History of Dominican Television

Dominican television has its roots in La Voz de Yuna, a station founded on August 1, 1942, in Bonao by Arismendy Trujillo Molina, brother of the dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. What began as a radio station soon evolved into an innovative television channel, consolidating itself as one of the first television experiences in Latin America and marking a milestone in the history of broadcasting in the Caribbean.

Primeros pasos: Nace La Voz Dominicana

The history of Dominican television begins on August 1, 1952 with La Voz de Yuna, which later became La Voz Dominicana, the first channel of television in Dominican Republic and the third in Latin America, after Mexico and Cuba. During the Trujillo regime, this channel combined entertainment with political propaganda, broadcasting live programs such as the iconic series Romance Campesino. Its reach and popularity marked the beginning of a new era in the country's mass communication.

Evolución y cambios de identidad

Over time, Dominican television adopted different identities. In 1963, it was renamed Radio Santo Domingo Televisión, and in the 1970s it consolidated as Radio Televisión Dominicana (RTVD), establishing a varied programming that connected the nation. In 1996, its frequencies were unified under Canal 4 RD, facilitating access nationwide.

On July 29, 2003, through a presidential decree, RTVD became the State Radio and Television Corporation (CERTV). This change sought to strengthen its role as a public medium, with a focus on education, culture, and entertainment.

A beacon of light for Dominican talent

CERTV has not only stood out for its technological innovations, but also for its commitment to the training and promotion of national talents. Over the decades, it has served as a school for announcers, artists, and producers, who have found in this platform a space to develop their creativity.

Currently, CERTV operates multiple radio and television stations, including:

• Dominicana FM: With general and informative content.
• Quisqueya FM: Dedicated to music and culture.
• RTVD Canal 4: General programming that combines entertainment and news.
• Quisqueya Televisión (Canal 17.1): Focus on Dominican culture.
• Televisión Educativa (Canal 17.2): Educational and formative content.

International Projections and Innovative Productions

In recent years, CERTV has moved towards international expansion, planning to broadcast its signal outside the country to share Dominican culture with the world. This effort includes the acquisition of satellite technology and the creation of an advanced master control.

Among its most outstanding productions is La Familia Espejo, a series that addresses with humor and reflection the daily dynamics of a Dominican family. Also noteworthy is Los Trinitarios, the first animated series in the Caribbean, which narrates the historical events that led to Dominican independence.

A constantly transforming television

Under the current leadership, CERTV has demonstrated a renewed capacity to adapt to technological changes and public demands. With programs like La Mirada, Dominicaneando, and the reality show Dominicana Canta, the channel seeks to maintain its relevance and continue to be a space for cultural and educational expression.

National free-to-air television channels

1. RTVD Canal 4 (CERTV) - Generalist public television with cultural, educational, and entertainment content.
2. Color Visión (Canal 9) - First channel to broadcast in color in the Dominican Republic; offers varied programming.
3. Teleantillas (Canal 2) - Content focused on news, entertainment, and international series.
4. Telesistema (Canal 11) - General programming, including soap operas, news, and series.
5. Antena 7 (Canal 7) - News, entertainment, and live programs.
6. CDN Canal 37 - Primarily news and current affairs analysis.
7. Telecentro (Canal 13) - Entertainment, series, and sports broadcasts.
8. Digital 15 - Variety of entertainment programs and international content.
9. Teleuniverso (Canal 29) - Regional programming from Santiago, with national reach.
10. Canal del Sol (Canal 6) - Programming focused on entertainment and culture.

Specialized and subscription channels

1. Quisqueya TV (Channel 17.1 DTT) - Cultural and educational content.
2. Dominican Educational Television (Channel 17.2 DTT) - Educational focus.
3. Sertv Channel 3 - Culture and entertainment.
4. Aster TV - Aster cable company's own channel.
5. Vega TV - Local programming with regional reach.

News Channels

1. CDN 24 Horas (Channel 37) - 24/7 News.
2. Noticias SIN (Channel 9 and Channel 24 of Claro TV) - National and international news coverage.
3. De Último Minuto TV - Coverage via cable systems and at specific times on national open signal via Seis.
4. NTN 24 (International with adapted local content).

Sports Channels

1. CDN Deportes (Canal 8) - National and international sports.
2. Televisión Dominicana Deportes - Exclusive programming on local sporting events.
3. ESPN Caribe (Includes Dominican content, but is international).

Religious Channels

1. Televida (Channel 41) - Catholic channel focused on values and spiritual formation.
2. El Evangelio Cambia TV - Evangelical programming.
3. Amor Visión - Varied Christian content.

Regional channels

1. Channel 25 (Santiago) - News and entertainment in the Cibao.
2. Telemedios Dominicanos - Varied programming in specific areas.
3. Telenord (Channels 8, 10 and 12 in Nagua) - Local entertainment and news.

International channels with Dominican content

1. Televisión Dominicana (Disponible en Estados Unidos) - Programación para la diáspora dominicana.
2. Dominican View (Estados Unidos y Europa) - Noticias y contenido cultural dominicano.

Digital channels and online platforms

1. RTVD 4 Internacional - Digital signal on online platforms for the diaspora.
2. Acento TV (ATV) - Investigative journalism and online content.
3. MiTV - Streaming platform with Dominican channels.