The Origins of Commercial Radio in Argentina: The Case of Jaime Yankelevich

This article explores aspects of the life of one of the creators of the commercial radio model in Argentina. Jaime Yankelevich pioneered developing an entertainment system that included highly popular programs, many of which shaped the history of radio in Argentina, and exported the model to Latin America. We analyze Yankelevich’s challenges while building his entertainment industry model and review some aspects of programming and the national government’s influence on the radio business. Under Yankelevich’s leadership, radio in Argentina diversified and became more professional. He introduced innovations such as varied programming, which included news, music, and live entertainment, attracting different segments of the population.