US Army Officer in charge of RIAB and Field Rep. Mike Press in the programming room discussing specifics of the project

The local radio stations in Howz-e-Madad and Hutal are struggling to connect directly with the local populace due to a lack of equipment. The citizens of the town have issues and concerns they want to speak publicly but are unable to do so. With no access to radio equipment, the issues involving Afghanistan will go unheard and civil leaders will fail at communicating their message.

The US Army is working to provide live call-in equipment for the radio stations of Howz-e-Madad and Hutal. Having access to live call-in will allow people that are being interviewed such as the District Governor to interact directly with the locals. They can hear the people's issues and provide immediate feedback as to what they are doing to help the Afghan people. This would also serve as an anonymous outlet for citizens to tell government officials about certain problems without fearing being harassed for voicing such grievances. With your support we can greatly increase the voice of civil leadership in Afghanistan and bring a voice to the people.

What does your donation buy?

• $15 buys 1 microphone
• $40 buys 1 stereo headset
• $140 buys power supply
• $560 buys 1 mixer

Original Request

"The radio station is located in the district center, which is adjacent to the army brigade's headquarters. The actual DJ and station managers are individuals who have radio station experience here in Afghanistan. They are trained individuals and we did hire one manager away from a rather successful national radio station. The equipment they are currently working with is called at approximately $22,000 and consists of a 500w FM transmitter, two laptop computers, a printer and miscellaneous office equipment as well as the facility itself. The station is operated primarily under their control with daily US oversight. The radio station employees broadcast entertainment material as well as information concerning their local area and specific messages that further the effort of stabilizing the region. The local civil leadership utilizes the station frequently to communicate with the population through taped statements. This equipment will allow the leaders to directly respond to the population through call in shows, and other events, greatly increasing the voice of the civil leadership and response to the people."