Before becoming CRIAR we were originally CRIA—Center for Alternative Press—a branch of the Brazilian Institute of Social and Economic Analyses (IBASE), an organization founded by sociologist Herbert de Souza, known as Betinho. In 1994, our story took a new direction as it began to be written independently, though maintaining our previous ideals. We have undergone many changes over the past 14 years but our original mission statement has remained:

“Supporting social movements through radio production, training, advising and research aimed at democratizing communications in Brazil.”

We work towards democratizing communications by filling the airwaves with programming that contributes to improving the quality of life for every Brazilian.

CRIAR is a nonprofit radio organization for every voice.

Our team is comprised of broadcasters and journalists who are experienced in providing radio training and producing programs, spots, vignettes and other audio materials that promote citizen participation. We support radio stations from every region of the country, large and small, urban and rural. Our productions act as a launch pad for dialogue about local issues and developments. Radio stations receive our materials free of charge, which includes evaluations to provide feedback. This helps us continuously improve our productions and provides ideas for future programming. 

The main objective of CRIAR BRASIL is to speak for Brazilian communities, especially low-income communities, through the radio waves. This medium has the capacity to reach the furthest expanses of the country through a universal language that is accessible by every layer of society.

Our challenge is to find creative ways of presenting issues related principally to citizenship, education, health, human rights, workers’ rights, children and teens. In addition to its productions, CRIAR BRASIL seeks exchanges with broadcastors from every region of the country through projects and training, workshops and by participating in activities at other institutions. These opportunities contribute to the formation of new broadcasts and to educating broadcasters about the need to promote the democratic participation of their listeners.

Another innovative way in which we reach various facets of society is through youth training in low-income communities. We regularly provide courses and workshops aimed at inspiring kids and teens to pursue their interests in mainstream and critical communications. The main objective is to guide young people towards utilizing communications as a tool for social transformation by mobilizing citizens around the demands of their community — such as quality education, basic healthcare, gender equity, democratization of information, and more.

Translation by: Astrid Larson