Radio Povo Viqueque
Radio Povo Viqueque (RPV, also Radio Povu Viqueque ) is an East Timorese radio broadcaster and member of the Asosiasaun Radio Komunidade Timor-Leste (ARKTL). The station is based in Viqueque , the capital of the municipality of the same name . RPV is the only radio station broadcasting specifically for the region. The program plays an important role in informing and educating the local population. RPV broadcasts on FM 97.9 MHz six days a week.
history
After the destruction after the independence referendum in 1999, the region was completely cut off from telecommunications until November 2003. Even years later, in some parts of Viqueque, the broadcasts of Radio Televisão Timor Leste (RTTL) could not be received. In addition, the national broadcasters and publications rarely address local issues. In 2010 it took weeks before newspapers from the state capital Dili came to Viqueque. Some parts of the country are inaccessible in the rainy season due to floods and landslides. Illiteracy is a common problem among the predominantly agricultural populations.
In 2000 activists from the Dutch aid organizations Vrij Oosttimor and X min Y Solidariteitsfonds organized themselves as the Radio Viqueque Support Group (RVSG) to support the local radio groups in Viqueque until they could broadcast independently. Endie van Binsbergen became the project manager and managed the project until the end of 2004.
The UNTAET turned the radio project empty spaces in the community center for temporary use. In May 2001 the training of local staff began. Odete Belo, a doctor from Viqueque, took the patronage. In November they moved to the old Indonesian television station, which is located on a hill on the outskirts of Viqueques. RPV became a member of the national network of non-governmental organizations. Ireland Aid paid for the renovation.
At the end of 2002 there were members from all five sub-districts of Viqueques. Radio Rakambia from Dili provided support with know-how transfer. Further financial support came from the German GTZ and Oxfam GB. On July 28, 2003, RPV received the official support commitment from the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications and Public Works, which is a prerequisite for applying for a broadcast license and frequency assignment. After a year of broadcasts in cooperation with Radio Rakambia, the RPV team was able to work independently in January 2004. The programs were limited to three days a month, but found a large audience. During the first half of the year, the new equipment for the transmitter came and was set up by volunteers. The new transmitter was completed in June 2004 and went into trial operation with the new system on June 24th. At 3:15 p.m. Pump Up The Volume sounded and the presenter Dulce da Costa Mariano spoke the first words “Have a nice afternoon, Viqueque ...! This is Dulce on Radio Povo Viqueque. We are finally on air! ”The first day of broadcasting ran until 10 pm, while more and more people from the region gathered around the broadcasting station.
The broadcast was now seven days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Music and pre-recorded educational programs were broadcast, along with reports broadcast by a mobile unit in the area. RPV reporters were now doing interviews and reporting, with the lack of transportation being a problem. As its popularity grew, people brought information to the radio station and police themselves, and the district administrator provided ridesharing for the reporters. An information tour through the various regions of Viqueques informed the population about their new communal radio. People were invited to take direct action on the radio. In addition, radios that run on solar cells were distributed. Trial operation ended on October 25, 2004 with the official inauguration of RPV, in the presence of District Administrator Francisco da Silva and the British journalist Max Stahl .
In 2005 a small library for young people was set up in an adjoining room, financed by the Australian embassy , local non-governmental organizations and the children's magazine Lafaek . From September 2005 it was possible to take part in live discussions on the radio using SMS.
From February 18 to May 9, 2006 the transmitter failed and RPV was unable to transmit. Landslides have threatened the building since 2010, so that the broadcasting studio and library have to move to new buildings
situation
PRV currently broadcasts six days a week. The official language used is Tetum , which is also widely used as a second language among ethnic minorities . The radio signal reaches almost the entire municipality of Viqueque, except for a small part of Uato-Lari , which is isolated by hills. Parts of Baucau , Lautém , Manatuto and Manufahi can also receive RPV. The cost of the diesel generator is a persistent problem for the transmitter. Drinking water and water for the sanitary facilities must be carried up to the radio station. There is still no means of transport for the radio, such as a motorcycle. In addition, the need for more rooms has grown.
A fan club emerged from the young people who use the library. The members keep the area around the radio station clean, bring up the water and carry out small repairs. Since there is no local newspaper, people come from more distant places to share their personal opinions on programs, to have family news such as deaths, births or weddings broadcast or to inform about upcoming local festivals.