National Radio
The Establishment of Sudanese Radio:
The Sudanese Radio was established on April 1, 1940, during World War II with funds allocated for Allied propaganda in their war against the Axis powers. A small room in the old post office building in Omdurman was chosen as its location. Loudspeakers were distributed in several large squares in Omdurman to enable as many citizens as possible to listen to the radio, which broadcasted for half an hour daily.
After the war ended, the Allies stopped the budget allocated for propaganda, and the radio almost ceased to exist. Mr. (Evans) intervened and obtained approval for the radio budget from the colonial authorities in the country. This meant that, for the first time, its budget became part of the Sudanese government’s finances. The radio thus became a mouthpiece for colonialism, opposing emerging national trends advocating for liberation and the right to self-determination. This continued until the signing of the Cairo Agreement on February 13, 1953, which eventually led to Sudan's independence.
Program Content:
Initially, the radio broadcasted for half an hour daily from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm. During this time, it featured a recitation from the Quran, a special war bulletin, and a Sudanese song, broadcasted via loudspeakers to the audience standing in front of the post office building in Omdurman.
The First Announcer:
In 1940, the first official announcer, Mr. Ubaid Abdul Noor, was appointed to oversee a program not exceeding 50 minutes, broadcasted three times a week, along with an additional 15-minute program on the remaining days of the week. This came after several volunteers had initially run the radio. However, the "Here is Omdurman" broadcast caught the attention of citizens during this period, and radios were distributed in public places.
The Old Radio:
In 1942, the radio moved from the old Omdurman post office building to a rented house in Omdurman, west of the Midwives School. It began broadcasting on a medium wave of 524 meters, and the program was expanded to a full hour daily. An English program and another one for the fighting forces were introduced, all aimed at serving the colonial objectives. It is noted that "Dubait" (a type of Sudanese poetry) was included in the radio's content to discuss the war, and in 1943, a 31-meter shortwave was introduced into the radio broadcast.
The National Radio:
The radio took steps forward as resources allowed until March 1954, when the first national government assumed power. The radio then began to serve Sudan alone in its entirety, playing a crucial role in stabilizing independence and standing firmly against the challenges surrounding it. The radio's stance was one of the most prominent factors that contributed to safeguarding Sudan's right to freedom, pride, and dignity.
Recording on Discs:
It is worth mentioning that when the radio first began, there were no recordings; all content was broadcast live. In 1949, a disc recording system was introduced for the first time, initially used to record songs, then talks, plays, and programs.
Recording on Tape:
This continued until the current radio studios were built in 1957, and magnetic tape was used for the first time.
Outside Broadcasts:
The microphone left the radio studios for the first time in 1951. At that time, outside broadcasts were limited to football matches from the Sports House in Omdurman. In 1953, the radio began broadcasting national and political events to its listeners. In 1954, a new transmitter was established, fundamentally changing the radio's reach, making it audible in most parts of Sudan and abroad, after adding a medium wave and new short waves. The microphone was moved outside the country for the first time on November 12, 1956, to broadcast the UN session, where Sudan's admission as an independent state was announced. Since then, the microphone has traveled across Sudan to cover domestic events and abroad to cover various events of interest to the country.
The First Late-Night Concert:
The first late-night musical concert broadcast outside the capital was from the city of Atbara in December 1958.
Employees:
The radio began with a single employee at first, but the number gradually increased until it reached 350 employees at present.
Targeted Broadcasts:
On July 10, 1969, the "Southern Corner" was converted from a special program lasting no more than 40 minutes on the general program waves to a full-fledged radio station with separate waves, broadcasting for three hours. The Southern Corner was first organized as a targeted program for the southern regions in 1955, following the ill-fated rebellion in southern Sudan, where some content was broadcast in southern local dialects through the general program.
The English Program:
The English program was established as an independent program broadcast on the general program waves in 1955, initially lasting half an hour, during which an English news bulletin, music, and European songs were presented. However, broadcasting English-language content within the general Arabic program dates back to the early days when English news and talks were aired between segments of the general Arabic program. Since the establishment of the targeted radio station for the southern regions on June 10, 1969, the English program was merged into this station, and content prepared in English is broadcast alongside local dialect materials in the southern part of the country and Arabic materials, including a news bulletin in English.
The French Program:
In August 1965, the French program was introduced, broadcasting for half an hour twice a week. It featured a news bulletin, music, and French songs. However, the program was discontinued in mid-1966 due to weak transmission. Preparations are underway to resume this program and establish other programs in important languages, primarily Swahili, following the current expansion plan.
Expatriates Radio:
A radio station for expatriates was established on a medium wave and three short waves to connect Sudanese expatriates to their homeland.
Juba Radio:
On December 15, 1962, a local station was opened in Juba, broadcasting on a short wave of 50 meters. It was clearly heard throughout the three southern provinces and within neighboring countries along the southern borders. It broadcasted for three hours daily, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with an additional program on Sundays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Saturday and Thursday evening program was also offered from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with extended broadcasts during national events. The radio ceased broadcasting in February 1965, following a decision to concentrate work from the main radio station in Omdurman.
