KANDAHAR - A new television channel opened in Helmand province on Saturday. Provincial Governor Al-Haj Mohammad Naem, who was joined by other provincial officials, inaugurated the Sabawoon Television.

“The Sabawoon TV will initially cover Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand, and adjoining five districts. However, we intend to extend the coverage to the neighbouring provinces as well in the near future. So, far our programmes can be viewed in a 50 km radius,” said Mirwais Pason, the head of Sabawoon Radio and TV.

Media have flourished tremendously in southern Afghanistan in the last decade and have played a vital role in disseminating information to the local population. Despite threats and intimidation, journalists continue to educate people on the current affairs of the country.

Sabawoon TV will mainly broadcast programmes on education, health, politics, agriculture, sports and entertainment, said Mr. Pason.

“One of our main aims is to raise awareness among the youth to come to political field and resolve their issues through dialogue and not through violence. Media can play a crucial role to bring up social and political issues for discussion,” Pason added.

Sabawoon TV currently functions with the staff strength of 15. They have received some technical equipment from the Internews, an international NGO that empowers local media worldwide.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Helmand Governor termed the inauguration of Sabawoon TV as another step towards freedom of expression and promised his full support to all media outlets.

Besides Sabawoon TV, Helmand province currently has a state run TV and Radio, four private radio stations and 14 print publications.

By UNAMA Kandahar