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 Editorials | At Issue | April 2006 
Radio Free Mexico Eyed to Stem Migration
 Jennifer Harper - Washington Times
| | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Voice of America - and Radio Free Mexico? |
If Jack Wheeler gets his way, airwaves south of the border will be filled with reasons for potential illegal aliens to stay in their country and prosper.
"This is ultimately the only way to end the invasion of Mexican illegals into America," Mr. Wheeler said. "Create a successful Mexico."
He announced plans yesterday to privately raise $500,000 in start-up funds for Radio Free Mexico (RFM), a new broadcast system featuring Spanish-language programming with a Yankee capitalist slant. The former Reagan administration geopolitical analyst is convinced he has a ready audience among frustrated Mexicans eager to undo the poverty that drives them north.
"The goal of RFM is to change the culture of Mexico from corrupt poverty to lawful wealth. Some Mexicans already realize they can't blame their situation on 'El Norte' and the gringos all the time. They know they must fix the problem themselves, and are desperate to do so," Mr. Wheeler said.
RFM programming will showcase "Mexican free-market intellectuals and the anti-socialist intelligentsia" who can speak plainly to listeners about the social, political and economic factors behind a productive, well-heeled population. Mr. Wheeler also intends to play hardball by "naming names" of corrupt officials, businessmen and politicians.
With an eventual 24-hour broadcast in mind, Mr. Wheeler plans to buy radio airtime in Mexico City, Monterrey and other cities for specials or one-time broadcasts. He has competition for immigrant ears, though. Popular Spanish-language broadcasters in the U.S. already have rallied illegals to take a stand against stricter immigration policies.
"Spanish DJs kept up the crowd's spirits, giving nonstop information and advice," according to a Pacific News Service account of the Los Angeles protest, which drew an estimated 500,000 participants on March 27.
"The DJs were part of a campaign in which California's Spanish media outlets played a pivotal role," said the news service, noting that announcers urged protestors to raise their native flags high.
Still, U.S.-based media have cachet among foreign-based audiences. The Broadcasting Board of Governors - the federal agency that oversees the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Radio Sawa, Radio Farda, Alhurra and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting - caters to 100 million listeners and viewers a week in 74 languages.
Meanwhile, several contributors to fledgling RFM already have stepped forward with "six figures," Mr. Wheeler said. He will post information about the project on his conservative news Web site (www.tothepointnews.com). A future site also is being developed for RFM.
"Winning the war of illegal invasion requires liberating Mexico," Mr. Wheeler said. "That's the lesson Ronald Reagan would have us learn. That's the promise of a Radio Free Mexico." |
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