For a long time, the East Mediterranean Radio team had been dreaming of launching their own radio project to the whole East Mediterranean region. However, it was not until the outbreak of the Syrian uprising that their dream of transmitting FM waves from the north of Syria came true.

“The need for self expression was huge, and giving birth to this project made us so excited,” one of the co-founders explained to Syria Untold. “At first, we were a small group who knew each other, through networks of trust. Many others interested in collaborating with the project joined us later on.” 

The team is made of young men and women who volunteer their time and experience to provide the audience with a view of the Syrian context that includes politics, literature, art, environmental issues and a focus on the Syrian struggle.

The team’s approach has evolved in line with the needs and events on the ground. They no longer focus on breaking news, but choose to incorporate deeper analysis of the social and psychological effects of the conflict on Syrians, inside the country and abroad, as well as political and security issues. They also attempt to take a look into the future and contribute to raising political and cultural awareness and civil society building.

East Mediterranean Radio faces similar problems to most Syrian projects wanting to keep their independence within mounting pressure and need for funding. However, the team continues to work to ensure new programs are aired and to try to shed light from an increasingly dark scenario.