NZ's Growing Independent Radio Network
By Aaron (of Under The Radar)
If you saw the Eating Media Lunch episode about Radio Chomsky or read a review of that station in the Listener a few weeks back t hen you may have glimpsed the tip of a new independent media
iceberg. Already Matrix 107.5FM in Wellington and The Station 88.5FM in Hamilton are broadcasting a similar mix of alternative politics, a 4th station has just emerged in Palmerston North
and another is on the way for Warkworth.
Occupying a similar place on the media spectrum to Scoop.co.nz the new independent stations seem to be able to break news stories, such as those about prisoner abuse in Iraq,
sometimes months before the mainstream news services with all their wealth and technology are able to.
They work in a similar spirit to the worldwide Indymedia movement and are uninfluenced by corporate or government
hegemony. Not being profit driven also enables them to ditch the 'soundbite' and enter into some detailed analysis of
issues. If you're living in an area where you can pick up an independant station you will be able to hear people like
Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, Vandana Shiva and Jane Kelsey in full, unedited flight.
These stations are broadcasting on Low Power FM Licenses, which allow anyone with a low power transmitter to broadcast in the 'guard' bands at either end of the FM spectrum.
Already in Central Auckland the guard bands are saturated with a mix of very unique stations but in most other parts of
the country there is still plenty of capacity for more transmitters.
The Network of Independent Stations are keen to hear from anyone else who wants to set up a similar station in their area, they say it is surprisingly easy
to do and will offer technical advice and audio material to anyone who wishes to get in touch with them.
The programming consists of mostly overseas material sourced off the internet, with a small dash of local voices. The network intends to increase the level of local content and expects that their mere existence will provide an
opportunity to nurture alternative media voices. If you are keen to contribute in a weekly, or one-off capacity then
once again the network is keen for you to contact
them.
ENDS