UNICEF welcomes Media Prima Radio Networks’ commitment to children and their rights
By Indra Kumari Nadchatram KUALA LUMPUR, 30 April 2009 – Children and young people have received a resounding yes from one of Malaysia’s hottest radio networks, Media Prima Radio Networks (MPRN) who recently joined hands with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to celebrate twenty years of the UN child rights treaty. The network, which manages popular Malay and English language Hot.fm and Fly.fm radio channels and more recently, Chinese language One.fm, will continue its support to children and UNICEF in 2009 by spotlighting three priorities: youth and drugs; education for all; and children and their rights. UNICEF Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Brunei Mr. Youssouf Oomar welcomed the media partnership which comes into effect at an important time, the 20th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child which falls on 20 November this year. “The media has an invaluable role to play to protect children and young people as well as to inspire them to be responsible and active citizens of their communities,” said Mr Youssouf. “Radio particularly, for its inventiveness and creativity, continues to have a special place in the lives of young people across the world.” A station committed to children
In recognition of children and their rights, MPRN will conceptualise and produce muti-language public service announcements which will be played on all three of its channels for a week each in June, September and November. To draw its listeners attention to these issues, MPRN will also create links to UNICEF Malaysia’s website from its three radio websites. MPRN, according to its Chief Operating Officer Mr. Seelan Paul, is a network passionate and committed to working for children and young people. “Apart from entertaining listeners around Malaysia, we have been fulfilling our social obligation to children and young people since the first day with our very personal and relevant approach,” said Mr. Seelan. “The station truly believes in speaking to our listeners in ways that will educate and make them aware of things without forcing information to them.” Revolutionised by new technology and innovation, radio content today is accessible to youth and children not just through transistors, but also online via the internet, through TV, on mobile phones, in our cars and busses. All it takes is a tune of a dial or a click of a button and children and young people can be entertained, informed and inspired, 24 hours a day, wherever they may be. Partnerships to protect childhood The fulfillment of children’s rights depends on actions in which everybody not only understands and respects their duties to children, but also acts upon them affirmed Mr. Youssouf. “In partnership with these popular radio stations, we plan to weave a spirit of responsibility to protecting our children and youth,” said Mr Youssouf. He added, “we hope to inspire not just our youth, but mothers and fathers, government leaders and civil society activists, religious and community elders to protect childhood for all children.”
CRC@20  20 November 2009 • Child rights & CRC • Know your rights • Take action • Ideas for all • Events in Malaysia Media Prima Radio Network All external links Newsline - Media Prima 1 September 2009: 30 April 2009: 13 November 2008: 25 July 2008: |
