Radio Télé Bilingue (RTB 102.5MGH) is the radio station associated with UCBC and serves as the “Voice of Transformation” for the Beni territory. The goal of RTB is to amplify the vision of a transformed Congo and edify daily listeners through music, prayer, and messages. Programs cover a range of topics including local news, education, science, development, health and ecumenical messages. RTB’s impact on the wider community is difficult to measure, but serves to encourage listeners facing difficult circumstances and challenges. Although UCBC is bilingual, programs are conducted in 5 languages: Swahili, French, English, Lingala, and Kinande.
A Teaching Tool
RTB also serves as a critical learning tool for both communications and applied sciences students, providing an opportunity for students pursuing a career in journalism or technical. About 60% of our programs were hosted by students. When it comes to news coverage, RTB works with students in gathering content, writing stories, editing and disseminating information, a great opportunity for students to practice theories learned in class, in the field. Student volunteers from the Applied Sciences have also taken the opportunity to improve their technical skills working with media equipment. Though RTB employs staff, most programming is a collaboration with volunteers and community members.
Challenges of Radio in Congo
The context of Congo makes maintaining radio stations difficult. The unavoidable conditions, lack of infostructure, and unstable power cause technical problems that require maintenance and replacement parts. Due to this reality, RTB briefly suspended its operations. However, RTB now has the opportunity to operate on a sustainable solar grid that produces consistent and safe currents. Furthermore, we recently purchased new equipment and constructed a studio with appropriate measures put in place to protect equipment from dust and moisture.
How can you support RTB?
Even though we have secured sustainable and safe power and replacement equipment, your support for RTB remains essential. We want to relaunch RTB with a foundation of well-trained staff and equipment maintenance so it can serve the common good with messages of hope and transformation for years to come. Through your generosity, we can make this happen! Your gifts will go towards staff training and equipment maintenance. Together we can be a voice of transformation in Congo. Please join us!
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