edition-dw-akademie-in-the-service-of-the-public-functions-and-transformation-of-media-in-developing-countries-pdf

Part III Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador: Three Examples From Latin American Community MediaRadio Intag (Ecuador)Changes and progress over the past yearsThe director together with the local reporters(volunteers) defines the annual programming.The allied foundation (Fundación CasaPalabra y Pueblo) has full autonomy over thecontent of its own programs.Community radios usually do not have very highly formalized internalregulations. Communication laws often establish certain controlinstances like programming committees integrated by representativesof local social organizations.During the first years of foundation, an advisorycommittee with social representativesguided the programming process, but in thelast years participation has diminished, andthe director and involved participants wouldlike to have a more active community involvement.Still there are meetings with localcommunities and the radio station is open toall visitors from the rural areas who used tobring news from remote areas. By law, theremust be a public event this year with socialrepresentatives to render public account.There are different levels of involvement and participation fromincorporation of voices to co-management. 100Radio Intag receives almost no revenues andis sustained by its director. Minor revenuescome from advertising and donations ofaround 1,500 US dollars a year from a localenvironmental foundation.Except in the case of Pio XII, financial sustainability is a serious issue.Also organizations that rely on excessive self-exploitation throughvoluntary work are risky and unstable undertakings in the long run.Radio Intag has built up an internet platformwith Real Audio player. Because the directorof Radio Intag has a full-time job as anengineer, he uses remote-control software(ZaraStudio).In all three examples there is a strategic use of internet and social medial,making different use of each channel of communication (internet, Twitter,Facebook).Digitalization is still not an important issue in Latin America.Real Audio is a good way to bypass regulations, as it does not needauthorization.Some programs like “Revista Intag” giveinterviews with local representatives;there are special productions from localbachelor schools.Pio XII has a strong local presence; Vokaribe's presence is intermittent(festival, workshops, and public events), and Radio Intag's public presenceis only incipient.Edition DW Akademie In the Service of the Public 251