Dominican Republic celebrates 100 years of radio on National Radio Day

The Dominican Republic marked July 23 as National Radio Day, a holiday established by Decree No. 3874 in 1969 under President Joaquín Balaguer to honour radio’s role in the nation’s social and democratic life. 2024 also marked the centennial of the country’s first broadcasts in 1926. The Asociación Dominicana de Radiodifusoras (ADORA) opened the centenary celebrations with a mass officiated by Monseñor Carlos Tomás Morel Diplán at the Santo Domingo Cathedral. ADORA president Rosa Olga Medrano praised radio’s historic contribution to community cohesion, education and democracy, and thanked broadcasters, technicians and staff for keeping the medium relevant through online streaming and podcasts. Representatives from major stations—including Radio Universal, Grupo Medrano and Azúcar FM—joined the ceremony, reaffirming a commitment to a free, ethical and innovative radio service.