Low Power Radio and Media Activism: An Interview with Christina Dunbar-Hester
Here at Radio Survivor we are committed to weekly coverage of low power FM radio, so we’re very pleased to feature an interview with Christina Dunbar-Hester for our Academic Series. Dr. Dunbar-Hester is an Assistant Professor in Journalism and Media Studies at Rutgers University and she recently published a fascinating book on media activism and […]
Can community radio counter the influence of Maoist rebels in India?
The Hindu newspaper wants to know why community radio isn’t being more widely deployed in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. “. . . the state continues to overlook and under-utilise the radio in countering Maoist influence,” an opinion piece notes. “Oddly enough, this so in a region populated by numerous tribal languages that possess rich oral […]
Radio Survivor Podcast #8: Bainbridge Community Broadcasting Chose Podcasting over LPFM
After doing the math the founders of Bainbridge Community Broadcasting in Washington State decided that podcasting was a better route to serve their community than low-power FM. Barry and Channie Peters join us to discuss why they made this decision and how they’re using radio to inform and educate the community of Bainbridge Island. In […]
With SoundCloud leaving, 8tracks becomes a little less special
I presume that most 8tracks playlist makers got the same message in their email boxes on Friday. By the end of this summer, 8tracks users will no longer be able to access the SoundCloud API. That means that, as of Saturday, July 24, 8trackers won’t be able to search for and add SoundCloud tunes straight […]
College Radio Watch: KCFS to Become Guns, Gold & Rock ‘n’ Roll, Expiring LPFM Permits, and More News
On this week’s Radio Survivor Podcast I discuss the recent changes at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s college radio station KCPR. Tune in starting at around the 16 minute mark to hear my College Radio Watch segment. KCPR was one of the first college radio stations that I visited for my field trip series. Speaking […]
Independent radio a casualty in Burundi conflict
A new report by Amnesty International says the government of Burundi is cracking down on independent radio stations as the country drifts towards civil war. First authorities curtailed the broadcasting range of independent radio stations Radio Publique Africaine (RPA), Bonesha FM, and Radio Isanganiro, AI says. Then in mid-May, after an attempted military coup, police […]
RIP Don Joyce: Negativland Member, Artist, KPFA DJ
I was sad to hear that radio DJ/Negativland member Don Joyce passed away yesterday. As a fan of freeform radio, sound collage, and experimental sounds, I’m awed by the longevity of Joyce’s KPFA radio show “Over the Edge,” which has been on the air since 1981. Thanks to Joyce’s friend and Negativland co-conspirator Peter Conheim […]
LPFM Watch: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Cancels Permit, WTSQ Launch & More News
This week a handful of low power FM (LPFM) construction permits were issued. It’s been a slow few months, so four grants on one day is a bit unusual. Two grants were in Texas and went to Iglesia Jesucristo es mi Refugio de Mexia TX, Inc. (Mexia, TX) and 94.9 Media Foundation, Inc. (Harlingen, TX). […]
KPFT in Houston launches Indiegogo campaign for new transmitter
Pacifica radio station KPFT-FM in Houston, Texas needs a new transmitter and has launched a $20k Indiegogo fund drive to get it. “The existing transmitter is reaching the end of its useful life,” the station’s Indiegogo statement warns. “Its impending failure is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’.” This crisis more or less began […]
UK classical public radio strong despite decline on TV; South Florida classical radio in trouble
A somewhat discouraging report, classical music-wise, from the United Kingdom’s broadcast regulator, titled “Public Service Broadcasting in the Internet Age.” It concludes that since the government lifted requirements on content, public media spending on the arts and classical music has dropped by 25 percent. Still “there continues to be strong classical music provision on radio,” […]