Contribute to the Radio Sampul Support Fund!

Update from Radio Sumpul, El Salvador:

1. Radio Sumpul has been off the air since last May. Over the past 2 years both a lightning strike
(which took them off for a few months) and then later a flood from a hurricane has taken
them off the air. Since May, they have been in need of a new transmitter, voltage regulator,
lightning rod and repairs to their building where it is stored among some other smaller
items. They are currently down to 1 halftime staff person and 13 volunteers. They are not
connected to the Internet to stream their shows for Salvadoran expats living in the US.

2. Here is a little bit about their programming: When on the air, they broadcast daily from 5 am
to 9 pm. On a typical day of programming they start off with Ranchera music, AM
announcements (such as public events, patron saint festivals, community assemblies and
birthdays) from 6:30 to 7 am, followed by a mix of different Latin music styles: Grupera,
Merengue, Bachata, and Tropical music –played in blocks until 11:40 am when they wrap up
the hour for more announcements. Between noon and 5:30 they have “Hits from Yesterday”,
then they take requests, have a children’s hour, folk music and then eclectic music. News is
from 5:30 to 6:30 pm followed by Reggae Techno Youth Music until 9 pm.

3. Radio Sumpul is also part of the region known as Chalatenango and is part of the organized
rural development association. Every December they have a community wide festival to
celebrate their radio anniversary.


Operating a Community Radio Station in rural El Salvador presents many challenges, including a variety of technical problems that must be overcome in order to serve the people.  Radio Sumpul has no shortage of technical and equipment challenges. Radio Sumpul is part of a social movement working to empower rural people and all Salvadorans struggling against economic, environmental, cultural and political oppression, and it is difficult to provide the most timely national news and information to its community without such up to date technology.

We invite listeners to help contribute to future Radio Sumpul needs by sending checks to: WERU, P.O. Box 170, East Orland, ME 04431, with “Attn. Radio Sumpul” on the envelope and in the memo line of the check.