The earthquake that struck Haiti on 12th January 2010 has been of enormous proportions, at least 220,000 have been declared dead.
Within six seconds of the shock an entire city, Port au Prince, has changed its face.
Many buildings connected to the media industry have been destroyed by the earthquake and the radio was found to be the primary instrument of information as it needs only an electrical generator for transmission. It is no coincidence that the medium of radio transmission began to take control of the news in a country where radio stations have been often a symbol of free journalism, political independence and the only means of access to information for rural and remote communities. In this Capital alone there are about fifty radio stations including private, religious and community broadcast.
A great example of independent radio station was that of Radio Haiti Inter (directed by Jean Dominique, who was murdered in Port-au-Prince in 2000), not only for the method of providing information but also because it used Creole, the language spoken and understood by all Haitians.
After the earthquake, at least a dozen radio stations ceased to transmit, as many broadcasting channels had to change location or evolve in the best way to restore the previously damaged buildings. It is the case of two of the most popular stations: Radio Caraibes and Radio Kiskeya. Other broadcasters like Radio Metropole have now restarted by moving their offices outdoors.
By any means possible, the radio stations have tried to go on the air despite the many problems, aware of how their work was necessary to keep people informed.
: 2010