The UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) through its Public Information Office and UNMIL Radio has launched a new radio channel for young people called Youth FM (YFM) on 97.1 FM.

According to a press release, YFM was created to serve the needs of young people in Liberia who make up half of the country’s population.  Like UNMIL Radio, this new radio channel will broadcast programs daily on a 24-hour basis, initially in Montserrado County.

Programming on YFM will include information and education on a variety of social, political and economic issues.  In addition, YFM shall seek to encourage dialogue and introduce other viewpoints, train aspiring broadcasters, encourage the development of the local music industry and appreciation of a variety of music.

Since YFM is for and about the youth, UNMIL Radio has recruited 31 young volunteers, ranging between ages 13-25 years, to produce and present programs that will be aired on the station. In this regard, UNMIL Radio is affording these young people a unique training opportunity to learn techniques of radio broadcasting, good working habits, teamwork, digital editing, and others.

YFM was created as a result of the non-existence of a radio station that specifically targets young people. More importantly, this group constitutes a key component of Liberia’s growth and development. Also influencing the birth of YFM is UNMIL Radio’s yearly involvement with the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting and the Day of the African Child, where UNMIL Radio noticed the passion of young people concerning their willingness to discuss issues of importance to them and find solutions for pressing problems. Ultimately, YFM will provide young people a choice on the radio market.