than most other BBC foreign language websites. The BBC Somali Service is widely regarded as fairly neutral. The website is available in Somali.

14. www.calanka.com This news website is considered fairly trustworthy. It mainly covers events in South Central Somalia. This website is available in Somali.

15. www.codka.org 'Codka' is an association of Danish-Somalis for Danish Somalis. Their goal is to provide a platform for the Somali voices and convey their forgotten stories to the general public.

16. www.codkamudug.com This website is related to Radio Codka Mudug in Galka'ayo (Galmudug region). News coverage is throughout Somalia, though it gives heavy emphasis on coverage of Galmudug State. In addition to news, the site gives information about health and education in these it areas. It is available in Somali with a few English articles.

17. www.dayniilecom.com The website is available in both Somali and in English.

18. www.dillapress.com

Dillapress is an independent news website founded in March 2009. This website carries various headlines in Somali news, Politics and Society, while also broadcasting other special programs for their local audience. This website is available in both Somali & English.

http://www.baidoanews.com/

http://www.baydhabo.com/

http://www.bar-kulan.com/

http://www.bartamaha.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/somali

http://www.calanka.com/

http://www.codka.org/

http://www.codkamudug.com/

http://www.dayniilecom.com/

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19. www.dhacdo.com

Dhacdo is an online news and discussion portal covering anything from current headline in Somalia news to Somali music and sports. Dhacdo also has an discussion forum where Somali politics and other general topics are discussed. This website is available in Somali and English.

20. www.gedoonline.com This website covers events in Gedo, the Jubbas and Galgudud regions of Somalia. It is run by journalists based in Kenya. The website is available in Somali with latest news in English as well.

21. http://foreignpolicyblogs.com/author/abukararman/ Blog of Abukar Arman, a former diplomat (Somalia's Special Envoy to the US) and widely published analyst. His focus is Foreign policy/Islam/post-civil war Somalia/extremism. He is a Diplo-Act of a sort (fusion of diplomacy & activism

22. http://harar24.com/ This recent and fairly reliable website is available in English.

23. www.hiiraan.com Hiiraan website is one of the most well-regarded Somali news online outlet. It was created in 1999 by a member of Somali diaspora. The owner of the website, Ahmed Haji Gure, started it with the aim of helping Somali people around the world stay connected among themselves and to home. Since its establishment, the site has been broadcasting news in the Horn both in English and Somali, though the latter is its main medium of communication. It publishes articles on a wide range of topics written by columnists, politicians and other eminent contributors, both Somalis and non-Somalis. The website also has reporters in Somaliland, Puntland, and various regions in South and Central Somalia.

24. www.hobyonet.com Hobyo Net is a Somali news outlet based in Galka'ayo, Southern Somalia with special focus on the regions controlled by Galmudug State. It was related to Radio Hobyo but now runs separately. It is available in Somali with links to English articles.

25. www.horseedmedia.net Radio Horseed is a privately owned station, founded in 2007, which used to relay programmes from VOA and Radio. The station was airing 15 hours a day in Bosasso town and its surrounding. It had 17 staff (including guards) and is a member of both of NUSOJ and MAP. Its programming mainly consisted of news, political debates, entertainment and sports. It covered Puntland extensively but also South/Central Somalia. The owner of the station is Mahad Muse Ahmed (diaspora Somali living in Netherland). It was managed by Jamal Isse Hurrun (Director). The website (www.horseedmedia.net) is still active. In June 2010 the radio’s then Director Abdifatah Mire was sentenced for six years in jail after the radio aired an interview with al Shabaab commander in Galgala Mountains. Radio Horseed was shut down on Sept/Oct 2012 following a warrant of closure from Puntland administration on the basis of false reporting on its website. The director of the station refused to publish a written notice stating that the media outlet had report false information as per the instructions of the Puntland authority. Its website was also restricted in Puntland towns as Puntland officials blamed the radio for inciting insecurity.

http://www.dhacdo.com/

http://www.gedoonline.com/

http://foreignpolicyblogs.com/author/abukararman/

http://harar24.com/

http://www.hiiraan.com/

http://www.hobyonet.com/

http://www.horseedmedia.net/

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26. www.ishabaydhaba.com This website mainly focuses on Bay and Bakool regions of Southern Somalia. The website is available in Somali with a few news articles in English

27. www.jowhar.com This popular website covers news about the whole of Somalia. It was affiliated to former Radio Jowhar (in Jowhar) prior to Al Shabab taking over the radio station. The website is available in both Somali and English.

