Z-Radio, Boston: Teen Journalism, Political Engagement, and Democratizing the Airwaves

Abstract

This article analyzes a youth organization's struggle to start a low-watt community radio station. The project was envisioned as a way to encourage at-risk youth to become media producers and gain technical and communication skills. It was also seen as a medium through which to communicate about important social and political issues affecting the station's predominantly low-income and minority constituency—concerns not prominently covered in the commercial media. Like hundreds of US urban communities excluded from operating low power FM stations under current FCC regulations, this group initiated a 100 milliwatt AM station with hopes of eventually becoming a 100 watt FM station if FCC regulations were to change. Funding, organizational, logistical, and regulatory issues are discussed, along with obstacles and successes of this initiative and the potential for such programs to engage youth in larger issues of democracy and non-commercial expression.

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