Radio Alternative Voice for Gambians (AVG)

Although the station is web-based, their programmes are relayed by a local radio station in Senegal whose signals reach the Gambia. According to the organisers, the media situation in the Gambia is very restrictive and tightly controlled. By broadcasting its programming via neighbouring Senegal, the station bypasses Gambian state controls and is able to reach listeners without fear of censorship or government retaliation.

The station aims to ensure that people have information to make informed choices about issues affecting their lives, particularly those related to governance in the Gambia. The project is designed to provide news, information, and diverse views on a wide range of issues. According to the organisers, it serves as an alternative means of communication to, and by, the people and hopes to convey respect for the right to information, promote dialogue, and build support for the democratic development of the country. Programming therefore focuses on democracy and human rights, including: the rights of women and girls; political, social, economic, and cultural rights; health and education; youth; the arts; and civic education. The organisers believe that by giving a voice to the "voiceless," civic society, and other groups, the Alternative Voice project will contribute to creating a public space for debate on the future of the country. The radio also offers a way for civil society organisations to disseminate information and to build partnerships.

The programmes are available for listening or downloading online. They are also available on CD and cassette for distribution.

Democracy and Governance, Human Rights.

According to the organisers, the media situation in the Gambia continues to deteriorate. Some independent radio stations and newspapers have been arbitrarily closed down. Presently, there is no private radio station that broadcasts its own news, and some newspapers have adopted self-censorship due to fear of reprisal from the government. This has created a situation where the citizenry lack an alternative access to the news, as their only option is news generated by state media.

The organisers say that as a result of threats, arrests, and detention of journalists and the arbitrary closure of their media houses, most Gambian journalists have either quit, left the country, or are engaged in self-censorship. With the closure of both Citizen FM and Sud FM radio stations, apparently for carrying critical news about the government, all remaining private radio stations have virtually steered away from politics or anything that the government would disagree with.