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by Mohamed Hassan
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Despite the Voice of America’s abundant resources and political power, the Somali section has been struggling ever since its re-instatement in terms of quality and popularity. Of course, at first, VOA attracted some well-known radio personalities but whether or not they were able to produce good, insightful and challenging media pieces is everyone’s question or matter of a discussion/debate. However, with its current new leadership, indications are that the VOA has a good promise to not only become a reliable and trustworthy source of information in a highly saturated market, but in remaking the Service’s less than stellar performance.
As an active listener and proud American citizen, I am ecstatic about the future of the VOA Somali section, under the new leadership of Abdirahman Yabarow. The decision taken by the organization to put him at the helm is profound, with the wealth of experience in the field, level of education and leadership abilities that he brings. Yabarow’s work and credentials are known to all of us, Somalis. Aside from his unquestionable talent and experience (30 years in the field of journalism), Yabarow is one of the very few Somali journalists with advanced degree. Before he joined the VOA, his unique reporting style was heard on the BBC.
Solid leadership is what catapults institutions to new heights. With Yabarow as the new chief, the VOA has a strong opportunity to outdo its competitors. Erroneously, the organization at first focused on big names (i.e. Awke and Hereri) to compete. But it paid the price with the abrupt departure of those names and the seismic shift in its lineup.
A new generation of broadcasters is now shinning the VOA’s programs. Couple that with a fresh talent as the helm, you have a strong team that can redefine Somali journalism at its core.
Of course there’s a room for improvement. Such programs as "How Democracy Works," and the exclusive program on "America," which, for all practical purposes sounds like a narcissistic attempt to project a falsely rosy picture about the US as an infallible country, is un-journalistic and self-deprecating.
But my sincere kudos goes to the organization for its sound judgment in hiring Yabarow as the chief. For a job that requires a sharp eye, a zealous attention to details and an objective editor, he’s the kind of level-headedness that the VOA desperately needed.
Just equip him with the effective decision-making tools he needs to carry out your mission and you wouldn’t be disappointed with your decision.
Mohamed Hassan
E-mail: [email protected]