From On Air - Winter 2003

Ombligos On Air!

PCI's New Teen Radio Talk Show Takes to the Airwaves in Mexico

The atmosphere was electric, but the crowd finally quieted down to watch breathlessly. The two young co-hosts behind the window of the soundproof studio strapped on headsets and waited for their cue. Five… four… three… two…

BAM! The driving techno beat of the theme music hit the airwaves in Mexico City. PCI’s newest radio program, Ombligos al Sol (Bellybuttons to the Sun), was on the air at last!

Long in the planning, Ombligos al Sol made its debut on November 13 on VOX-FM 101.7. It’s a program unlike any PCI has done. The weekly show follows a broadcast magazine format, and includes news, music, and testimonials, as well as a mini-drama with messages on sexual and reproductive health for which PCI is known.

PCI began exploring the creation of a program in Mexico in 1999. Motivated by challenges to the health of Mexico’s teens and the fact that a third of the country’s population is under 15, PCI decided to create a program that would target an adolescent audience.

“A third of Mexico’s population is under age 15, presenting an exciting challenge
for PCI.”
María Almela

María Almela was hired as PCI’s in-country representative and the program’s executive producer. With a degree in psychology and experience as an actress and producer, Ms. Almela has also worked with adolescents on sexual and reproductive health issues. “My most exciting experiences have been working with teams of young people,” said Ms. Almela. “Creating Ombligos al Sol has been both a challenge and a heartfelt commitment to our young people here in Mexico.”

The Ombligos staff includes several young actors, four writers, and two production assistants. The two co-hosts are Pablo Arrocha, age 18, and Ximena Ballinas, 22.

The program coordinator, Monica del Valle, said, “It’s wonderful working with this team of young people and watching their growth and their enthusiasm. I’m sure none of us will ever forget this adventure.”
Each week, Ombligos al Sol features a theme, such as adolescent pregnancy, domestic violence, anorexia and bulimia, drug abuse, or promiscuity. The premiere show dealt with perspectives on virginity. How do cultural pressures differ for teenage boys and girls? What do teenagers expect when they go on a date? How do sexual relationships with and without love differ? Does society pressure young men and women to have sex before they’re ready?

Stories in the ongoing mini-drama take place in a housing complex and the surrounding school, park, and shops. The cast of characters regularly confronts adolescent sexual and reproductive health problems and the need for family life skills.

In the first episode, the seven-minute drama dealt with teenagers’ fears about their first sexual encounter. The main characters, Diego and his girlfriend Carla, discuss whether to have sexual intercourse. Both solicit the opinions of friends, but when at last they find themselves in the “appropriate situation,” Carla declines.

A panel follows the mini-drama to further explore that week’s topic. The initial guest speaker, Dr. Susan Pick, from the Instituto Mexicano de Investigación de Familia y Población (IMIFAP), discussed virginity and sexual relations. She stressed the importance of young people receiving sufficient information so that they may make informed decisions about their bodies.

Young people then gave testimonials on the show’s theme. One young woman, age 17, already had sexual relations; a young man, age 18, said he first had sex four year earlier with a young woman who was a “gift” from his cousin, while another 18-year-old said he’s still a virgin.

The hosts invited the listening audience to call with questions for the on-air guests, adding to the show’s excitement.

The talented creative team and the show’s unprecedented level of candor promise that Ombligos will prove popular as it addresses key issues of concern for the young people of Mexico City.

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