ABSTRACT
The Institute National Indigenista network has a distinct format aiming for an audience defined by its ethnicity. It specifically targets the traditional sectors of the indigenous populations reached by its stations. This format offers a variety of news, music, features, and participatory programs. Since encouraging the preservation of vernacular languages is one of the network's objectives, the stations give prime importance to broadcasting in vernaculars. Broadcasts are divided between Spanish and at least 15 vernacular languages: Nahuatl, Mixteco, Tlapaneco, Triqui, Raramuri, Odame, Huarogio, Maya, Purepecha, Tojolabal, Tzeltal, Tzotzil, Mam, Pame, and Tenek. Music programs make up about two-thirds of the stations' listings. In a typical hour, an average of 5 songs are programmed, and a station may play as many as 95 songs a day. Along with the broadcasting in vernaculars, the transmission of local musical expression has become the core of the network's strategy to reevaluate ethnic groups' cultures.
