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: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
Like many state media in Bolivia, Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani relies on the Ministry of the Presidency, which is led by the country’s president.
After the change in government in 2020, the then newly elected authorities, led by the Socialist Party (MAS), changed the management of all state media in Bolivia, including Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani. This indicated that the government began to solidify its control over the state media.
Source of funding and budget
The radio station can generate resources mainly through the sale of commercials. However, it depends on the government to stay operational. The government provides all the necessary funding to maintain the station’s infrastructure and cover its fixed expenses. In 2021, the government allocated approximately BOB 2.2m (US$ 311,000) to the station, which accounted for most of its budget.
In 2022, the government gave Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani BOB 2.32m (US$327,000). According to a media report, the state subsidy was hiked to BOB 2.47 (US$347,000) the following year.
Editorial independence
The station’s formal mission is to “bring 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.”
The radio station’s programming extensively praises the government’s work. The channel primarily aired programs that commended the government and criticized the administration of Evo Morales. Following the change in government, the station shifted its support to the newly emerged authorities, as reported by local journalists.
During the research for this report, no domestic statute establishing the independence of Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani has been identified. No independent assessment mechanism to validate Red Patria Nueva-Radio Illimani’s independence was found either.
July 2024