SW Radio Africa, a London-based radio station, has won the International Press Institute’s 2005 Free Media Pioneer Award in recognition of its efforts to give a voice to the voiceless in Zimbabwe. Launched in December 2001, the station is a rare independent source of information for the listeners in Zimbabwe and half a million Zimbabwean exiles in London. SW Radio Africa’s main aim is to foster a dialogue with its Zimbabwean audience, who call in - often at great risk - to air their opinions and give first-hand accounts of the deteriorating situation in the country. In the run-up to the March 2005 parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe, the government tried to prevent SW Radio Africa from being heard in the country, jamming their signals on several frequencies.
The Free Media Pioneer Award is given annually to individuals or organisations that have fought against great odds to ensure freer and more independent media in their country or region.
