Cross Communication
The operation of the media to convey messages and coordinate events has been crucial to the citizens of Oaxaca [16]. Radio Plantón has been a major supporter of the teachers’ struggle in Oaxaca. “Plantón” is the Spanish word for “sit-in,” which is the exact thing that led to the formation of this radio station [17]. After protesters barricaded studios they became "sit-ins" for the previous host. Radio Plantón has become a symbol of the APPO and has been key in organizing events [18]. During a raid on June 14, 2006, this crucial radio station was destroyed by state police [19]. Their equipment was ruined and four volunteers were beaten [20].
Photo by D.R. 2005 Narco News.
This did not stop the supporters of the APPO and Section 22 from using media to communicate. A group of college students used Oaxaca State University’s small radio station, Radio Universidad [21]. With the loss of Radio Plantón, this station became essential to the ongoing fight in Oaxaca. Protesters tuned in all day, every day to hear updates about the next gathering. In the end, Radio Universidad was damaged after police rapidly fired at the station on July 22, 2006 [22].