By Ahmet Sait Akcay
ANKARA (AA) - Taiwan's first nationwide aboriginal radio station has begun broadcasting in Taipei and hopes to raise awareness of local cultures and the diversity of the country.
Alian 96.3, which is operated by the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation, promotes local aboriginal culture, history and dialects by broadcasting in the country's 16 officially recognized indigenous languages.
The foundation is dedicated to aboriginal peoples' broadcasting channels and media enterprises, by engaging in culture-related programming to pass on native cultures and education, according to its website.
Alian features 15 programs on topics such as music and entertainment, cooking, social care, tourism, parental education, arts, sports and health care.
Its goal is to help protect the languages of aboriginal tribes under the indigenous languages development act.
"The founding of the station underscores the commitment of the government to safeguarding Taiwan's rich and diverse indigenous culture," Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, said during the launch of the station Wednesday, according to," Taiwan Today. "By guaranteeing access to the media for aboriginals, the government is recognizing the value of this unique cultural asset in which all citizens can take immense pride."
