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. Today, it broadcasts on the 93.7 FM frequency in Cochabamba and on the 94.3 FM frequency in Oruro, Sucre, Potosí, Tarija, Santa Cruz, Trinidad, Cobija, Montero, Yacuiba, and Riberalta. Its programming includes news, entertainment, sports, and culture, as well as programs about and made by indigenous peoples. The station also operates under Red Patria Nueva, which means “The New Country Network” in Spanish.
Media assets
Radio: Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
Similar to many state-controlled media platforms in Bolivia, Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani operates under the oversight of the Ministry of the Presidency, which falls directly under the purview of the nation’s president.
Following the political shift in 2020, the newly installed Socialist Party (MAS) administration restructured the leadership across all state media outlets, including Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani. This move underscored the government’s bid to tighten its grip on the nation’s state-run media landscape.
Source of funding and budget
The radio station sustains itself primarily through revenue generated from the sale of commercials. Nevertheless, it relies heavily on the government to keep its operations afloat. The government shoulders the responsibility of funding critical aspects, such as maintaining the station’s infrastructure and covering fixed costs.
In 2021, the government earmarked approximately BOB 2.2m (US$ 311,000) for the station, representing the largest part of its operating budget. The following year, in 2022, this allocation increased slightly to BOB 2.32m (US$ 327,000). As reported by a media outlet, the state subsidy further climbed to BOB 2.47m (US$ 347,000) in 2023.
Editorial independence
The station’s official mission statement proclaims its dedication to “bringing information to all homes in Bolivian territory, maintain political and ideological independence, communicate the message of unity and harmonious coexistence through diverse programming, revalue our culture and the knowledge of our roots.”
However, the station’s programming frequently and overtly lauds the government’s initiatives. Historically, it centered its broadcasts on praising governmental efforts while disparaging the administration of Evo Morales. In line with a political shift, the outlet pivoted allegiances, throwing its support behind the newly established authorities, as noted by local journalists interviewed for this report in May 2024 and January 2025.
Notably, research for this report uncovered no domestic legal framework safeguarding the editorial independence of Red Patria Nueva–Radio Illimani. Furthermore, no mechanisms to independently evaluate or verify the station’s autonomy appear to exist.
March 2025