The University of Costa Rica’s television channel (Channel 15, UCR) began broadcasting in 1982. Its content consists of journalistic, scientific, educational, and cultural programs as well as entertainment. The University Group also runs three radio stations: Radio University 96.7 FM, Radio U (101.9 FM), and Radio 870 AM.
Media assets
Television: Canal 15 UCR
Radio: RUCR Radio Emisoras
State Media Matrix Typology
Independent State-Funded (ISF)
Ownership and governance
The appointment of the Media Group UCR’s director is appointed by the University of Costa Rica through its University Council. Meanwhile, the selection for the television channel’s director is executed via an open competition, with the role entailing a four-year tenure. The most recent appointee to the latter position is Dr. Marlon Mora, a professor at the university and former president of the College of Journalists and Professionals in Communication of Costa Rica.
The operations of the broadcast group are governed by the university’s Organic Statute, which places it under the auspices of UCR’s Vice-Rectory. Despite its status as a public institution, the University of Costa Rica prides itself on its assured autonomy and remains independent from direct government intervention.
Source of funding and budget
As outlined in budget figures released by the University, annual expenses for UCR TV in 2020 amounted to CRC 1.15bn (US$ 1.9m), while its radio department incurred expenditures of CRC 775m (US$1.3m).
Three years later, UCR TV was allocated a slightly reduced budget of CRC 1.046bn (US$ 1.89m), while the radio division maintained its funding with CRC 775m (US$1.4m), according to the University’s financial report.
Editorial independence
The broadcaster’s programming is not heavily critical of the government in editorial terms, yet it creates a diverse platform for the voices of opposition parties to be heard. The University television channel promotes robust debate and a spectrum of opinions, providing space for experts to freely comment on public policies and express critiques openly.
The editorial independence of the station is safeguarded by a set of General Regulations established by the University of Costa Rica media. While Costa Rica has a professional journalism organization upheld by a code of ethics that ostensibly governs all journalists within the nation, UCR media lacks a dedicated, impartial mechanism for assessing and validating its editorial autonomy.
April 2025