Loy9
Loy9 is a Cambodian youth entertainment-education show that started broadcasting on January 15 2012 in an effort to affirm to young people that they should have their say on issues related to running the country - for instance, they should participate in governance by voting. Created by BBC Media Action and young people, the show includes a phone-in radio programme, TV magazine show, drama, web interaction, and live games. The campaign is aimed at young people between the ages of 15 and 24 from all over Cambodia.
Loy9 is designed, made, presented, and marketed mainly by young Cambodians. This edutainment initiative uses various media, including social media, to tell the stories of young people who have contributed to their communities - showing how they can be emulated. This sentiment is summed up in its name, Loy9, which is a slang term of praise among young Cambodians.
People may: watch the TV show on CTN and MyTV; listen to the radio show on FM103 and many regional radio stations; possibly meet the Loy9 team as they travel around Cambodia in their van; visit the Loy9 website to find out how to send in materials; and/or find Loy9 on Facebook.
A key part of the show is the Bright Spots. These are films of inspiring young people like Hout Khem, a former charcoal burner who turned her life around to become an environmental tour guide. One young woman featured on Bright Spot ended up becoming Loy9's digital manager, in charge of the programme's social media. Blogger Kounila Keo was spotted by the Loy9 team when she gave a talk at the global forum for innovators TEDX. Ms. Keo is keen to change her peers' attitudes; she advocates for the opportunity to participate in political and social life, the chance to express oneself, and the prospect of living in a safe society that provides enough space for people to express themselves are all vital.
The TV show's segment Talent of the Week involves performances intending to show individuality and illustrate that if you work on something hard enough you can get really good at it.
In addition to providing entertainment and interaction, the shows endeavour to give Cambodian young people the basic knowledge needed should they wish to have their say. For example, facts are provided about the Commune Council, their local representative, which is characterised as their first port of call.
Youth, Political Participation.
United Nations (UN) figures compiled during the 2008 National Assembly elections showed that 69% of voters under 24 years old turned out to vote, compared to 88% of the general electorate. According to BBC Media Action, this is significant given that 2 million Cambodians will reach voting age in 2012. June 2012 will see their first chance to vote in the Commune Council elections; the National Assembly elections follow in 2013.
More information about Loy9 may be found through:
BBC Media Action, with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
BBC Media Action website and Loy9 website, both accessed on February 23 2012; and emails from Loy9 to The Communication Initiative on March 5 2012.
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