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Radio 

Radio plays a key role in informing the general public. In urban areas, household access to radio is nearly universal, according to the AudienceScapes urban survey. In addition, about 84 percent of respondents said they listen to the radio at least weekly and 67 percent do so daily.

Chart 1

Like television, the radio sector is perceived to be politically polarized, with stations either supportive or critical of the Ortega government. There are about 200 registered radio stations, of which about 150 are on FM and 50 are on AM. Radio Nicaragua is the official radio station of the elected government. However, according to our urban survey, it only has about 3 percent of urban weekly listenership.

Chart 2

In addition to the national state radio station, there are 14 community radio stations overseen by local governments. Originally, these stations were confiscated property taken during the transition from the Somoza regime to FSLN or Sandinista control, and they became a part of a larger quasi-state network referred to as CORADEP.

The CORADEP network sought to create radio stations that not only informed listeners but also gave them a means of expression. Some of these participatory stations developed networks of “popular correspondents” who phoned in news from neighborhoods and workplaces. With the electoral victory of Unión Nacional Opositora in 1990, these stations were placed in the hands of municipalities. [2]

Control over these stations has become contentious, especially at times of political transition. Many are located in regions that lack other broadcast outlets and are thus very powerful communication tools controlled by local authorities.

CORADEP’s flagship station located in Managua is La Primerísima which was donated to an association of radio professionals (APRANIC) when the network was disbanded. The station has maintained its independence and is known for objective reporting about both the ruling government and the opposition. .

Chart 3

Radio, along with television, remains a tool for education and social change. For example, the nonprofit Puntos de Encuentro, based in Managua,,created a youth talk show called SSRadio, a sister program of the long running television program Sexto Sentido. SSRadio is a broadcast daily with an open line telephone and edutainment format. Much of the programming touches upon health and sex issues, mixing educational entertainment, music and debate. An estimated 25,000 young people tune in regularly through 11 local stations in Nicaragua, and many more listen live or via streaming audio on the Internet.[2]

[1] “Media Moves.” Envio Magazine. Universitad Centroamericana Managua, Nicaragua. No. 108 July 1990. Accessed December 2009. http://www.envio.org.ni/articulo/2618.

[2] ”Programs.” Puntos de Encuentro. Managua, Nicaragua. Accessed December 2009. http://www.puntos.org.ni/english/programs.php.