Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Iran launches Islamic radio service in English

TEHRAN -- The English language department of Iran´s Islamic Education radio station was launched here on Sunday.

Expediency Council member Seyyed Ahmad Khatami, manager of the Islamic Education radio station Mohammad-Hossein Mohammadzadeh, IRIB deputy manager Ali Darabi and several officials from the Qom Seminary attended the launching ceremony.

Khatami made an opening address, in which he said, "It is no exaggeration to say that our two radio stations, one of which is dedicated exclusively to the Holy Quran and the other to Islamic teachings, are the pride of this country and I must acknowledge that the great scholars of the Seminary at Qom have always praised them."

Ali Darabi also spoke at the ceremony, saying, "The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) airs programs in 31 languages with the assistance of a great number of professional personnel. The countries with which we have signed contracts of bilateral collaboration also draw on the experience of these people."

Radio deputy manager Hassan Khojasteh, expressing his pleasure over the launching of the English department explained, "The world is in dire need of Islamic teachings to help people find the right path in life, so we must make use of this channel as a source of guidance."

He continued that the department commenced its work with three hours of programs in English covering various issues, adding, "Although digital technology is not yet being used in the production of programs in our Persian section, the programs in English are all being produced digitally."

Khojasteh concluded that the radio station is making use of local experts for writing and supervising the programs.
(Source: Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India via rachel Baughan)