Ak’Kutan Radio, the only Indigenous community radio station in the Toledo District of Belize, has just undergone renovations that are enabling them to reach more communities than ever before. They recently purchased a new radio antenna that is about 100 feet tall, and strategically placed it at the top of a large hill. Radio volunteer Sarah Priscie commented, “We have to climb 107 steps everyday to get up to the radio.” The strategic placing of the radio at the top of this hill has allowed the radio to reach many new communities that they were not able to reach before. As well, the radio upgraded from a 100-watt radio transmitter to an 1000-watt, which makes an enormous difference in their coverage and the sound quality.
[[{"fid":"62279","view_mode":"media_original","fields":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"","field_caption[und][0][value]":"","field_copyright[und][0][value]":"","taxonomy_vocabulary_16[und]":"_none","field_media_page[und]":"1","field_folder[und]":"3046","field_tags[und]":""},"type":"media","attributes":{}}]]
A picture of the new and improved radio antenna.
Sarah happily listed off a number of communities that they are now reaching: Silver Creek, Big Falls, Indian Creek, Mango Creek, and Pueblo Viejo. The list goes on and Sarah mentions that she believes they might even be reaching Guatemala with their new and improved coverage. Other opportunities come with this investment as well. According to Sarah, “Organizations have more interest in broadcasting with us now that we are reaching the whole Toledo district. Just this morning we had a nurse come to talk for an hour and a half about tuberculosis.” Another organization is discussing the possibility of developing a program to create awareness about climate change and preservation of the environment with the radio staff.
Ak'Kutan Radio's new facilities.
The radio is dealing with the new expenses of the radio by holding fundraising events in the community. A few days ago, they held a raffle that is allowing them to purchase a new phone for the radio, specifically so that they can receive text messages from their listeners. Ak’Kutan Radio had been off the air for three weeks during the final phases of the renovations. When they returned to the air for the inaugurations, "The radio fans and new listeners proved tha Ak'Kutan was very much missed," stated Aurelio Sho, radio founder and volunteer. They received many texts and phone calls from communities across the Toledo district, giving their blessings and well-wishes on the improvements. We wish Ak'Kutan Radio the best in their new endeavors, and look forward to continuing to share content with them in the future.
