Enfomasyon Nou Dwe Konnen (News You Can Use)

This daily, 15-minute radio programme distributes critical information about water distribution points, openings of displaced persons camps, the role of search and rescue teams, public health advisories, culture, and more. Local journalists, hired by Internews, are reporting the stories. The idea is that providing Haitians with information is critical to their continuing struggle to obtain employment, education for their children, permanent housing, and access to health services. The programme invites direct feedback from the affected population in the form of short messaging service (SMS) text messages and emails, keeping the broadcast current. As of June 2010, Enfomasyon Nou Dwe Konnen was airing on 25 local radio stations.

Click here to listen in Creole; click here to listen to sample programmes translated into English.

Disaster, Emergency.

Within a matter of days after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake, Internews brought in a team of 6 specialists and 2 portable broadcast units. The first programme included stories refuting rumours that there was an imposed curfew in Port-au-Prince, and notice of water distribution locations, bank re-openings, and waste management services. Information from the Red Cross discouraged hasty and uncoordinated disposal of bodies, and refuted false assertions that dead bodies cause disease. Internews staff in Haiti produced the programme and initially distributed it on CD to 11 stations; more stations have been added as they return to broadcasting. Click here to listen to the broadcasts online.

As of June 2010, Internews reported that progress has been made in providing food, shelter, employment, and information to those who survived the devastating earthquake. However, close to 2 million people were at that time still living in makeshift camps, where problems of garbage disposal, health, security and domestic violence are compounded.

According to Internews, a recent survey found that 82% of men and 67% of women listen to Enfomasyon Nou Dwe Konnen as an information source. Radio, along with church, is one of the most trusted sources of information in Haiti, and people overwhelmingly prefer local stations.