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Rádio Renascença celebrates its 75th anniversary. Three quarters of a century have gone by since 1937, the year when, thanks to the strategic vision and tenacity of Monsignor Lopes da Cruz, broadcasting was started from what would later become Rádio Renascença.

A Roman Catholic Broadcasting Station, Rádio Renascença has a well defined genetic code since its inception. It now has its own identity, a profile that distinguishes it as unique in the national broadcasting stage.

The longevity which we observe today, is owed to the fact that, throughout all these years, it had the necessary wisdom to reconcile two demands that are not often coincident: on the one hand conforming to the vertiginous rhythm of time and, on the other, the preservation of its founding matrix and its identifying mark.

Aware as how to interpret the signs of time, the Catholic Broadcasting Station, initially circumscribed to the Country’s capital, gradually extended its broadcasting over all the national territory. It assumed a generalized profile with its programming directed towards a diversified public. But, more important than this it conquered, due to its own merit, the deep regard of the Portuguese.

Rádio Renascença is a part of the daily life of millions of Portuguese. Complete generations had in Rádio Renascença its source of information, of quality journalism, providing company, leisure and culture, together with extremely popular programmes. Throughout several decades, many were the programmes, the headings, the authors or announcers that we became used to listen to at home. Renascença is part of our life. We were born and grew up listening to it.

In our time, so often marked by situations of isolation and loneliness, it is difficult to reach the spiritual, social and cultural relevance of an institution such as Rádio Renascença. It is a living presence in many homes, almost as it were – and often is – a member of the family, to whom we listen to and, in many occasions, are able to contact and speak with.

Throughout 75 years, Renascença accompanied Portugal’s contemporary History. It had a relevant role in decisive events of our collective life. When the 25 April revolution took place it echoed the “Grândola, Vila Morena” tune over its waves. Later, it went through moments of disturbance and, at that time, was a pillar of the values of freedom, pluralism and democracy.

In our days, it amply broadened its field of influence. It did not remain imprisoned to the past, it became modernized. It multiplied its number of channels, developed new areas of activity, and was the basis of the setting up of a vast media group. Recently, it walked the paths of innovation, being visibly and audibly present in multimedia, in areas such as the Web, Mobile, Video, Online or Web TV.

All of this was carried out with complete faithfulness to its founding principles, but equally with a spirit open to the world and to society’s pluralism. Portuguese society listens closely to Rádio Renascença, but the reverse is equally true: the 75 year success of the Broadcasting Station is also owed to the fact that it knew how to listen closely to the signals transmitted by Portuguese society.

Renascença does not compromise with laxity nor does it give way to the tyranny of fashion or to the seduction of the ephemeral. But it is able to understand the need for change, and is thus achieving permanent renewal, capturing new audiences, especially the younger generations.

It is with joy and pride that we view institutions that are really national such as Rádio Renascença. Thus the pleasure with which I attribute it the grade of Honorary Member of the Order of Merit.

It is probably unnecessary to explain the reason why this decoration is conferred upon Rádio Renascença. Better than I can, it can be done by millions of listeners, complete generations that, over 75 years, had the company of a friendly voice in this Broadcasting Station.
I salute all the great professional people that built this project, basing it on solid grounds, on indeclinable and nonnegotiable principles and values.

I also want to ask Canon João Aguiar Campos, to transmit a warm greeting to all those currently working in Rádio Renascença. I am certain they do not depart from the commitment of faithfulness and proximity to the Portuguese. This commitment, established 75 years ago, is the raison d’être of Rádio Renascença and that explains its success over so many decades.

My congratulations for this 75 year old success. On behalf of the people of Portugal I want to express my gratitude for the work which you continue daily carrying out.

Thank you very much.