FCC helps Haitian broadcasters.

As the devastation from the January 12 earthquake fades from the headlines, the FCC says it continues to work with American broadcasters to help Haitian stations get back on their feet.   International Bureau chief Mindel DeLaTorre says the damage to radio and TV stations was especially “debilitating” with staff killed and “enormous” damage to buildings and equipment.

“The impact of the earthquake has strained the ability to spread information about humanitarian relief and other messages, not to mention music and recreational programming,” she writes in a blog post.  The last survey showed 30 of Haiti’s 40 FMs are back on the air, although several are operating with limited broadcast schedules.  The two AM stations remain silent since their owners cannot afford the fuel needed to power the temporary generators.

From facilities to programming, DeLaTorre says the FCC is “exploring ideas” to see what can be done to improve the situation.  The FCC has been closely working with the group Internews Network, an international media organization that typically helps grow journalism in the developing world.  It’s also helping 19 stations distribute nearly 9,000 hand-crank powered radios provided by the U.S. military.

Haitian regulators invited DeLaTorre and an FCC team to help them assess how to rebuild the country’s communications infrastructure.