Community radio stations in Guatemala are interested in developing programs about the environment, health issues, women's rights, and much more. To date we have two sponsored programs being produced: “Coffee Talk” and “Salud y Vida.” Both of these programs are written and produced locally by Guatemalans, but made possible through underwriting. La Sociedad de St. Martin de Porres underwrites “Salud y Vida”; “Coffee Talk” is underwritten by Dean's Beans, an organic fair-trade coffee company located in Orange, MA. Both programs have proven to be very popular.
"The majority of farmers are using chemical fertilizers because it's faster, and they don't have confidence in organic fertilizers," said Rosendo Pablo from Radio Qman Txun. "But they really like “Coffee Talk” and are interested now in trying organic products at some point."
Radio stations also have been raving about “Salud y Vida.” Vicki Garcia from Radio Sembrador commented that many listeners who call the station say they don't have other means of obtaining vital health information. These programs reach thousands of people every day.
The Guatemala Radio Project is building the capacity of local people to produce quality radio programming, but sustaining these shows takes sponsors and underwriters.
If you or anyone you know is interested in underwriting a show for the Guatemala Radio Project, let us know! Contact us at mcamp@cs.org or agnes@cs.org 617-441-5400.
