UN launches free radio news service for United States market

United Nations Radio today launched UN Radio News/USA, a new source of audio feeds for radio broadcasters about the world body and issues affecting people in the United States.

Available free to all stations through the web, the service is updated as news breaks.

Susan Farkas, Chief of the Department of Public Information's Radio and Television Service, called the initiative a "one-stop shop" for US broadcasters. "They have quick and easy access to news that affects all Americans," she added.

Through the service, broadcasters can browse a selection of actualities as well as complete, unedited audio of the day's meetings, speeches, news conferences and media stakeouts, making it possible for stations to cover the UN as never before. Spanish news and special reports will also be posted.

UN Radio News/USA offers broadcasters several short bulletins each day on news and events at the United Nations, as well as longer features on UN issues with an American angle. These segments are designed to fit into local newscasts or to stand alone as international and current affairs programming.

UN Radio News/USA is produced by Jerry Piasecki, a Michigan-born award-winning radio reporter with extensive experience in broadcast journalism, marketing and international organizations.