Salaam radio goes on air

Ansar Ali at Salaam Radio at the Iqbal Centre with guest Rehana Kauser and Aamini Sethi (10) and Naomi Davis from the BBC EMN-160407-184939009

Salaam Radio is now airing on 106.2FM and online as it aims to showcase the positive side of Islam.

Presenter Ansar Ali, who is also a director at the station in Cromwell Road, says it is the talk of the localMuslim community after receiving a licence from Ofcom.

The Labour city councillor said getting Salaam up-and-running was a dream come true, and he highlighted two issues which he wanted the station to focus on. These were “helping the Muslim community to integrate” and “promoting community cohesion.”

He added: “There are too many negative news stories about Muslims and Islam. We feel too often our beautiful religion has been hijacked. Our religion teaches us to be kind and considerate to everyone.”

Salaam is a not-for-profit organisation with everyone volunteering their time. It had its official launch last Thursday at the Gladstone Park Community Centre where money was raised for Human Appeal International to help Syrian refugees.

Cllr Ali, a freelance broadcaster for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire for 18 years, said the station will have breakfast, drive-time and late-night shows, and that people of all faiths can get involved.

He added: “We’ve had a fantastic response. We’ve had letters of support from churches and other organisations.

“We would encourage people to get involved with Salaam. We hope it will be a catalyst to pursue careers in broadcasting and journalism.’’