Radio can whip up hatred; inflaming and impassioning almost an entire nation. But in response, countering such broadcasts with messages of reconciliation can make a significant difference. 
Baraka FM interview Broadcasts on Rwandan radio station RTLM played a significant role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In areas of low or non-existent literacy skills and no other forms of media available, radio is listened to avidly. FM programmes provide all the information, education or entertainment millions of people in thousands of small communities seek and receive. Radio is also well-placed to promote love and forgiveness. “If you look at the world’s major conflict zones, you find Feba Radio is active in many of them,” says Jon Hargreaves, Ministry Development Director.
Sitting down and talking
Feba’s Baraka FM in Mombasa, Kenya, demonstrated the positive effect of reconciliation and forgiveness following the bloody post-election conflict in early 2008. Using a talk-show format, they brought together Muslim and Christian religious leaders and human rights activists. By discussing the role of religion in harmonious co-existence, as well as the church, human rights and inter-marriage issues, understanding is developing between different tribes.
At the height of the Kenyan troubles, Baraka FM’s morning show appealed to listeners to forgive and support each other, rather than perpetuate bitterness.
One practical way in which listeners responded was to contact the station during an acute food shortage to provide information about shops and areas where essential food and cooking fuel could be found. Baraka FM staff found this to be a point of healing and reconciliation.
Alternative paths from tragedy
With love and peace key tenets of the Christian faith, Christian radio provides an alternative to politically biased ‘hate media’ that promotes intolerance and incites ethnic violence. “We contribute to peace by presenting credible alternatives to war,” says Jon. “Through expressions of mercy and social dialogue we’re speaking out against the tragedies of ethnic cleansing and child soldiers bearing arms.” Sheila Maina, Baraka FM’s Station Manager, says: “I think the role of Christian radio in time of trouble is extremely important. It provides an alternative perspective – a voice in the wilderness, as it were.”