Rádio Santiago marked four decades of existence last Saturday at a ceremony held at São Mamede – Centro de Artes e Espetáculos, in Guimarães. The event celebrated the station's connection to the Guimarães community and its role in proximity information.
Ricardo Araújo, President of the Guimarães Municipal Chamber, joined the commemoration, highlighting the radio's role in the territory's collective identity. "A local radio station does not just inform about a territory. It helps it to recognize itself, understand itself, and project itself," stated the mayor, emphasizing that Rádio Santiago has accompanied Guimarães' evolution, giving voice to its parishes, associations, businesses, culture, sports, and citizens.
In a context of profound transformations in communication, Araújo advocated for social communication that is "free, plural, attentive, and responsible," emphasizing that "Guimarães needs Rádio Santiago." He reaffirmed the importance of preserving the freedom and independence of media outlets, expecting them to "continue to fully exercise their mission, with freedom, rigor, and independence."
The Municipality expressed its willingness to maintain a relationship of proximity, dialogue, and cooperation with the media, based on transparency and respect for editorial independence.
At the ceremony, Rui Armindo Freitas, President of the Guimarães Municipal Assembly and Secretary of State Adjunct to the Presidency and Immigration, highlighted the role of local social communication in strengthening democracy and bridging citizens and institutions, valuing its contribution to a more informed and participatory society. He praised the journey of Rádio Santiago, which "has given voice to Guimarães for 40 years."
Luís Mendonça, President of the Portuguese Association of Broadcasting, recalled the evolution of local broadcasting, the sector's difficulties, and the challenges to its sustainability. Américo Simões, representing the management of GuimaPress, highlighted the vision of the founders of Santiago Sociedade, Cultura e Turismo and thanked collaborators and listeners.
The celebration included a performance program featuring José Bacelar, Maria João, Fernanda Carvalho, Marco Génio, Vera Lima, and the dance group BM Crew.
