The station was established in 1933 during the war between Bolivia and Paraguay known as “the Chaco war.” In its early days, Radio Illimani had no other objective than propaganda. It broadcasts in Cochabamba on the 93.7 FM frequency and in Oruro, Sucre, Potosí, Tarija, Santa Cruz, Trinidad, Cobija, Montero, Yacuiba, Riberalta on 94.3 FM. Its programming includes news, entertainment, sports and culture, as well as programs about and made by indigenous peoples. The station also uses the name Red Patria Nueva (meaning “The New Country Network” in Spanish).
Media assets
Radio: Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani
State Media Matrix Typology: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
Like almost all state media in Bolivia, Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani depends on the Ministry of the Presidency headed by the country’s president. Following the change in the government in 2020, the newly elected authorities led by the Socialist Party (MAS) changed the management of all state media in Bolivia, including Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani, a clear sign that the government is planning to cement its control over the state media.
Source of funding and budget
The station can generate resources on its own mainly through sales of commercials. However, the radio station depends on the government to keep it afloat as the government contributes all the funding needed to keep the broadcaster’s infrastructure working and that covers all of the station’s fixed expenses. In 2021, the government allocated some BOB 2.2m (US$ 311,000) to the station, which accounted for the majority of its budget.
Editorial independence
The station’s formal mission is the following: “To bring information to all homes in Bolivian territory, maintaining political and ideological independence, communicating the message of unity and harmonious coexistence through diverse programming, revaluing our culture and the knowledge of our roots.”
The radio’s programming abundantly praises the government’s work. The channel now mainly airs programs lauding the current government and criticizing the administration of Evo Morales. Following the change in government, the station switched to supporting the newly emerged authorities, according to local journalists.
No domestic statute and no independent assessment mechanism to validate the independence of Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani have been identified.
August 2023