With jumper cables and a 12-volt battery, a Saddam era radio station roared to life last week and now four Iraqis are doing what has never been done as they launch independent radio and television in war-torn Iraq.
"We respect the Maliki government and all religious leaders," says Rafed Mahmood, general manager of the Independent Radio & Television Network (IRTN). "But our voice is independent. No one tells us what to say."
Four Iraqis - two Sunnis and two Shia - are becoming the voices of sectarian reconciliation, unity and freedom. Their 3000kw Italian radio transmitter is cabled up the 350-meter tower that the Japanese built for Saddam in 1986. As al Qaeda and insurgent forces gather in the neighboring towns of Buhriz and Ba'qubah, Coalition Forces are protecting the media center while rooting out the terrorists.
But IRTN has launched an offensive of its own.
"The terrorists are nothing more than criminals. They promise the people safety and protection but only deliver death," says Mahmood. "It's time for Iraqis to stand up and say enough. We must fight for our own freedom."
On March 25th, IRTN launches their UHF television broadcasts.
"Bush and Blair are freedom fighters," says Samir Kamies, television station manager. "The sons and daughters of America and Britain have died on our soil for our freedom. We are grateful but soon they must go home. Now every Iraqi must stand up for freedom."
U.S. State Department Global Outreach advisor Paul McKellips has been living with the Iraqis at the media compound since February 3rd. "Programming blocks, news shows, cultural programs and new techniques for camera and editing. They chose the substance. I help with style," says the Neenah, Wisconsin native.
Donia Abdul Lateef dropped out of law school as violence in Diyala Province escalated. The 20-year old Shia woman hopes to inspire young girls and women of all ages to pursue college and find careers in Iraqi business and government.
IRTN radio is on the air 14-hours a day and reaches nearly 11 million Iraqis. They launched their website this week (www.IRTNiraq.com) and hope that through a combination of advertising sales, licensing and eCommerce they can generate enough revenue to sustain their operations while producing enough courage to unleash freedom in Iraq.
