Brazil: Catholic radio stations as a tool for evangelization

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Recognizing the value of radio and the important role of Catholic radio stations in the diffusion of evangelical values, the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) has approved the creation of the first census of Catholic radio stations in Brazil.

According to the note issued by the CNBB, received by Agenzia Fides, the census will be an important tool for missionary work. “An opportunity to promote unity, to grow together as Church and to communicate more effectively and specifically,” reads the letter sent by the organizers of the Census to Catholic radio stations.

The search, conducted online, examines Catholic radio stations, whether commercial, educational, or community radio stations; belonging to archdioceses, foundations, associations, parishes, and religious congregations.

The objective is to understand how the radios are organized, where they are located, what they do, and outline an overview of the real situation of these media, the common and particular challenges, and the possibility of finding mutual support.

“The synodal spirit is what Pope Francis is asking of us: to walk together and in communion is necessary. Common actions, sharing experiences, joining forces, and strategies to strengthen our stations and allow us to integrate our radios and the Church in Brazil. And this will only be possible with the data obtained through the census,” explain the organizers.

The year 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the first radio broadcasts in Brazil. For this reason, the President of the CNBB Communications Commission, Monsignor Joaquim Giovani Mol, has taken the opportunity to organize the census since radio is “a vehicle that has overcome the barriers of time and has not aged; on the contrary, radio is increasingly current and is present in the lives of thousands of Brazilians”.

According to a survey, 80% of Brazilians listen to the radio. These figures alone indicate the relevance of this medium, but according to the survey, this figure is two points higher than in the previous year, i.e., radio is not only widely listened to but is expanding, and this is an indication that radio has credibility, has a name, arouses people’s confidence.

“Trust is undoubtedly an important element in our mission as evangelizers through the media”.

The census results from a partnership with the Catholic Radio Network (RCR) and Signis Brasil. About 300 stations are connected to RCR, and 50 stations broadcast the news program “Brasil Hoje” (“Brazil Today”) by RCR.