The Problem with Radio Today
Today a few large companies own most of the radio stations. Because of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, radio station ownership is increasingly concentrated in fewer and fewer hands In most markets, four companies control 70% of the market. Nationally, ten companies account for 67% of all radio revenue. No local community voices can be heard.
The result is nationally syndicated programming and cookie-cutter formats. Radio is the same in Seattle and Savannah. Station owners have drastically cut local news operations. Consolidation has left fewer and fewer stations in the hands of women and people of color.
Low Power Radio – Part of the Solution
Today over 800 low power radio stations are broadcasting nationwide. They include an amazing array of stations serving their local communities. Most of these stations are controlled by local community groups, organizations run by people of color, churches, and youth groups. Meet some of the newest broadcasters:
WCTI, 107.9 is the broadcast voice of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, an organization of immigrant farmworkers based in Immokalee, Florida. Since 1994, the group has fought for fair wages, improved working conditions, the right to organize and an end to indentured servitude in the fields. The station, Radio Conciencia, is instrumental in the Coalition's organizing efforts and keeping workers informed of their hard-won rights.
WRYR, 97.5 FM (We aRe Your Radio) serves the eastern and western shore communities of the Chesapeake Bay, promoting smart growth and environmental sustainability. A staple of WRYR's programming is its political coverage: at election time, the tiny station brings together all of the local candidates for an on-air debate. The station brings together scientists, environmentalists and local leader to informed debate about the effects of development on the Chesapeake Bay and their community.
KOCZ 103.7 in Opelousas, Louisiana is operated by the Southern Development Foundation, a community development organization active in the African-American community. The station broadcasts zydeco music, which is central to the cultural heritage of the Acadiana region, but had mostly disappeared from airwaves dominated by commercial radio.
KRBS, 107.1-FM in Oroville, California uses a variety format to highlight the small town's diversity and serve local needs, airing shows on veteran issues, radio theater, children's stories and a wide variety of music.
WRFR, 93.3 Rockland, Maine is licensed to the Penobscot School, a non-profit center for language learning and international exchange, who sees it as a way for the school to improve the community's knowledge of itself and its environment.
