THE FRIDAY BULLETIN
On April 25 2003, The Friday Bulletin went into
print ushering in a new era which gave Muslims in the country a
regular source of information in the print media. Prior to this,
various Muslim publications had existed only to fold up leaving
behind a vacuum in news and information.
For several decades, Jamia Mosque Committee was
publishing newsletters and tracts which appeared under various names
including the Friday Khutbah and Friday Bulletin to sensitize Muslims
on various matters which included current issues and matters pertaining
to the Islamic faith. These publications however, just like other
Muslim publications were irregular thus could not fill the void
Muslims were experiencing in news and information.
Alhamdulillah since April 2003, The Friday Bulletin
has not looked back and has earned itself a niche as the mouthpiece
of the Muslim community in the print media. On every Friday, Muslims
are assured that their favourite copy of The Friday Bulletin would
be available at Jamia Mosque.
From the initial four pages, The Friday Bulletin
has expanded to eight pages and its appearance has been enhanced
with the two colour format on the first page. InshaAllah, the publication
is expected to be a full two-colour paper. There is also additional
content including features specifically for women and children thus
making the bulletin a family friendly publication.
Due to its appeal and influential role in the
community, the Vice President’s office, the Office of the
Prime Minister, various ministries, Members of Parliament and various
diplomatic missions have corresponded with The Friday Bulletin to
clarify on issues raised or for sending messages to the Muslim populace.
Initially the total copies of The Friday Bulletin
printed were only 5,000 and distribution was only confined to Jamia
Mosque. Due to the growing demand, this was doubled to 10,000 copies
and distribution was extended to cover various Nairobi mosques as
well as other towns within the country including Mombasa, Kisumu,
Nakuru, Eldoret and Garissa among others.
Presently, on average, 10,000 copies of The Friday
Bulletin are distributed every week throughout the country and the
major capitals in the region. Even with these numbers, the demand
is far from being met as we still continue to receive request from
different parts of the country for a regular supply of The Friday
Bulletin. At the touch of a , The Friday Bulletin can be accessed
throughout the world on the Jamia Mosque website www.islamkenya.com.
Further, thousands more receive an electronic
copy of the publication every Friday through their emails.
Three years ago, The Friday Bulletin after consultations with Ulamaas
started accepting advertisements as a way of reducing on the soaring
cost of printing. Before this, enquiries about advertising were
pouring in after the realization that this was the best avenue of
reaching the Muslim audience. Since the concept was initiated, the
response has been encouraging and has gone a long way in reducing
the cost of printing the publication. Among the regular advertisers
have been Islamic banks, mobile service providers, Non-Government
Organizations, Islamic institutions, corporate companies as well
as individuals.
During the last year, Alhamdulillah, The Friday
Bulletin advertising revenues amounted to Kshs. 2.1 million against
an average rate of Kshs 2,916,000 which is the current annual cost
of printing the Friday Bulletin. InshaAllah we foresee this revenue
to grow further thus ensuring that The Friday Bulletin is self-sufficient
in its operations.
Five years ago when The Friday Bulletin rolled
off the press, we never envisaged that we will reach the point where
we are today but with the grace of Allah, the Friday Bulletin is
now recognized as a powerful tool of news and information in the
Muslim community.
The media is an important element in the present
day society, with Islam and Muslims being on the receiving end,
a vibrant Muslim media is one of the main areas where the view points
of Muslims can be expressed in defending Islam and Muslims.
We are gratified to say that in this area, The
Friday Bulletin has played a big role in enlightening the injustices
perpetrated against Muslims in many avenues and most importantly
in the so called war on terror.
Our overall goal remains to see Kenyan Muslims being informed on
the events surrounding them in an objective manner that reflects
the Muslim perspective. This InshaAllah will not remain in the print
media but also be extended to the electronic media. Still in consideration
is the introduction of a Swahili print edition.
With resolve and determination, there is nothing in the way to stop
us from this accomplishment.
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