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Documentary: New World, New Radio

A six-part podcast documentary series documenting the resilience of radio stations in Latin America at the time of the pandemic and how they have become a core element of the crisis

Radio is undoubtedly one of the most resilient communication networks of our time. Since it was formed in the mid-nineteenth century, so many cultural and technological revolutions have happened.

This iconic technology has spanned from historical, intellectual, and entertainment to human growth from the late 1800s to the present day. Radio continues to be one of the most reliable and used means of communication in urban and rural communities in the 21st century, providing access to information.

To mark the 10th annual celebration of World Radio Day, New World, New Radio, celebrating the continuous change and adaptation of the medium, the UNESCO Regional Office for Sciences for Latin America and the Caribbean will launch a six-part podcast documentary series in collaboration with CPR (Centro de Producciones Radiofónicas) documenting the resilience of Latin American radio stations in the time of the pandemic and explores how local networks have become a central elements of the crisis.

The series explores the resilience of radio through the current global health crises that has also highlighted economic, social and political cracks in a number of the communities documented. The programmes also discuss the efficacy of technological advancements and the most creative approaches that are being implemented to ensure their sustainability, economic viability and social impacts on today's radio stations, in particular community radio stations.

The series will be available on the on Anchor, Apple, Google Podcasts and Spotify and free for download from the CPR and the UNESCO Montevideo website.

"Radio continues being the medium with the greatest penetration in the world, with a capacity for transmitting information and knowledge that make it a common good for humanity", said Rosa M. González, Regional Advisor for Communication and Information for Latin America and the Caribbean of UNESCO.

Within the same framework of the global celebration, Ms. González, will take part on a panel of experts in a virtual event promoted by the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters of the region, which can be seen live on Friday 12nd February, 12 p.m. (time ARG-UY), through the Fundación Comunicándonos Facebook account.