Radio breaking down barriers

Radio broadcasts in local Mayan languages have provided a lifeline for families affected by Hurricane Stan. [Marcella Haddad]

In Guatemala, a powerful elite controls most media, but FGER runs many community radio stations communicating in indigenous languages and focusing on local and international issues

The working environment for independent media organisations in Guatemala is difficult.

Most of the press, radio and TV is dominated by a small powerful elite of commercial giants, tied to the political interests of the ruling class.

Much of the TV and written press is in Spanish, a language which large sectors of the indigenous population cannot understand.

Best way to communicate

Radio is the best form of communication to reach the majority of the population, breaking economic, linguistic and geographical barriers.

The Guatemalan Federation of Radio Education (FGER) has been a CAFOD partner since the early 1980s and believes that media should work to ensure the free flow of information and to tackle discrimination.

FGER is a federation of indigenous community radio stations, located mainly in the south, west and east of Guatemala, with a potential audience of five million, representing about half the population of Guatemala.

Indigenous communities involved include the Mam, Chortí, Tzutujil, Q’eqchi, Mopan, Poqomchi, Achi, Kiche, Kaqchikel, Pocomam, Kanjobal, Garífuna and Xinca ethnic groups.

Audience participation is encouraged by broadcasting programmes directly from outlying villages, generating public debate and allowing local people to voice their opinions.

FGER is made up of more than 30 radio stations and growing due to its satellite network. It also works closely with other CAFOD partners on human rights issues.

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