28. keydmedia.net Keydmedia.net is an online news website which aims to provide up-to-date both local and international unbiased news. Keydmedia.net also features articles, editorials, videos and pictures on their site. The website is available in Somali & English.

29. http://www.kismaayo.com/ Kismayo.com is an online news site which covers daily news, focusing on the community in Kismayo. Kismaayo.com also covers religion. The website is available in Somali & English.

30. www.kismaayolive.com This is a relatively new website and always covers news on Kismayo. The website is available in Somali.

31. www.kismaayonews.com This website is considered fairly trustworthy. It focuses on news on Lower Jubba and is available in both Somali and English.

32. www.kismaayo24.com This website covers Kismayo and Ras Kamboni-related issues.

33. www.kulmiyenews.com This website is affiliated to Radio Kulmiye in Mogadishu. The website is available in both Somali and English.

34. www.mareeg.com This news website is considered fairly trustworthy and is available in both Somali and English.

35. www.markacadeey.com This website is considered fairly reliable. The website is available in both Somali and English.

36. www.midnimo.com The website is considered to be fairly impartial and reliable. This website is available in both Somali and English.

37. www.mustaqbalradio.com The website features both English and Somali news.

38. www.newsfromsomalia.wordpress.com

39. www.qalin.net This new website is available both in English and in Somali.

http://www.ishabaydhaba.com/

http://www.jowhar.com/

http://keydmedia.net/

http://www.kismaayo.com/

http://www.kismaayolive.com/

http://www.kismaayonews.com/

http://www.kismaayo24.com/

http://www.kulmiyenews.com/

http://www.mareeg.com/

http://www.markacadeey.com/

http://www.midnimo.com/

http://www.mustaqbalradio.com/

http://www.newsfromsomalia.wordpress.com/

http://www.qalin.net/

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40. www.qaranimo.com

This website is considered to be fairly unbiased and reliable. The website is available in Somali with a few English articles.

41. www.qurbejoog.com

Qurbe Joog News, or Somali Diaspora News, broadcasts news on the Horn of African and Somali communities’ world both in English and Somali. Its directors are based in North America.

42. www.radiobanadir.com The website is affiliated to Radio Banadir. This website is available in Somali.

43. www.radiodaljir.com

This website is affiliated with Radio Daljir and it is not so popular but it is one of most trusty-worthy outlets in Puntland. The website is available in Somali. It is owned by Jama Abshir Walde, American educated, who has now moved to Somalia.

44. www.radiomuqdisho.net This website is run by Radio Mogadishu, the official radio station of the Somali Government. Although it clearly is a pro-Government website which generally relays the government's views on most issues, it does carry some reliable information and is a respected institution. The website is well updated and covers news related to Somalia not only in Mogadishu or Somalia but also from around the world. The site gives access to online streams of Radio Mogadishu and Somali National Television, both state-run media outlets. It also posts a variety of religious and entertainment media. The website is available in Somali.

45. www.radioogaal.com

This website is based in Canada and is available in both Somali and English.

46. www.radioergo.org This website is related to Radio Ergo, which is a humanitarian news source based in Nairobi, Kenya and is funded by the United Nations. This website is available in Somali.

47. www.radiofreesomalia.com

This website is based in Toronto, Canada. The website is available in both Somali and English.

