Social structure and rural development communication in Latin America: the “radiophonic schools” of Colombia

Abstract

This is an overview of rural development communication in Colombia in the general context of communication and development in Latin America. The essay concentrates on a critical analysis of ACPO (Acción Cultural Popular), a Catholic-inspired autonomous non-profit organization established in 1947, which today constitutes a nationwide system of multimedia education for rural development, principally known for its "radiophonic" schools. ACPO is the most significant experience in rural development education in the last quarter of a century in Colombia. ACPO defines itself as an action program, a development agency, and a social movement.