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Key Player in Jordan’s First Student-Run Radio Station Tours Washington, DC

Photo: Valerie Rowles/Internews Dr. Ghazwi (center) presents a plaque of appreciation to Elise Carlson (left) and Joseph Barghout of DRL for their long standing support of Yarmouk FM.

(May 17, 2007) As a component of the “International Journalism and Media Management Training Program” project in Jordan, Internews Network hosted Dr. Fahmi Ghazwi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan on a brief study tour in Washington, DC from April 29-30.  

 Dr. Ghazwi has been a driving force behind establishing Yarmouk FM, Jordan’s first-ever student-run radio station, established at Yarmouk University by Internews Network in partnership with Western Kentucky University (WKU) through a grant from the US Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL).

Dr. Ghazwi participated in a series of meetings designed to enhance his understanding of community radio station management. He visited with the Jordanian Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein; met with officials from DRL; and toured National Public Radio (NPR) and Radio WAMU at American University. Dr. Ghazwi also met with the senior management of Internews Network to strategize about the next steps in project implementation.

“I am very happy with the visit,” commented Dr. Ghazwi.  “I learned a lot and will be sure to transfer the knowledge that I have gained from this experience to my colleagues at Yarmouk University.”

The study tour in Washington, DC marked an important milestone in the advancement of Yarmouk FM as it provided fresh ideas and high-level support for the new radio station.  

Yarmouk FM began broadcasting in September 2006, with its official opening in February 2007, and has proven important to the local community of Irbid. The station provides hands-on training in broadcast media for communications students at Yarmouk University.

“Dr. Ghazwi has been a key player in the success of Yarmouk FM,” said Nadia Al Alami, Internews Network’s Regional Director for Middle East and North Africa programs.  “His leadership and management style has made it possible for Yarmouk University students to engage and take part in running Yarmouk FM. His visit could not have come at a better time, as we are discussing future collaboration with Yarmouk University.”

Dr. Ghazwi follows the study tour in Washington, DC with a series of meetings and training sessions at WKU in Bowling Green, KY.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Nadia Alami, Internews Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa