Historiography of Riobamba's broadcasting on the centenary of Ecuadorian radio

Abstract

Introduction: Analog broadcasting played a decisive role in the communicational, cultural, and social development of Riobamba, becoming a historical landmark of Ecuadorian radio throughout the twentieth century. Objective: To reconstruct the historiography of broadcasting in Riobamba on the centenary of Ecuadorian radio by identifying the emergence, development, and disappearance of the radio stations that operated on Shortwave (SW) and Amplitude Modulation (AM). Methodology: This study adopted a historical-biographical approach with a descriptive scope. It was based on documentary and hemerographic review, oral testimonies, interviews with broadcasters from the period, and the administration of a questionnaire to 74 professionals linked to the broadcasting sector. Results: The findings demonstrate that Riobamba played a pivotal role in the origins of Ecuadorian broadcasting with Radio El Prado and document the trajectory of seventeen radio stations that contributed to the informational, educational, cultural, religious, and community development of Chimborazo. Discussion: identified the main factors behind the decline of analog broadcasting, including audience migration to FM broadcasting, the emergence of the Internet and digital platforms, rising operational costs, declining advertising investment, and the limited technological modernization of AM stations. Conclusion: Broadcasting in Riobamba represents a communication heritage of significant historical and cultural value. Its preservation contributes to understanding the evolution of mass media in Ecuador while safeguarding the memory and legacy of the pioneers who shaped its development. General field of study: Communication. Specific field of study: Communication and Culture.