[cr-india] OFFTOPIC: Persian radio station crosses geographical barriers

[Frederick Noronha]

Persian radio station crosses geographical barriers
Indo-Asian News Service

Tehran, April 26 (IANS) Seda-ye Ashna (Familiar Voice) is the first
international Persian language radio network based in Iran catering to
Iranian expatriates in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Established in 2004, it attempts to boost relations with Iranian
expatriates across the world. It aims at making amends for cultural,
religious, historical, and social shortcomings, apart from decreasing
the cultural and religious chasm that has arisen between the locals
and the expatriate community.

Another objective of the network is responding to foreign propaganda
on religious and political affairs in Iran, the Mehr news agency
reported.

According to Amir Nasirpur, the director of the radio network, there
are three generations of Iranians living abroad.

"The first group lived in Iran for a long time and experienced the
Iranian culture and traditions in their own country. The second
generation is less familiar with their Iranian identity, and the third
one might have never seen Iran. Programmes are scheduled to cover all
age groups, with special emphasis on the country where they live,"
explains Nasirpur.

"The main problem, especially with the Americas, is that we have just
one station and we have to cover many countries with different time
zones," he says.

"There are plans under discussion to expand the network based on the
time differences."

Asked whether radio had lost its significance in the information age,
he says he is convinced that there is an information war under way
throughout the world.

"These changes are normal in the information age. Anyone who is more
experienced, wiser and faster in information dissemination will be the
winner. We do not consider it an unpleasant occurrence. We are doing
our best to reach our intended goals," he added.

Further, Nasirpur points out: "There were 24 radio stations on the
Internet in 2004 while there are millions of radio stations available
now."

He says the government did not support the project initially but
matters improved as Seda-ye Ashna personnel managed to develop closer
relations with officials of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting
(IRIB).

"The station will also be broadcast from Telstar 12, Telstar 5,
Nilesat, Arabsat, and Asiasat 2 in the near future," he said.

"Contrary to what is usually thought about foreign-based Iranians,
they are very eager to learn more about their culture and to reconcile
with their identity. They also want to teach Iranian traditions to
their children. Iranians are unique," notes Nasirpur.

He expresses hope that Seda-ye Ashna would become a centre for
interactions between all Iranians everywhere.

"We are here to break the geographical boundaries and to establish
unity with all foreign-based Iranians, and we also ask them to express
their views, criticism, and problems to us," states Nasirpur.
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Frederick 'FN' Noronha   | Yahoomessenger: fredericknoronha
http://fn.goa-india.org     | fred at bytesforall.org
Independent Journalist   | +91(832)2409490 Cell 9822122436
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