Bolivia – ARTESBOL: Salesian Radio Communication Network

21 June 2022

(ANS – La Paz) – In Bolivia, Salesians have a radio communication network called ARTESBOL (Association of Salesian Educational Radio-Television Stations in Bolivia). This service to society currently has seven centres located in areas prioritized by the Salesian mission. In fact, the stations broadcast their signal from the peripheries of large cities, thus showing their purely social and pastoral nature. This geographical location makes it possible for Audio Bosco to offer its radio waves to connect the most disadvantaged peoples to the rest of the country, and to provide them its microphones so that the voices of the voiceless can be heard. Thus, the radio project in Bolivia has been chosen for the Salesian Mission Day "Communicating Christ Today".

ARTESBOL radio stations were created in response to the communication needs and urgencies of the remote areas of Bolivia. Their founders were Salesians who, with the example of Don Bosco in their minds and hearts, immediately understood that it would be difficult for an isolated people to feel part of society and the Church. So, with practically no coordination and no guaranteed funds, these radios were set up with simple instruments and in ad-hoc locations, even on the dining room table of a Salesian community, or on the desk of the Rector.

Today, ARTESBOL's mission is "To be a group of radio institutions working in a Salesian style, evangelising youth and popular culture, educating, guiding, informing and involving people".

Today, Salesian radio stations face the challenge of updating themselves to ensure a meaningful presence. External factors, such as the overwhelming irruption of online broadcasting, pose a great challenge to conventional media. On the other hand, the constant economic fragility of the Salesian radio stations has prevented us from significant renewal, both in terms of equipment and personnel, which also threatens their survival. In any case, we remain in high spirits and hope that Don Bosco will continue to be present in the homes of Bolivian families.

The proposal for WMD 2022 is to strengthen the seven Salesian radio stations in Bolivia by equipping them with devices that meet current needs and technological advances. Voltage stabilisers are needed to protect the operation of the computers on which the programmes are edited. Microphones, consoles and acoustic panels also need to be replaced to provide a quality service to the local audience.

“With your small contribution you can be part of this great work of evangelisation!” the Salesian Mission Sector finally states.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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