EXPERIENCE IN A COMMUNITY RADIO

Australia is a beautiful patchwork of colorful and different cultures and the radio 3zzz, broadcasting on 92.3 fm, is a clear example of it.

The radio broadcasts in 69 different languages, including Macedonian, Maltese, Eritrean, Mauritian  Filipino, and Tamil Languages. Don’t be surprised, this just reflects the large communities in the Australian society. Every program is the voice of his community. I take part once a week in the Italian program conducted by a lovely woman, Angela. She is very popular and  lots of people love her warm voice.  Different listeners call during the program to speak with her, sharing a food receipt, a piece of advice for the Italian community or just to read one poetry. Yes, man, we broadcasters can decide completely freely the topic of our programs  and what kind of music to play. The advantage of this community radio is that it is independent: It receive in part the Government’s funds and then the community support us. Conversely, from the commercial radio, I can decide to play an old song that I like.  I was not used to all this freedom in communication and broadcasting.

I came from a country where the ex Prime Minister owns the majority of media channels, newspapers and book industry. After two years experience as journalist in daily news, and one in a press office, I can confirm  that there’s no freedom in the press there. Unfortunately, for me this is a poison in the Italian society and one of the reason why I decided to leave that country.

 

But know, a new brand day has begun. I am in a new country where the society listen to the small communities, where even the single counts. In a country where there are small realities, like community radios, completely independent. I really appreciate the work of all the volunteers in the 3zzz radio. They are all  very passionate  and since, we all come from countries where the politic really affected our lives,  we now really desire to BUILD A BETTER SOCIETY. Good luck to us all for our work ! A special thanks to the Italian broadcasters that once a week gives me the possibility to speak my language and to make me feel at home.
http://www.3zzz.com.au/