Vatican Radio role to diminish in Holy See’s new communications strategy?

The role of Vatican Radio, traditionally operated by Jesuits, will be less prominent in a new overall Vatican communications strategy, predicts Vatican journalist Sandro Magister of L’Espresso.

Vatican Radio has been largely dedicated to short-wave radio broadcasts. 

But Msgr. Dario Vigano, the prefect of the Secretariat for Communications, plans to focus future efforts on new communications technologies, particularly the social media. 

As the new Secretariat gradually integrates the Vatican’s different media efforts - which in the past have operated independently - the shift in emphasis is likely to become more visible.

Vatican Radio, which employs a large staff to serve its many different language sections, is also one of the most expensive communications efforts of the Vatican. 

With no advertising, the broadcasts produce little revenue, and Vatican Radio runs at an annual deficit of €20- 30 million ($22-$33 million) a year.