A review of IRIN Angola’s activities in Angola and an appraisal of the proposal for continued support

The Project
In the absence of a fair and open process for the allocation of radio and television broadcasting frequencies, and also the difficulties of reaching people in the provinces by other media, the IRIN Radio project represented the only efficient way of disseminating information to the provinces - through collaboration with Radio Nacional Angola (RNA). The purpose of the 2006-2007 support was to provide consistent, credible information on humanitarian and developmental issues in Portuguese and local languages; incorporating the voices of ordinary people into programming; and giving capacity building support and training to national radio. IRIN was supported by Dutch embassy and UNOCHA. The Norwegian contribution for 2006-2007 was NOK 1,76 mill. A new proposal for 2007-2008 has been presented to the Royal Norwegian Embassy of Luanda for consideration.

Interesting Findings

• In relation to the project goal and purpose presented above, it can initially be said that in view of the media landscape and the actual media environment, where it is not possible to start community radios, IRIN Radios approach and its management of the collaboration with Radio Nacional Angola (RNA) must be said to have been very effective.
• The project up for review has managed to generate an important change in view of what kind of programmes and information that can be received on the national channel of Radio Angola and some provincial channels. IRIN Angola's work has animated individual listeners, groups of farmers, and it has inspired civil society to hold on to its project and aspiration to provide community radios to the people of Angola.
• IRIN Radio has managed what no-one has managed before at a national scale, namely to get different development messages on the only radio reaching the whole country.
• IRIN has managed to move from the role of an outside coach function in 2003 to move into the heart of RNA programming, co-producing in close collaboration with the RNA staff and managers both the Edutainment radio-novela 'Catamondo', the news programme with live contributions 'Angola Adentro' as well as two pf two of RNA's development oriented thematic programmes 'Panorama' on heath and education. 'Catamondo' is by the Portuguese speaking representatives of the target group, perceived as a weekly 'cult' event.
• IRIN Radio has a position in terms of editorial influence and creating space for other voices and other issues that no-one would be able to obtain in today's media environment.
• There are challenges ahead with regard to expanding broadcasts from mostly Portuguese till also including local languages. As the further one got away from the national and provincial capitals, fewer were listening as their Portuguese simply was not good enough.
• Working with IRIN is important and powerful, but very strict attention is paid to the IRIN programmes by RNA management. There is an intense political climate and content control exercised på on RNA.
• The IRIN Radio project Angola places itself conceptually at the cutting edge of communication for development (C4D) thinking globally. That this is happening in a reality like Angola, which in terns of freedom of press and access to speak on air can be characterised as no less than 'adverse', is an impressive achievement.