Fifteen-year anniversary of FriiskFunk

In the heart of Schleswig-Holstein, FriiskFunk continues to be a significant driving force for the Frisian language, participation, and identity. This radio programme, produced by presenters Heike Volkerts, Kerrin Ketels, and Maike Arfsten-Jürgensen, has been a staple in the region since 2007.

Over the past 15 years, FriiskFunk has broadcast approximately 3,750 programmes and around 6,750 broadcast hours, covering a wide range of topics that resonate with the Frisian community. The programme is audible throughout the West Coast, reaching a vast audience with its commitment to the Frisian language.

The challenges of digital media presentation and the need to uphold journalistic aspirations on the internet are not lost on FriiskFunk. The programme recognises these challenges and is actively working towards addressing quality issues to ensure a more robust digital presence. Once these issues are addressed, further support for FriiskFunk's digital media presentation is expected.

The programme's digital possibilities have allowed for continued development and expansion into digital media, a testament to its adaptability in the modern age. This evolution has not gone unnoticed, with the Minister of Education, Dorit Stenke, referring to FriiskFunk as a "great treasure for linguistic diversity" in the region. Robert Kleih, the chairman of the Ferring Foundation, shares this sentiment, viewing FriiskFunk as a symbol of cultural, linguistic, and dialectal diversity.

Henning Fietze, the director of Open Channel Schleswig-Holstein, values FriiskFunk for its focus on the everyday lives of Frisian people in their language. It's not about folklore but about reporting on what moves Frisian women and men in their language. This approach has made FriiskFunk a trusted source for the Frisian community.

FriiskFunk's dedication to the Frisian language extends beyond its radio broadcasts. The programme has been proudly supported by organisations such as the Südschleswigscher Wählerverband (SSW) and the Förde Sparkasse. These organisations have provided support for technical equipment, content production, and outreach activities to promote North Frisian language and culture.

The anniversary celebration of FriiskFunk was held at the Ferring Foundation, a fitting location for such a significant event. The programme's daily broadcasts from Alkersum on Föhr continue to inspire and engage the Frisian community, and its future looks promising as it continues to evolve with the times.

Minister Stenke acknowledges the need for high-quality digital media presentation of the Frisian language and journalistic aspirations on the internet. FriiskFunk, with its commitment to the Frisian language and its community, is undoubtedly a crucial player in this endeavour. The programme's continued success is essential for keeping the Frisian language alive in people's consciousness, a mission it has been faithfully pursuing for over a decade.