WHAT WE DO
The Somali Media Association (SOMA) works in the following field:-
- EMPOWERING THE CAPACITY OF SOMA MEDIA HOUSES AND JOURNALISTS
The Somali Media Association (SOMA) is committed to enhance the capacity of its member media houses and journalists through various capacity building programs to improve their ability to provide quality and professional media services for the public to contribute in the efforts for the development process, peace and reconciliation.
Empowered media houses and journalists are powerful means of creating community awareness on important social issues that will send messages to the public. This will eventually create knowledgeable citizens capable of carrying their civic responsibilities.
Mass media communication is a basic human right and everyone is entitled right to information. The radio broadcasts are described to be the cheapest means of communication that the poor people too could afford.
2). PROMOTING THE SAFETY OF MEDIA HOUSES AND JOURNALISTS
The Somali Media Association (SOMA) is working on capacity building programs to improve the awareness of SOMA members on the need to develop safety protocols for the media journalists in Somalia, and how to ensure its full development. The safety protocol has the significant and need to increase the journalists’ awareness and skills in dealing with life-threatening situations in conflict areas while covering events in conflicts zones.
SOMA is also working towards developing a final safety protocol manual to be commonly shared among the media staff in Somalia.
3). STRENTHENING THE NETWORKING OF SOMA MEDIA HOUSES AND
JOURNALISTS
The Somali Media Association (SOMA) comprising of more than 40 media houses are interlinked and networking through established structured system of General Assembly with annual meeting that shares information on achievements, challenges and approving the strategic planning.
The association has governing team of Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary General and Executive members that manages and decides important issues for the association.
4). THE CONTENT SHARING PROGRAM
The Somali Media Association (SOMA) is managing the Content Sharing Program since September 2016 and has produced and transmitted more than 62 Episodes on weekly throughout all the SOMA member radio media houses across Somalia.
The content sharing program that interlink all SOMA media houses focuses on production and broadcasting quality radio programs on social issues such as good governance, peace, reconciliation, leadership, education, health and youth development program to further improve the awareness raising of the community.
The main purpose of content sharing program is to serve media services sharing between the member radio stations and linkage of the community awareness raising program, especially prevailing current issues
5). ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING CAMPAIGNS
The Somali Media Association (SOMA) undertakes advocacy and lobbying campaigns programs to observe annually the international and local events that are of special significance for improving the safety of the Somali media and journalists.
The advocacy and lobbying campaigns are also aimed to promote the independence and freedom of expression and professional journalism.