Rouh Radio was formed by a group of young people who were united by their love for Syria and their desire to deliver the real voice of the Syrian street. The young men and women launched their project “Rouh”, which translates into “Spirit”, despite the challenging circumstances, because they believe that ideas are bulletproof and that words are louder than the sound of war.
The radio aims to be the voice of the marginalized, those who haven't taken a part in military action and those who have no affiliations with the regime nor the Syrian opposition. In the founders' own words: “civil citizens living inside Syria, who never held a weapon, who are now suffering from marginalization, hunger and cold.”
Taking their targeted audience into account, the radio's programming shows a large variety of programs. The group has a daily contact with activists on the ground. Nevertheless, the radio doesn't rely breaking news in their work, but rather filter these news in order to present their context and results so as to involve their audience and find solutions.
The team were never subjected to any training session, but they strongly believe in themselves and the message they are trying to deliver and that is “Bigger than any work experience.” as they articulate.
As any other independent project, the group is having a difficult-time funding the radio, because “the main objective of the radio fundamentally contradicts any form of dependency to a certain party. Political parties and figures often monopolize media work. That's why we are still working as volunteers and we are proud of this choice,” a team member says.
What gives the group the confidence and will to continue are the messages they receive thanking the radio for being the voice of the oppressed.
