This satellite network was formed to provide stations with news, information, and cultural programming in Spanish and musical programs showcasing a variety of Latino formats with emphasis on Mexican folk and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Satélite Radio Bilingüe builds on Radio Bilingüe's decades-old tradition of talk programs, special events coverage and its flagship news service, Noticiero Latino, for stations across the United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico.
Stations receive program and scheduling information via DACS (NPR's Direct Access Communications System). The DACS are also a source of information for special radio events and organizational activities. Radio programs are distributed 24 hours per day, seven days a week over the Galaxy VI satellite.
For nearly fifteen years, Radio Bilingüe has worked together with Radio Educación in Mexico and other Mexican public broadcasters to bring Mexico's news and views to U.S. audiences. Since 1994, radio station WRTU FM - Radio Universidad de Puerto Rico - is also a partner and brings with it more Caribbean cultural programming as well as four early morning newscasts.
Funds from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration help build the network which includes one uplink located in Fresno, California and another at the partner facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
SRB also receives in-kind C-Band satellite distribution by the public radio satellite system owned by all CPB-supported stations and administered by National Public Radio.
Hugo Morales, founder and executive director
Radio Bilingüe Employment Report