48. www.raxanreeb.com Raxanreeb Online is the online portal of RBC Radio in Mogadishu. It is an investigative website owned by both Diaspora and Somali-based journalists. The site and the radio station cover news mainly on politics in South Central Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland (and the Horn of Africa at large). One can also find information regarding health, education, music and more. The website has reporters in South Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland. The website is available in both Somali and English. It’s owned by Farah Ato a Somali diaspora living in the US.

49. www.risaala.net The website is affiliated to Radio Risaala. It is available in Somali and in English.

50. www.salaamanews.com

This newly launched website is owned by Somali Diaspora group in U.S and mainly focuses on Somalia. It is not popular but has some reliable information. The website is available in Somali

http://www.qaranimo.com/

http://www.qurbejoog.com/

http://www.radiobanadir.com/

http://www.radiodaljir.com/

http://www.radiomuqdisho.net/

http://www.radioogaal.com/

http://www.radioergo.org/

http://www.radiofreesomalia.com/

http://www.raxanreeb.com/

http://www.risaala.net/

http://www.salaamanews.com/

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51. www.Sabahionline.com

Sahabionline.com is a website sponsored by the United States Africa Command. Sahabionline.com features news from across the Horn of Africa, the site also features analysis, interviews and commentary by Sahabionline.com correspondents. The website is available in Somali, Swahili, Arabic and English.

52. http://sahanjournal.com/

Sahan Journal is an African-powered social news website for the connected generation of East Africans and the people of the Horn. SJ is dedicated to separating news from the noise by delivering distilled, exciting, fresh and more visual content that’s interesting, engaging and shareable. This website also seeks to inspire discussion and intelligent debate among readers."

53. www.shabelle.net This website is run by Shabelle Media Network. The website is available in both Somali and English.

54. www.siyaasipost.com Siyaasi Journal is a part of Horseed Consulting Group (HCG). A profit organization concentrating on research, consultancy and training, the Siyaasi journal aims to provide Somali solutions to Somali problems along with conducting thorough political and policy analysis from a ‘first, fast and fair’ perspective, through a highly motivated team and a network of reliable sources, Siyaasi journal aim to influence policy and decision makers. They also hope to place a representative in every major city where Somali politics or policy is discussed. The Siyaasi journal is published monthly.

55. www.somalidiasporanews.com This website is available in both Somali and English.

56. www.somalicurrent.com

Somalicurrent.com is an independent, bilingual news site that covers both Somali and international news, blogs and politics. Somali current has headquarters in Somalia as well as the US.

57. www.somalianewsroom.com Somalia Newsroom is a well-informed news blog that was created on April 15, 2012 and is managed by Cleophus (Tres) Thomas, a PdD student and Africa Analyst at a consulting firm in Washington, D.C. focusing on issues in the Horn of Africa. Contact: [email protected]

58. www.somalitalk.com Somali talk was created in 1999 in Mogadishu. The website focuses on reports about Somalia whether it is a political, environmental or humanitarian perspective. The website is available in Somali. It has 10 employees and is a member of NUSOJ. It is owned by Eng. Mohamed Ali. Contact: [email protected] / +252615532494

59. www.somaliradio.dk

The website is based in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is available in Somali.

60. www.somaliupdate.com This good quality new website is available in Somali and in English.

61. www.somaliweyn.com It is available in Somali with a few English articles.

http://www.sabahionline.com/

http://sahanjournal.com/


http://www.somalidiasporanews.com/

http://www.somalicurrent.com/

http://www.somalianewsroom.com/

http://www.somalitalk.com/

http://www.somaliradio.dk/

http://www.somaliupdate.com/

http://www.somaliweyn.com/

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62. www.sunatimes.com Suna Times is a Somali News website making some investigative reports related to the security issues and terrorism in Somalia. This online outlet, created in 2009, does not always present reliable information. The website is available in English. It has 22 employees and is part of Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ). The editor of this website Ahmed Abdullahi Fanah was beheaded by Alshabab on September 26, 2012 after they held him hostage for days. Contact: [email protected]

63. sverigesradio.se/sida/default.aspx?programid=2172

Sweden’s Radio Somali portal. The website is based in Sweden.

