From On Air - Fall 2003

Interactive in the Andes

Imagine you’re listening to a broadcast of a new radio soap opera. You’re a little uneasy at some of the subjects being explored, but you’re enthralled with the story. Then one of the characters makes a comment that you don’t understand, or says something that rings true for you, or angers you. You have something to say about it — a question, a comment, an insight — and you want the opportunity to respond.

PCI’s new broadcast in Peru will allow you to do just that. In an innovative program model, the weekly serial drama will be broadcast as part of an interactive radio show. When issues are raised in the serial, audience members can call in and have their questions answered—by experts in the field—on the air. Individuals who have dealt with these issues will also be on hand to offer their personal experiences.

After initial airing at the national level, PCI plans to distribute the serial drama to a network of community radio stations. Representatives from these stations will be trained to host the live sections of the broadcast, with an emphasis on local issues. PCI intends to then replicate this model throughout the Andean region, reaching a vast audience with vital factual information in an engaging, participatory format.

“Our dream of having a project in the Andean highlands is about to come true” says David Andrews, PCI’s president. “There’s a pressing need to raise awareness around a host of critical public health and environmental concerns, and PCI’s new program will address these issues in a uniquely creative format.”

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