RAM FM (West Bank)

Infobox Radio station
name = RAM FM


area = Palestinian National Authority and Israel
airdate = February 21, 2007
slogan = 'Music Has No Boundaries'
frequency = 93.6 MHz (87.7 MHz in Jerusalem)
share =
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format = HOT AC
owner = Middle East Broadcasting Holding Ltd.
website = [http://www.ramfm.net Official site]

RAM FM was an independent English-speaking radio station broadcasting from Ramallah, West Bank.

History

----93.6 RAM FM----- ( Palestine & Israel )

Radio 702 in Johannesburg, South Africa – in PRIMEDIA BROADCASTING's stable of four Radio Station’s success ( [www.primemedia.co.za] ) – led Issie Kirsh,the founder and first Chairperson, to seek to emulate this winning formula in Israel/Palestine.In 2004,Issie Kirsh met Raf Gangat,the South African Ambassador to Palestine and the seed was planted. Three years later, after much research, groundwork and implementation, the fruit that was borne was 93.6 RAM FM – a licensed Radio Station, broadcasting from the Palestinian Territories into Israel and Jordan, with studios in Ramallah and Jerusalem.The HOT AC Music Format has already created a large captive listernership of Palestinians, Israelis and Jordanians as well as a substantial number of foreign nationals who work for Embassies,UN and International Organizations and Foreign Press in the Region.93.6 RAM FM’s format comprises of Music, Middle East Eyewitness News on the Hour, Entertaining Presenters from South Africa, UK, Palestine, Israel and Australia.Our intent was to create a ‘bridge’ between Palestinians and Israelis, as we provided a platform for both sides to discuss and listen to the other’s narrative and thereby create meaningful understanding.With Studios in Ramallah and Jerusalem, connected by micro-wave link, we have employed state-of-the-art technology to bridge the divide between two cities and two peoples.Middle East Eyewitness News was ‘in touch, in tune and independent’.In order to maintain our neutrality, as a Radio Station, we played ONLY English music and not to offend either side we opted to air ONLY commercials from multinational brands.All our Staff were subject to a Detailed Code of Conduct, which called for detached objectivity. In essence, we did not take positions, but acted as a facilitator in the debate to seek a peaceful solution to co-existence.As a South African Project, we had Radio Experience as well as institutional knowledge in Reconciliation and Nation Building – which we hoped to bring to this Region.

Latest News

Ram FM officially closed down at 7pm on 7th August 2008 with the final song being John Lennon: Give Peace a Chance. The reason cited in the final moments was the lack of advertising/income revenue required to run the station. However, the real reason behind the closure is not clear. The station will be missed by many English speakers in the the region.

RAM FM was awarded two international prizes for the significant role it played in the region. The owner and Chairman of the Station in South Africa applauded the management's role in making the Station a success which was reflected in the increase in its listenership!

References