TF Iron conducts journalism training course for radio operators

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment held a broadcast journalism workshop for about 15 Afghan disc jockeys July 12 and 13 at Forward Operating Base Sharana.

The two-day workshop was held primarily for Task Force Iron’s Radio in a Box DJs, who man the unit’s six radio stations broadcasting news and entertainment for the people of western Paktika province, , said U.S. Army 1st Lt. R.J. Peek, who heads the battalion’s RIAB program.Also in attendance were several DJs from civilian-owned radio stations, said Peek, who is from Clarksville, Tenn.

The workshop, led by western Paktika’s head DJ, Karimullah, served as a refresher for attendees and touched on subjects including interview techniques, managing broadcasts, collecting general news and appealing to the interests of the audience Karimullah said.

“The material covered was not advanced or complex,” Karimullah said, “but it is a good refresher for the more experienced DJs and a good foundation for the DJs that are new to the area.”

Attendees at the workshop said they found the event beneficial, not just for the formal instruction, but for the chance to gain from one another’s experience.

“I have been working at other radio stations for five years now,” said Mohammaddin Shah, one of the newest DJs working with TF Iron. “But I still enjoy coming to an event such as this one, and I still learn something new while I’m here. There is so much knowledge in this room that we are able to share our experiences. We share what has worked for us and everyone is able to benefit.”

The DJs received certificates after completing the workshop.Peek said TF Iron also provided each DJ with a hand-cranked radio for them to give to their families so that they could listen to their radio broadcasts.