University News

WIU International Student Uses Radio to Tell About His Country

July 14, 2008

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MACOMB, IL - - Kamel Nuri is appearing on Western Illinois University's WIUS radio this summer to tell others about his home country. "Focus On the Sudan airs Wednesdays and Fridays from 6-7 p.m. at 88.3 FM and at www.883thedog.com.

Nuri is enrolled this summer in the WESL Institute to polish his English skills before heading to Illinois State University in the fall to pursue a degree in computer science. He has vocational certification as a database developer and, in addition to working on his bachelor's degree, plans to take exams to earn a certificate as a database administrator.

Department of Broadcasting Chair Sharon Evans encouraged Nuri to give the campus radio station a try while in Macomb for the summer.

"I am very interested in all media," Nuri said.

Nuri, 26, grew up in Saudi Arabia. When his father retired from teaching, the family moved to The Republic of The Sudan. After three years of computer study there, he decided to come to the U.S. to further his education.

A conversation with someone on campus who had never heard of The Sudan convinced Nuri to put a radio program together that would inform the public about this country in Central Africa. He uses his airtime to discuss politics, the economy and the weather in his home country and also plays some Sudanese music for his radio listeners.

Nuri said he wants to devote time to an international issue known to many Americans.

"I want to speak about the Darfur crisis and the effort to protect people there (through groups) like savedarfur.org and the United Nations and also the United States government," he said.

"Kamel is one of seven students broadcasting on WIUS this summer," said station manager Patrick Stout. "He also sits in and assists with our regular music shows as his schedule permits."

Content provided by Patrick Stout.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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