El Rol de la Radio en la Difusión de Contenido Intercultural

The media are undergoing a transformation linked to the development of a technological era; however, their essence is the same: the type of content they transmit. Ecuador in the previous government period 2007-2017 made changes in different areas, among them communication. In 2013, the Assembly approved the Organic Law of Communication that contemplates substantial changes in the management of that until then considered the fourth power of the state. The law specifies the obligation to broadcast intercultural content for a specific amount, schedules, and economic penalties in case of non-compliance. This research aims to demonstrate the role of radio in relation to intercultural content. The regulatory agency provided training at national level with the aim of guiding and channeling the creation of such content; however, there is still controversy among those involved. In order to provide a viable and tangible response to the needs detected, Ñuca Ecuador was born. The objectives of this study were: (1) to analyze the role of mass media, particularly radio, in the transmission of cultural values; (2) to develop intercultural contents; (3) to disseminate intercultural material in the Ñuca Ecuador program. Information was collected during eight months of 2016. On-site visits in different provinces, highlighting the northern area of Esmeraldas in communities whose only access is by river. This is a study with a descriptive qualitative approach, using various research techniques to collect information such as interviews, participant observation and journalistic coverage. More than thirteen thousand minutes of radio production on intercultural contents have been obtained, broadcast in 200 radio stations that are part of the Ecuadorian Broadcasting Association and with great success at the national level, including recognition by the country's communication regulatory institution (Supercom).