Jean-Marie Gesner, communications manager at the Haitian Red Cross Society, introduces the very first live radio show to listeners across the country on 90.1 FM.
Dr Guiteau Jean Pierre fields questions from listeners sent in via SMS. Producer Sharon Reader looks on as Jean-Marc Apollon, CEO of Radio 1, takes charge of the soundboard.
Stories from the field
Haitian Red Cross takes to the airwaves
By Gennike Mayers, IFRC
August 25, 2010
Mid afternoon on Wednesday July 14, the Haitian Red Cross went live across Haiti - broadcasting their first ever radio show from Red Cross base camp in Port-au-Prince. Broadcast on the Haitian network “Radio 1” in French and Creole, the show carried information on the Red Cross’ response to the January earthquake. It also allowed listeners to provide feedback via SMS text.
Haitian Red Cross executive director Dr Jean-Pierre Guiteau was a guest on the first program.
“The speed of radio allows us to be closer to the population,” he said. “I couldn’t miss this opportunity to explain to our listeners what we’re doing to help the most vulnerable since the earthquake. It was the opportunity to promote our organization and our services but also it was the perfect occasion to give a voice to the voiceless.”
Marcel Fortier, the head of delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies also joined the show. “The most interesting thing about this program is that we are able to listen to the needs of the community,” he said. “It’s about having a two-way dialogue.”
The radio program will continue weekly on 90.1FM. Through it, the Red Cross will share information on services that are available to community members, such as health care, potable water and sanitation, psychosocial support and shelter. It will also focus on efforts to prepare communities for possible hurricanes.
