‘RK’s impact extends beyond the Ateneo community, contributing to the country’s media landscape by providing an alternative platform for news and discussion, cultural development and social awareness.’
Radyo Katipunan, the campus radio station of Ateneo de Manila University, has its roots in 2016 when the university received a temporary broadcast permit from the National Telecommunications Commission. The station’s equipment was donated by Ateneo alumnus José Yabut.
The station started test broadcasts in 2017 under the name Ateneo Campus Radio and later had its soft launch as Radyo Katipunan (RK) on February 14, 2018. It was a joint project between Ateneo de Manila University and the Jesuit Communication (JesCom).
RK was officially launched on August 28, 2018 — seven years ago today — with added features like simulcasting Veritas 846 in the morning and news updates from Rappler and Voice of America.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, Radyo Katipunan began broadcasting daily Masses, known as “Keep the Faith” (KTF), which has continued to air daily, even after lockdowns were lifted, and has moved to different studios, including the Chapel Studio in 2023. This program has not only catered to the Ateneo community but also reached out to overseas Filipino workers and individuals worldwide, fostering a sense of connection and faith.
RK plays a vital role in the country at large. Its importance extends beyond its daily broadcasts and the Holy Masses, making a significant impact on various aspects of society. It has led national initiatives, such as the Papal Visits, SONA and “SONAgkaisa.” These showcase the station’s ability to facilitate important discussions on national issues. Its comprehensive coverage of President Noynoy Aquino’s wake, which garnered over 1 million views on its Facebook and YouTube pages, and the anniversary of Leila de Lima’s detention demonstate its ability to reach a wide audience during significant events. The station’s coverage of such events highlights its commitment to reporting on important national issues.
RK has featured many influential personalities, whistleblowers, olympians and other truly inspiring personalities and groups, including VP Leni Robredo, Cardinal Chito Tagle and Nobel winner Maria Ressa. The station’s diverse range of guests showcases its ability to engage with various sectors of society.
The radio station also supports students in their academic life, covering events such as orientation seminars, exams and graduations, university celebrations, including the Feast day of St. Ignatius and Christmas celebrations.
RK’s impact extends beyond the Ateneo community, contributing to the country’s media landscape by providing an alternative platform for news and discussion, cultural development and social awareness. RK also gained recognition as a pioneering campus-community radio blending FM and digital platforms. Programs were recognized by various local and international award-giving bodies. And noteworthy, too, is RK’s growing digital footprint with more and more followers on social media and active engagement on various platforms.
It boasts of meaningful shows like “Campus Ministers On Air,” “Chaplains On Air,” “JMM Radio,” “Kape’t Pandasal,” “Kuwentuhang Bayan,” “Level Up,” “Lundagin Mo, Beybeh!” “New Wave,” “RKada,” “Sari-Sari: Panitikan at Kulturang Filipino,” “SKL: Share Ko Lang,” “SOAR: Seniors On-Air Radio,” “TataKalikasan,” “The Music Class,” “The Jesuit Hour,” “The Word Exposed,” “Ateneo Parents In Action,” among many others.
Ateneo de Manila president Bobby Yap acknowledges RK’s achievements and said, “You have become a constant companion of Ateneans far and wide, helping them connect to their alma mater and Jesuit communities. You have helped amplify the voices of the Filipinos helping us reach and engage with more people. We thank you for you have become a relevant partner in fulfilling the Jesuit mission.”
Fr. Nono Alfonso, the big boss of the Jesuit Communication and the one who led RK to where it is now, shared, “Our dream is to provide an alternative media platform and space for active citizen engagement. We hope that through RK, the Ateneo community would be more immersed in the life of the nation, fulfilling its mission of becoming men and women for others. Especially in these critical times in the history of the country.”
As part of its 7th anniversary celebration, there will be a launch activity in RK today and a special media ethics forum tomorrow at 3 p.m. with the most respected journalists in the country and anchors of RK.
Hardworking station manager Justin Pontino points out, “We’re celebrating with the theme ‘S7REAMING BEYOND,’ which calls us to go further in our mission of education, engagement and evangelization. Aside from highlighting our flagship programs, featuring special guests and throwback content to our 7-year journey, from August 28 until our next anniversary milestone on February 14 (first time we went on air) we will launch new programs and release exclusive content designed to strengthen our digital presence and deepen connections with our audience. These initiatives aim to take Radyo Katipunan beyond its current reach — expanding conversations, innovating formats and building an even more dynamic campus-community radio experience.”
Justin further stressed, “‘S7REAMING BEYOND’ reflects our commitment to go further than what we have achieved – beyond Ateneo where we serve not just the campus, but the wider Church and Philippine society; beyond our comfort zones by innovating content, embracing new platforms, and tackling challenging conversations; and beyond our borders to reach Filipino communities and Jesuit networks worldwide.”
As RK continues to play a significant role in the school community and the country, promoting spiritual growth, community building and social awareness, its commitment to quality broadcasting and engagement with various sectors of society makes it an essential part of the Philippine media landscape.
Happy 7th anniversary, Radyo Katipunan!
