REF Media Network
REF Media Network is the umbrella media network of Stichting REF FM.
Stichting REF FM is a Dutch non-profit organization that develops community-based media for and by refugees and their host communities.
Through REF Media Network, we develop and support different forms of media and media production:
All REF FM radio stations, REF Stories hubs and REF Studio activities are operated under Stichting REF FM, a registered Dutch non-profit organization.
REF FM
Community radio stations operated by refugees and host communities in refugee and host communities.
REF Stories
Digital storytelling teams producing local news and stories in video, audio and written formats for digital and social media.
REF Studio
Our professional media production arm, providing video, storytelling and content production services to NGOs and other organizations.
The voice of refugees
REF FM radio stations give refugees (and their host communities) a voice, a sense of belonging, a sense of control and the power to change their lives. With programs in their own language, on issues that directly affect them and that help them develop in their host country.
Photo by: Joshua
2019
Dreaming about a community-based radio station for and by refugees
2020
Our first partner organization found, aiming to start a station
2021
The dream comes true: the launch of the very first REF FM radio station
2022
Success in Kenya fuels bigger dreams: more REF FM stations
2023
REF FM stations launched in several other countries, and the first one gets a prize.
- Launch of a station on Ukerewe Island in Tanzania.
- The station in Kenya receives its first prestigious award. More awards follow.
2024
Continued growth, serious challenges overcome
- First major setback: In Kyangwali the FM-mast collapses in heavy storm. This causes a dramatic drop in the range of the station for a long time. But the challenge is overcome in due course.
2025
The REF FM approach works, as shown by the first impact study
- Launch of REF FM radio station in Den Bosch city in The Netherlands, the first REF FM station outside Africa
2026
New strategy. REF Media Network as our parent company with 2 new entities.
- REF Stories and REF Studio become part of the network, called REF Media Network
- REF Stories is focussing on sharing stories from the community via social media
make the
We help refugees establish their own radio station. To give them a voice and the power to change their lives.
Help them by donating, advertising, or volunteering!
Hit the button ‘Join Us’ and become part of the movement.
difference
IMPACT
WORK AT REF FM
Vacancy: Editorial Lead
REF Stories is hiring : Editorial Lead
Vacancy: Community Reporter
Vacancy REF Stories: Community Reporter
Vacancy: Multimedia producer
Vacancy REF Stories: Multimedia producer
THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES
NEWS & STORIES
REFUGEE VOICES BEHIND THE LENS
We just returned from an incredible week at REF FM KK in Kenya, and the energy is still buzzing. Our goal was to capture the impact of REF FM through a new film.
REF FM STATION IN THE NETHERLANDS
In Den Bosch, the Netherlands (NL), preparations are being made for the launch of REF FM NL, the first REF FM radio station outside of Africa. The first, but certainly not the last.
REFUGEES TRAINING REFUGEES
For the first time ever a crew member of one of the REF FM SUPPORTED stations has trained the crew of another REF FM station. South Sudanese refugee Dedi Isaac from BIDIBIDI FM has been teaching the crew of REF FM KYANGWALI.
PEACE JOURNALISM IN REFUGEE CAMPS
Renowned Ugandan 'peace journalist' Gloria Laker Aciro, has been teaching the crew of several REF FM radio stations for the past few months. Teaching them all the skills needed to become a good radio presenter/reporter
REF FM FOUNDATION GROWING FASTER
REF FM FOUNDATION has hired two people to help establish new stations. In this way, even more refugees can benefit from the blessings of radio in refugee camps.