S African group sets up Middle East peace radio

RAMALLAH, West Bank, Feb 20 (Reuters) A South African-backed radio station is to start broadcasting in Israel and the occupied West Bank to promote peace in the troubled region, the media group behind the venture said today.

The English-language station, 93.6 RAM FM, hopes to provide a platform for ''peaceful dialogue'' when it goes on air tomorrow.

It station was based on a South African radio station which broadcast during that country's transition from apartheid to democracy.

''Radio is the perfect medium to get people to listen to each other,'' said news director Andrew Bolton at a press conference in Ramallah to mark the launch of the 2 million dollar project.

Organisers said RAM FM, which has studios in both Ramallah and Jerusalem, will broadcast to the West Bank, parts of Gaza and Israel.

The station, an independent commercial venture, has hired Palestinian, Israeli, Australian, British and South African staff.

Station manager Maysoun Gangat said it will air a mixture of news, entertainment and talkshows. Programmes will be presented by Israeli and Palestinian anchors, focusing on promoting peace.

RAM FM is based on South Africa's 702 Talk Radio, which the station's founders believe played a role in the country's transition from apartheid to democracy.

Reuters PDS VP0038