Category: Champions Organizations: KFOR Tags:
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You have recently celebrated 20 years of Radio KFOR. What does this Radio represent to you today, 20 years later?
- We just marked the 20th anniversary of Radio KFOR. In 1999, our voice of peace was heard for the first time. At that time, we were broadcasting live from a small military truck. At the time, it was not easy to promote such messages. Today, in addition to celebrating our 20th anniversary, we inaugurated the new Radio K4 building with modern studios. 20 years later, people in Kosovo know all the messages and they welcome our messages of peace, tolerance and coexistence. Therefore, I can say with pride that this radio has for 20 years been a medium that transmits accurate, reliable information and is the powerful voice of the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo – KFOR.
What did those beginnings look like, what would you single out as some of the worst or the best moments?
- Every startup has its difficulties, but when working alongside professional people, the people who as a basis have peace and security, you overcome without feeling overwhelmed. As I have mentioned in other interviews, I was born and raised in Belgrade, so I can say that Radio KFOR was the ideal place for me, as there were times when I first aired shows in both languages, Albanian and Serbian. This has broken the division and over the years KFOR Radio has become a reliable medium for all communities living in Kosovo.
Over the past two decades, members of different communities have worked in this radio. What did this building of interpersonal relationships look like, that is, the rebuilding of trust that was disturbed by the conflict?
- Since its initiation, Radio KFOR has been the home to all communities, providing young people with the opportunity to show their talents. Being talented young people, they have realized that the future can be built through respect, tolerance and cooperation. And these three characteristics have not missed a single moment from the beginning until now. That's why Radio K4 is popular in the public. We (Albanian and Serbian staff) through excellent cooperation, manage to convey positivity through our waves. Through this interview, I would like to encourage young people to follow our example and to work with all communities, because only in this way we can create a bright future for all.
How many of you are working in the Radio today?
- We are currently 18 people, Serbs and Albanians. Some of us are part of the staff since the opening of Radio and others have joined over the years.
What kind of topics are you mostly covering?
- As the age of our listeners start from the age of 4, we focus on the right information, without neglecting entertainment, sports, music and so on. We are known in Kosovo for releasing the best music. We have a variety of interactive shows covering the topics of coexistence, tolerance, respect, love and much more.
Our section is called ,,Champions”. Accordingly – who are the trust building champions for you in Kosovo?
- I can definitely say that it is Radio KFOR. And the other good thing about KFOR radio is that it gives space to young people, to those young people who I can say are champions in confidence-building, organizing different activities, including young people from all communities, and being an example to everyone.
You have years of experience working with different communities. What needs to be done to build trust?
- Trust is not easily created, it is built for years. You need concrete examples, successful examples. This has been done by Radio KFOR, bringing together young Serbs and Albanians in many activities. The latest case is the anthem of Radio KFOR which was first sung by two young girls, coming from the Albanian and Serbian communities. I think this song miraculously represents our work and commitment.
On the other hand, I have to say that I have been a part of Radio KFOR for 20 years. In addition to the staff of Albanians and Serbs, I have had the opportunity to cooperate with soldiers from different countries that are part of the KFOR mission. I've learned a lot from all of them! I learned about their tradition, culture, language, etc. I am very grateful! It is fortunate to work in such a rich environment with diversity!
What is the role of the media in this, for example Radio KFOR, but also other media reporting in Kosovo?
- The media plays a very important role, so they need to be very careful what they are cracking down on. They should be media that share knowledge, peace, harmony, tolerance and entertainment.
At the end, on my behalf and on behalf of all Radio KFOR staff, I thank you for your support and cooperation, and I wish you all the best for the New Year’s holidays with the hope that the year 2020 will bring more tolerance, understanding, peace, health and love to all!
Emina Hyseni Shala
Radio K4 Manager