64. www.voasomali.com The VOA Somalia website is operated from Washington DC. It is one the most popular website in the diaspora world together with the BBC Somali website. This website is available in Somali.

65. www.voiceofsomalia.net ‘Run sheeg, wa rabbi ka Cabsi’- ‘Tell the Truth, fear God’ .Voice of Somalia is an online news website covering news headlines in Somali news, Politics and Society. This website is available in Somali only.

66. www.waagacusub.com Waaga Cusub Media is a news outlet, covering news in Somalia and the Horn of Africa. The site also posts others content, such as music, photos, videos of cultural and social events and interviews with individuals. The site is owned by Dahir Allasow, who lives in Europe and allegedly escaped Somalia after receiving death threats from Al Shabaab. The site severely criticizes Al Shabaab and its operations in Somalia. In an interview the Chief Editor of the site gave to Somali Radio, an online radio based in North America, he claimed that his mission is to provide the Somali community with an alternative to the mainstream news aired by most of the news outlets. He also argues that his mission is investigative reporting, with the aim of exposing the corruption, clanism and undercover alliances that influence current Somali political dynamics. Unlike many other Somali news outlets, the site extensively uses clan names to refer to different communities in Somalia. Although fairly popular, this website does not always present reliable information. It focuses on Somaliland and South Central Somalia. The website is available in Somali with a few English articles mostly from contributors.

67. www.wardheernews.com

This website, which has a heavy emphasis on Somali culture and literature, is available in both Somali and English.

68. http://wargelin.bartamaha.com/ Wargelin Show is a weekly current affairs programme on TV and online presented by Abdisalam Aato, the show focuses the latest on Somalia, Social and political commentary. It is branded as a “Web community With a Global Somali views show”.

69. http://www.waryapost.com/ Warya post aims to serve as a platform for a form where Somalia’s leading thinkers, creators, artists and writers can discuss current affairs, issues affecting Somalis and much more. This website is available in English.

70. www.warqaad.com

http://www.sunatimes.com/

http://sverigesradio.se/sida/default.aspx?programid=2172

http://www.voasomali.comt/

http://www.waagacusub.com/

http://www.wardheernews.com/

http://wargelin.bartamaha.com/

http://www.waryapost.com/

http://www.warqaad.com/

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This website is owned by Abdullahi Ahmed Nur, Star FM reporter in Nairobi. The website was launched two years ago and has attracted an increasing audience among Somalis, both because of its impartiality and the fact that it regularly provides breaking news. It is available only in Somali.

4.2 Websites with a particular focus on Puntland

1. www.allpuntland.com This website is amongst the most visited news website in Puntland. It has been active for more than ten years. It is considered impartial but sometimes criticized for failing to report key news stories about Puntland. Although the outlet appears to be pro-Puntland government – sometimes relaying information directly from the Puntland Ministry of Information – there is no indication on the website whether it is officially affiliated with the government or not. The website is available in both Somali and English.

2. www.allradiogaalkacyo.com This website is affiliated with Radio Gaalkacyo which is a community owned-radio in Gaalkacyo which mainly focuses on Mudug region as well as Puntland area. This website is available in Somali.

3. www.galgalanews.com This is website mainly focuses on Puntland politics. The website is available in both Somali and English.

4. www.garoweonline.com Created in 2004 to support Radio Garowe, the site operates both in English and Somali and offers more English-language articles than similar sites. It is popular among the Puntland diaspora. The website is run by the son of Puntland President Mohamed Faroole. Visitors to the site can listen directly to Radio Garowe on the website.

5. www.halgan.net This is a partisan website that is owned by a religious group in Puntland and some in Diaspora. It covers news on the region. The website is available in Somali.

6. www.horseedmedia.com This website is part of the media network Horseed Media (established by members of the diaspora in Netherlands) which also own Radio Horseed in Bossasso. The website is regularly updated and extensively covers news in Puntland, though it also provides significant coverage of events in South Somalia. It is widely considered to be a trustworthy source of news in Puntland. The websites has a network of reporters in the region. It is available in both Somali and English.

