Vibrant Waves of Guinea-Bissau: A Journey through Radio History

Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation with a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, has a fascinating history of radio broadcasting that mirrors the country's journey from colonial rule to independence. Radiodifusao Nacional da Guinea-Bissau (RDN), or Rádio Nacional, stands as a testament to the power of communication in shaping the narrative of a nation. In "The Vibrant Waves of Guinea-Bissau: A Journey through Radio Broadcasting History", we will delve into Guinea-Bissau's radio broadcasting timeline. It also explores the evolution from colonial-era transmissions to today's vibrant and diverse RDN.

Vibrant Waves of Guinea-Bissau: Profile

Station and Frequency

Radiodifusao Nacional da Guinea-Bissau (RDN) has operated Four radio stations. Those stations cover the major four areas of the country: Bissau, Nhacra, Catió, and Gabu. It has to be noted that Guinea-Bissau has eight Regions and one Autonomous sector (Bissau). According to the RDN declaration, they have covered around 80% of the country through the Frequency Modulation band*.

Station (Region)	FM (MHz)	Power (kW)
Bissau (Bissau)	104.0	5
Gabú (Gabú)	94.5	5
Nhacra (Oio)	91.5	10
Catió (Tombali)	98.0	5

Transmission Languages

While Portuguese serves as the primary language of broadcast, the RDN is firmly committed to reflecting the nation's rich linguistic tapestry. To this end, a significant portion of its programming and news broadcasts are delivered in the following national languages*:

Creole	Fula	Balanta
Susu	Manchanha	papel
Bijagó	Felupe	Mandinga
Manjaco	Beafada	Balanta Mané
Pajadinca	Nalú

[*update December 5, 2023, source: Radiodifusao Nacional da Guiné-Bissau]

Traditional Mail:
Avenida Domingos Ramos National War Navy

Marinha de Guerra Nacional, Bissau

Web: https://rdngbissau.gw Email: [email protected]

International Radio in Guinea-Bissau

RDP África

City	Frequency (MHz)	Power (KW)
Nhacra	88.4	0.25
Catió	96.9	0.25
Gabú	100.0	0.25

Radio France International Afrique

City	Frequency (MHz)	Power (KW)
Nhacra	94.0	10
Catió	101.5	5
Gabú	103.6	5

Timeline of the Vibrant Waves of Guinea-Bissau

1944-1966: The Official Broadcaster of Portuguese Guinea

- April 1944: "Bissau Station" established, dependent on the central department of Post Telegraph and Telephone Services (CTT).

- October 9, 1946: Reorganized and renamed "Emissora da Guiné," primarily rebroadcasting programs from Lisbon.

- May 30, 1966: Renamed "National Broadcasting Broadcaster" with the installation of a regional broadcaster in the Province of Portuguese Guinea.

1966-1974: Shifting Narratives Amidst Independence Struggle

- The broadcaster underwent its first major transformation, introducing varied programs such as "Programa da Manhã" and "Ecos da Província."

- Guinea-Bissau War of Independence (1963–1974) drastically altered programming, with a significant part handed over to the Department of Civil Affairs and Psychological Action (REPACAP).

- 1971: The radio transforms into the "Official Broadcaster of Portuguese Guinea" (EOGP) as part of counter-propaganda efforts during the war.

1964-1974: Liberation Radio Emerges

- In 1964, "Rádio Libertação" (RL) took its first steps, an initiative of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC).

- July 16, 1967: RL begins regular broadcasts from its studio in Conakry, countering Portuguese counter-propaganda efforts with programs like "Programa do Soldado Português" and "Comunicado de Guerra."

1974-1975: Unification and Independence of the Vibrant Waves of Guinea-Bissau

- September 10, 1974: Portugal recognizes Guinea's independence, leading to the merger of the Official Broadcaster of Portuguese Guinea and Rádio Libertação to form "Rádio Bissau."

- 1975: Rádio Bissau became "National Broadcasting" after Guinea-Bissau declared independence.

1995-2003: Merging Media

- The Guinean government merged public television and radio services between 1995 and 2003, creating "Radio and Television of Guinea-Bissau" (RTGB).

2003-Present: The Birth of RDN

- In 2003, "Radiodifusao Nacional da Guinea-Bissau" (RDN) operated independently, marking a new chapter in Guinea-Bissau's broadcasting history.

Conclusion of the Vibrant Waves of Guinea-Bissau

From the early days of limited broadcasts under colonial rule to today's vibrant and diverse RDN, Guinea-Bissau's radio broadcasting journey reflects the resilience and determination of a nation striving for its voice. RDN continues to play a crucial role in connecting communities. Also, preserve cultural heritage and foster unity in this unique West African nation.

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