Radio has always been great at bringing people together. But while the earliest programming was designed to get everyone listening over time, radio also created places for communities to hold their own conversations. From the early days of pirate radio to the rise of licensed community broadcasters, community radio has had an invaluable impact on Australian society. In episode five of Who Listens to the Radio? We explore how community radio has served as a pivotal lifeline for minority groups and communities and provided a platform for stories and perspectives that mainstream often overlooks.

Who Listens to the Radio? was produced by Audiocraft for the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

Narrated by Patrick McIntyre, with guests Angela Bates, Benjamin Law and Lorna Clarkson, our science correspondent Andy Trieu, and NFSA curator Nick Henderson.

Credits:

‘Stonewall Day Special 1988’ and ‘Beyond the Bars’ courtesy of 3CR

‘1985 AIDS Candlelight Vigil Report’ courtesy of 2SER and Greg Reading

‘Radio Redfern Bicentenary Protest Coverage’ courtesy of Radio Skid Row

‘Aboriginal Radio in Aboriginal Country’ courtesy of CAAMA and David Batty

‘Cinesound Review’ courtesy Cinesound Movietone Productions

‘Who Listens to the Radio?’ theme music written by A. Pendlebury (Mushroom Music) and S. Cummings (Warner Chappell Pty Ltd) (APRA). Performed by The Substrates, and recorded at Schlam Studio Canberra with Jodie Boarder and Alexis Mallard (vocals), Danny Roberts and Gerard O’Niell (guitar), Andy Ryan (bass) and Glenn Elliott (drums). Recording and mixing by engineer Danny Roberts and arrangement by Andy Ryan and Alexis Mallard.

Writing and research by Patrick McIntyre, Kate Scott, Ute Junker, Stephanie Van Schilt and Caris Bizzaca.

Find Who Listens to the Radio? at the National Film and Sound Archive website, nfsa.gov.au/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. This podcast is part of NFSA’s Radio 100 celebrations.

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