In February 2004, IRIN Radio sent a two-person team, comprising of an IRIN Radio Producer and a Technician, to conduct capacity-building support and training activities with a partner station in Belet Weyne, southern Somalia.

Radio Belet Weyne (also known as Radio Darban) is a privately owned station broadcasting on FM, heard across an area of 35 km sq in the Hiraan region.

Only four of the station's 16 reporters had previously received any kind of formal training in journalism.

The IRIN Radio team installed a multi-media computer, with "Cool Edit Pro" editing software, in Radio Belet Weyne's studio. The capacity-building contribution also included a World Space receiver kit and antenna, giving Belet Weyne access to information and music via the Afristar satellite, and two Minidisk recorders and microphones.

? IRIN Radio Training on computer skills and on-screen editing in the studio

IRIN Radio's technician facilitated training sessions for Radio Belet Weyne staff in basic computer use and World Space technology.

Using the Minidisks and "Cool Edit Pro," IRIN Radio's Producer trained reporters on interviewing techniques and basic programme production. Minidisk recorders produce high quality sound, which can be transferred directly to the computer for digital on-screen editing with "Cool Edit Pro."

Some of the reporters quickly mastered the basics of on-screen programme production - and saw that after an initial investment of time and concentration, the technology is fast, efficient, accurate, flexible and very creative.

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