Lightning hits Central American station

• An update to this story is available here

Radio Verdad in Chiquimula, Guatemala, is reported to be off air following a lighting strike which has caused damage to its transmitter and associated transmission equipment.

With finance in short supply, the station is now trying to raise funds for repairs which will allow it to return to the air. Information about assisting the station financially can be found onthe station's website at http://www.radioverdad.org/

Radio Verdad - which translates as Radio Truth - broadcasts on shortwave in the 75 metre band on 4.0525MHz using an Omnotronix SW 1kW transmitter.

After many years of planning and false starts “Radio Truth” came on the air on shortwave on the 25th of February of the year 2000, at 5:20 p. m., and was formally dedicated on the 5th of March of the year 2000.

The station has also been making efforts to obtain an FM frequency with which to broadcast to their own locality but has been encountering many obsticles from government departments. Nevertheless, the station states that it will continue with its efforts to get an FM frequency allocated, a vital step, they believe, in satisfying their desire to serve the social and economical development of Guatemala's most needy people.

Web Links

• Radio Verdad