One of the stations I heard during my stay on Curacao earlier this year was LS6 Radio Buenos Aires on 1350 kHz. Yes, with 50 kW this is one of the stronger stations in South America, but I was still very pleased to hear this one over 5300 km on my small Tecsun PL368 with standard antenna. Radio Buenos Aires has been received in the Netherlands as well, so that’s my next goal. So far Radio Z100 Milano has prevented me from doing so.
As my emails to the address advertised on the Radio Buenos Aires website bounced I asked my radio friend Néstor Damián Fischetto if he knew a contact. Which is how I learned that mr. González might confirm my report. Thank you so much Néstor, and of course thank you mr. González.
I don’t have a lot of information about the history of Radio Buenos Aires. LS6 is their call sign and according to Wikipedia the station was active under various names before it was acquired by Radiodifusora Esmeralda S.A in 1999. As a significant portion of this company is owned by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (a Brazilian entity), there is some controversy as Argentinian law apparently prohibits foreign religious organizations to own media licenses… The program I listened to was neutral, with popular music and news.
Detailed Report
LS6 Radio Buenos Aires is a radio station with a rich history and ongoing presence in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s media landscape. Below is a comprehensive analysis based on gathered information, covering its historical evolution, ownership changes, current location, and operational details.
Historical Context and Evolution
The station began broadcasting on August 24, 1925, as Radio Bernotti, granted to broadcaster Ricardo Bernotti from Avenida de Mayo 1212. Over its history, it has operated under various names, reflecting Argentina’s social and political changes. Between 1927 and 1929, it was known as Radio La Abuelita and Radio Bijou, respectively. From 1930 to 1962, and again from 1971 to 1984, it was Radio Del Pueblo. Between 1963 and 1970, it adopted the name Radio América.
A pivotal moment in its history occurred during Juan Domingo Perón’s first government, when it was nationalized along with other media outlets. This marked a period of state control that lasted over 30 years until its privatization in 1982 under the National Broadcasting Plan (PLANARA), when it was awarded to Radiodifusora Esmeralda S.A. Since 1984, the station has used its current name, Radio Buenos Aires, solidifying its modern identity.
Ownership and Operational Changes
In 1999, Radiodifusora Esmeralda S.A. began operating the station in partnership with the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, a Brazilian-origin religious organization. This collaboration lasted a decade, and in 2009, through Decree 1397/2009, the license was fully transferred to the church, which has since been the owner. This transfer sparked controversy at the time, with some arguing it violated broadcasting laws by involving foreign entities, as documented in a 2003 Página/12 article. Currently, LS6 is part of Red Aleluya Argentina, a network of religious stations, suggesting its programming focuses primarily on religious content.
Current Operational Details
The station broadcasts on 1350 AM and is based at Avenida Entre Ríos 1931, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Contact details include an email, webmail@radiobuenosaires.com.ar, and a phone number, +54 9 11 3830 8233. Its official website, radiobuenosaires, offers a link to listen live but provides no detailed information about current programming, limiting itself to data like weather (22.2°C, 53% humidity) and dollar exchange rates, which are not directly relevant to its operations.
Despite its long history, no recent news indicates significant changes in its operation or programming, suggesting continuity under its current model. The lack of updates on its website and absence of mentions in recent news may indicate a low-profile operation focused on its religious audience.
Summary Table of Key Aspects
Aspect Details
First Broadcast August 24, 1925
Previous Names Radio Bernotti, Radio La Abuelita, Radio Bijou, Radio Del Pueblo, Radio América
Nationalization During Perón’s government, state-controlled until 1982
Privatization 1982, awarded to Radiodifusora Esmeralda S.A.
Current Name Adopted 1984, Radio Buenos Aires
Current Location Avenida Entre Ríos 1931, CABA
Current Owner Universal Church of the Kingdom of God
Frequency 1350 AM
Associated Network Red Aleluya Argentina
Website radiobuenosaires
Conclusion
LS6 Radio Buenos Aires is a fascinating case of media evolution, from its inception in the 1920s to its current role as a religious station owned by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. Its history mirrors Argentina’s political and social shifts, while its current operation, though discreet, remains relevant to its specific audience. The lack of detailed programming information suggests a focus on live broadcasting rather than digital promotion, but its historical legacy and 1350 AM frequency keep it a notable presence in Buenos Aires’ radio landscape.
References:
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_Buenos_Aires
https://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/espectaculos/6-16841-2003-02-22.html
https://lagalenadelsur.com/2012/03/07/1937-argentina-ls6-radio-del-pueblo/
Best regards from Leeds. (an Argentinian LW/MW/Utility DXer living in the UK)
Thank you for the comprehensive information. Much appreciated!
73s, Peter