Benghazi – Benghazi Local Radio on Wednesday celebrated the 31st anniversary of its founding, which dates back to August 13, 1994, under a decision by the former General People’s Committee for Information and Culture. The station was the first in Libya to broadcast on the FM band.
Radio Director Suleiman Al-Qabaeli told the Libyan News Agency that trial transmissions began on August 9, 1994, before the official launch on August 13, which at the time featured only two hours of programming in the morning and another two in the evening, receiving a warm response from the public. He noted that continuous broadcasting began in 1996, highlighting the significant advances in broadcasting technology compared to older equipment such as reel-to-reel machines. The station continues to operate on a quarterly programming cycle, along with special broadcasts for national and religious occasions.
Coinciding with the anniversary, media figure Salem Al-Fitouri, one of the station’s founders, recalled on his official Facebook page the moment he voiced the first words “This is Benghazi” during the inaugural broadcast in 1994. He also reflected on his work in producing and presenting a series of popular programs, including Shabab Shabab, Information Race, and Good Morning Benghazi. Al-Fitouri noted that from the first day he served as head of news, later moving to programming and editorial planning, and eventually becoming director of programs.