7. www.puntlandpost.com This website is well known, but is commonly regarded as unreliable. The website is available in Somali with a few English articles.

8. www.allsbc.com This news website is linked to the SBC radio and TV group. It is considered to be quite reliable and up-to-date. It focuses mainly on Puntland. The website is available in Somali.

9. www.wacaal.com This website is new and mainly covers news on Puntland. It is fairly accurate but not very popular. The website is available in both Somali and English.

http://www.allpuntland.com/

http://www.allradiogaalkacyo.com/

http://www.galgalanews.com/

http://www.garoweonline.com/

http://www.halgan.net/

http://www.horseedmedia.com/

http://www.puntlandpost.com/


http://www.wacaal.com/

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4.3 Websites with a particular focus on Somaliland

1. www.berberanews.com The website features news from Sahir region of Somaliland, and the regional capital Berbera, which is the territory’s main port. It is available in both Somali and English

2. www.booramaonline.com Most of the website’s content is on Borama (Capital of Awdal Region, Somaliland), though it does also cover news from the rest of Somaliland and Somalia. The website’s Chief Editor is based in Australia, so the site relies on its network of local reporters and news cited from other media outlets as sources of information.

3. www.boramanews.com The website is owned by diaspora individuals from the Awdal region. The website mostly discusses Awdal issues and its audience are mainly citizens from Awdal region. Contact: [email protected]

4. www.caynabanews.com

This website represents the interests of the Saraar region of Southeastern Somaliland. Its capital is the town of Ainabo and the website is available in both Somali and English.

5. www.gabiley.net

Gabiley Net is owned by diaspora Somalis from the Gabiley city of Somaliland (west of the capital Hargeisa) and it covers news primarily from around Gabiley and in greater Somaliland. It appears to be pro-opposition and has a strong pro-Somaliland independence stance. The website is available in Somali. Contact: Mustafe Abdikarim +2524422334 [email protected]

6. www.hadhwanaagnews.com

This Somaliland website is sometimes pro-government and is only available in Somali.

7. www.halbeegnews.com This website supports the Somaliland opposition and is available in Somali with a few English articles.

8. www.harowo.com This website represents the Awdal region in western Somaliland and its capital Boroma. The website is available in Somali however top news articles are also written in English.

9. www.lughaya.com This news website represents the Awdal region in western Somaliland and its capital Boroma. The website is available in Somali with a few English articles.

10. www.qarannews.com Qaran News began operating in December 2007. The majority of its news coverage is about Somaliland issues or related current affairs, and Somaliland diaspora members are frequent contributors. This website is very critical to the government and is considered to be pro-UDUB party. It clearly opposes the current Somaliland government in its reporting. The website is available in both Somali and English. Contact: [email protected]

11. www.oodweynenewss.com

http://www.berberanews.com/

http://www.booramaonline.com/

http://www.boramanews.com/

http://www.caynabanews.com/

http://www.gabiley.net/

http://www.hadhwanaagnews.com/

http://www.halbeegnews.com/

http://www.harowo.com/

http://www.lughaya.com/

http://www.qarannews.com/

http://www.oodweynenewss.com/

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This website represents the Odweyne area of the Togdheer region of Somaliland, east of Hargeisa. It is owned by Abdishakur Heersare, a local journalist and writer. The website is available in both Somali and English. Contact: Abdishakur Heersare [email protected]

12. www.ramaasnews.com This Somaliland news website is considered to be largely neutral. The website is available in Somali with a few English articles.

13. www.somaliland.org This is a pro-Somaliland government site and it available in both Somali and English.

14. www.somalilandfuture.com This is a pro-Somaliland government site. The website is available in both Somali and English.

15. www.somalilandpatriots.com This site is available in both Somali and English and promotes the cause of Somaliland’s independence. It has news and audio links to programmes of the BBC and VOA Somali services.

