Brussels, Asharq Al-Awsat- A new Iranian radio station has been established in Holland, aiming at the Iranian youth, Asharq Al-Awsat has learned. Radio Zamaniya aims to become the voice of the Iranian youth, according to a statement issued by Radio Holland. The new station will not avoid dealing with contentious issues such as sex and women's rights, added the statement.

"The Iranian youth is thirsty for knowledge and is not satisfied with the information provided to him by the one-sided point of view presented by the Iranian media," said Bantiya Moudiri, an employee at Radio Zamaniya. Moudiri added that young men and women in Iran want to learn a lot about human rights and world politics. Among the organizations which helped to establish Radio Zamaniya is the non-governmental organization Journalism Now. This NGO helped train some of the journalists working for the Iranian station. The new station will begin with 12 to 15 employees. Its managers believe that citizens across Iran will be able to receive the station's broadcasts. Radio Zamaniya's broadcasts will be transferred through satellite, Internet and short wave.

Reports indicate that six million Iranians are using the Internet; many have satellite dishes, and most have radios. The station will broadcast 24 hours a day. Four hours each day will be dedicated to news and culture issues, and the rest will consist of music. Unlike Iran, where it is not allowed, women singers will be heard on Radio Zamaniya at all times.

posted by HUMINT  # 3:35 AM