Radio Favela - Brazil
Regions
Global, Latin America, South Asia
Radio Favela is an unlicensed FM radio station in Belo Horizonte, Brazil's 3rd largest city. Police stopped trying to shut down the station (for not having a license) when it proved vital in helping authorities find survivors when a flood hit the neighborhood years ago.
Communication Strategies
Citizens of the favela use the station as a soundboard for questions and concerns, as well as a place to receive and allocate donated goods. As a regular feature, an announcer reads the local newspaper; a service to a community that has an estimated 25% literacy rate.
Development Issues
Economic development, rights, youth, education.
Key Points
Radio Favela began in the 1970's in the hopes of providing youth alternatives to drug-trafficking. It has won awards from the United Nations for these efforts. Advertising revenue from the station has been donated to build a classroom for citizens to get remedial tutoring.
