Radio Hawa Smart takes us back to the beginning of the Syrian revolution, when the dream of a new Syria seemed closer than ever. Launched in March 2013, it aims to provide an alternative platform for Syrians of all religious and ethnic backgrounds, without losing track of the goals of the popular uprising: freedom, equality and social justice.
The radio was conceived as a collective project, respectful of the collective spirit of the Syrian uprising, and of grassroots work and campaigns. It is Syrian-made, Syrian-targeted, and aimed at addressing Syrian concerns and demands. In the words of the founders, in an interview with SyriaUntold:
“We want to make media by the people and for the people, not just about the people, which means racism and hatred have no space. We want to be the voice of every Syrian seeking a free and democratic Syria.”
Freedom and democracy are central to all of Hawa Smart’s programs, like “Sabahak Syrian" (Your morning, Syrian), which opens the space for dialogue on the values of justice, democracy, and social diversity, with a lively and modern style.
Its first official broadcast was launched on January 1st, 2014, covering a variety of radio shows and news bulletins, and they have broadcasted daily since. The team has partnered with several radios such as Syria All, Capital Online and Souriali, and it strives to shed light on other smaller media projects.
The team is formed by several journalists and reporters with vast experience in the field of media. They are all staunch defenders of the right to free speech and its role in fostering coexistence and understanding, and devoted to promoting high ethical and professional standards in the Syrian media scenario. Hawa Smart also invests in training young people on creating and editing news content.
Since its launch, Hawa Smart has received very positive feedback, which reasserts the dire need for professional journalists in Syria. Strong independent media, committed to high ethical standards, are key to inform Syrian citizens in a context of increasing propaganda and hatemongering. Independent media are a step in the right direction, to challenge the official lies flooding the Syrian media landscape, and help fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people.