16. www.somalilandpost.net Somalilandpost is a news Portal based in Hargeysa, Somaliland. It covers news in Somali and some English articles. It was founded in 2011 as a privately owned news and information outlet.

17. www.somalilandpress.com This Somaliland news site is considered to be largely neutral. It is available in both Somali and English Contact: [email protected]

18. www.somalilandsun.com

19. somalilandtoday.com Somaliland Today is a privately owned news website, online since 2011. It is available in Somali.

20. www.togaherer.com This Somaliland news website is considered to be largely neutral although at times it appears to be pro-UCID party. The website is available in both Somali and English. Contact: [email protected], [email protected]

21. www.togdheernews.com Togdheer News is a news site based in Burao, which is the second biggest town in Somaliland. The site is pro-Somaliland independence and covers news from all regions of Somaliland, Puntland and South/Central Somalia. Its coverage is also characterized by opposition towards SSC and Khaatumo State. The website is available in Somali with a few English articles.

4.4 Websites with a particular focus on disputed area (Khatumo)

1. www.afbakayle.com This website mainly promotes Khaatumo fighters in Sool region which is disputed by Somaliland and Khatumo state. The website is available in Somali.

2. www.boocameonline.com

http://www.ramaasnews.com/

http://www.somaliland.org/

http://www.somalilandfuture.com/

http://www.somalilandpatriots.com/

http://www.somalilandpost.net/

http://www.somalilandpress.com/

http://www.somalilandsun.com/

http://somalilandtoday.com/

http://www.togaherer.com/

http://www.togdheernews.com/

http://www.afbakayle.com/

http://www.boocameonline.com/

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This website is run by diaspora people but supports Khaatumo state. The website is available in both Somali and English.

3. www.khaatumo.com This website speaks on behalf of Khaatumo state. The website is available in Somali.

4. www.lasanod.com Las’anod takes its name from the capital of the Sool region, Las’anod, a town that is claimed by both Somaliland and Puntland. The clan from that area also lives in parts of the Sanaag and Togdheer regions that make up Khaatumo State, which claims to be independent from both Somaliland and Puntland. The site claims to be 'the most trusted SSC website', SSC standing for Sool, Sanaag and Cayn territory. The site's reporting focuses on promoting Khaatumo State and SSC, criticizing Somaliland and to a lesser extend Puntland, with little to no coverage of events outside the region.

5. www.radiowidhwidh.com This site operates from the Sool region, whose ownership is disputed by Somaliland and Puntland. The website is available in both Somali and English.

4.5 Al Shabaab websites 1. www.amiirnuur.com

The website is available in Somali.

2. www.al-qimmah.net The website is available in Somali.

3. www.shahaada.net

Arabic-language Shahada News Agency has established collaboration with Somali Memo in April 2013. Shahada News Agency, which has posted its news stories on social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter over the past months, now has a website; Shahaada.net. Shahada News Agency editor Umar Zaki and Somali Memo editor Ridwan Yare jointly announced the collaboration between the two media outlets. Somali Memo's Arabic section will carry news stories by Shahada News Agency.

4. www.calamada.com

This website, available in Somali, is considered as the official webpage for radio Andalus.

5. www.radioalfurqaan.com The website is available in Somali. It has very complex network of correspondents and contacts around the world. In many of its programmes, the participants claim to be calling from many countries around the world, including Europe and North America. The site also claims to have correspondents in many parts of East Africa including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

6. www.somalimemo.net

The website is available in Somali, Arabic, and Swahili.

7. www.somalimidnimo.com This website is popular with al Shabab propaganda and is updated by some people in US. The website is available in Somali.

http://www.khaatumo.com/

http://www.lasanod.com/

http://www.radiowidhwidh.com/

http://www.amiirnuur.com/

http://www.al-qimmah.net/

http://www.shahaada.net/



http://www.somalimemo.net/

http://www.somalimidnimo.com/

ist briefing note 007 purpose - somali media...

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