The Holy Quran Station:
The Holy Quran station was launched on October 15, 1970, as an independent radio station, broadcasting for two hours from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. On July 5, 1971, the station’s schedule was adjusted to broadcast from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and offered additional broadcasts on Fridays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
National Unity Radio:
After the signing and full implementation of the Addis Ababa Agreement and the achievement of national unity between the southern region and the rest of the country, and following the establishment of the regional radio station in Juba, the program directed from Omdurman Radio to the south was reconsidered and replaced with a new radio service serving both the north and south simultaneously. The most suitable name for this new service was "National Unity Radio." Indeed, the program directed to the southern region was stopped, and National Unity Radio began its broadcast on October 11, 1976, coinciding with the celebration of the Republic Day, to serve the goals of national unity. Its duration was increased from three hours to six hours, incorporating purely local content and completely avoiding non-Sudanese materials.
Voice of the Sudanese Nation Radio:
On Monday, February 11, 1977, during the "Between the People and the Leader" program presented by the President of the Republic (the monthly meeting), a citizen suggested in a letter to the President changing the name of National Unity Radio to "Voice of the Sudanese Nation Radio." The citizen's proposal was accepted by the President, who immediately directed the program to change the name. From that date, February 11, 1977, this new service has been called "Voice of the Sudanese Nation Radio."
Somalia Targeted Broadcast:
In July 1967, an agreement was reached between Omdurman Radio and Somalia Radio, whereby Omdurman Radio would present a weekly program titled "From Omdurman to Mogadishu" for half an hour, and Somalia Radio would present a similar program titled "From Mogadishu to Omdurman."
Studios:
As mentioned earlier in this historical overview, the radio moved to its current location in 1957. At that time, there were only four studios. Four new studios were built and inaugurated in February 1976, but their equipment was burned during the events of July 2, 1976. Four more new studios were built, and the burned studios were repaired and reopened together (the four new and four burned ones), making a total of eight studios on May 27, 1977. This increased the number of studios at the radio station to 12.
Radio Transmission:
- Al-Arda: The medium wave 524 with a power of 50 kilowatts.
- Al-Fatihab: Two short waves, 25-60, each with a power of 20 kilowatts.
- Soba: Opened in 1965, the medium wave 900 with a power of 50 kilowatts.
Current Transmission Coverage:
Radio Omdurman is currently heard clearly in all parts of the country. With the recent expansion in transmission equipment and international wave distribution, it is also heard abroad.
The First Live Broadcast of the Arab Summit Conference:
The Sudanese Radio recorded a historic event by being the first Arab radio station to broadcast live the proceedings of the Arab Summit Conference held in Khartoum on August 29, 1967.
Expansion and Technological Advancements:
Over the years, Radio Omdurman has witnessed continuous growth and technological advancement to keep up with the needs of its listeners and adapt to new broadcasting methods. The establishment of multiple transmitters and the improvement of studio quality have played a pivotal role in increasing its reach and effectiveness.
Special Broadcasts and Coverage:
Radio Omdurman has covered numerous significant events, including national celebrations, religious events, sports tournaments, and political conferences. Notably, it was the first Arab radio station to provide live coverage of the Arab Summit Conference in 1967, demonstrating its capabilities and commitment to delivering real-time news to the public. The station also expanded its broadcasting to cover various languages and regions, providing specialized content tailored to different audiences.
Commitment to Social and Cultural Content:
The radio’s programming has always focused on social, cultural, and religious content. Programs related to Sudanese heritage, poetry, drama, and music have been broadcasted, nurturing a sense of national pride and identity. The establishment of targeted stations, such as the Holy Quran Station, shows the emphasis on catering to the religious needs of the audience, while the inclusion of the "Southern Corner" and "National Unity Radio" highlights efforts toward social cohesion and national unity.
Role During Independence and Post-Independence:
The Sudanese Radio played a crucial role in shaping public opinion during Sudan's struggle for independence. After independence, it became a tool for nation-building, promoting the values of independence, freedom, and development. By focusing on national news, cultural heritage, and development issues, the radio has helped shape a cohesive Sudanese identity and promoted development programs.
Innovation in Content Delivery:
Radio Omdurman continuously innovated in its content delivery. By introducing the first live football match broadcasts and remote coverage of significant political and social events, it set a precedent for other radio stations in the region. It continued to evolve by offering diverse programs that included educational, health, agricultural, and entertainment content.
Influence and Outreach Beyond Borders:
The establishment of programs like "From Omdurman to Mogadishu" demonstrates Radio Omdurman's influence beyond Sudan. The station has served as a bridge connecting Sudan with other nations, especially in the context of regional cooperation and cultural exchange. It has contributed significantly to regional dialogues and shared interests in East Africa and the broader Arab world.
Preservation of National Memory:
Radio Omdurman remains a vital repository of Sudan’s national memory. It has preserved historic speeches, debates, and music that are crucial to understanding the country’s history and evolution. Its archives serve as an educational tool and a cultural treasure, reflecting Sudan's journey from colonial times to independence and modern statehood.
Recent Developments:
In recent years, Radio Omdurman has been adapting to the digital age. The introduction of live streaming, podcasts, and social media integration has allowed it to reach a younger audience and remain relevant in the face of evolving media consumption habits. This transition ensures that the station continues to serve as a cornerstone of information and culture in Sudan.
Conclusion:
Radio Omdurman’s rich history, from its inception during World War II to its role in modern Sudan, showcases its evolution as a platform for communication, education, and national unity. It has not only reflected the political, social, and cultural dynamics of Sudan but has also played an active role in shaping them. Today, it stands as a testament to Sudan’s diverse heritage and ongoing journey toward development and unity.