By the Zonagirante.com team @spinning zone
Cover art by Zonagirante Studio
Public radio is not dead, it's fighting back
The public radio democracy future It's not a nostalgic fantasy. It's alive, even if it sometimes fights against itself. And it needs us to defend it.
In times dominated by algorithms, faceless playlists, and content designed to please the market, talking about a state-funded station with cultural programming and no commercial obsessions might sound anachronistic. But when done well, public radio remains one of the most valuable spaces for diversity, experimentation, and free thought.
And it doesn't have to compete with private broadcasters, whose natural objective is profitability. Quite the contrary, both can coexist. Public radio is a complementary and necessary space. As we also discussed in This article is about independent labels and Latin American music., is one of the pillars for making local scenes visible.
Defending public radio is a political act (but not a partisan one).
Defending public radio is, of course, a political act. But that No This means it should be at the service of the ruling party. On the contrary, it should be built as a pluralistic, independent, and progressive space. A place to amplify local voices, support cultural expressions of the region, and provide a forum for urgent societal conversations.
Its legitimacy depends on building trust with the audience. This critical mass must perceive that the actions of the state entity respond to cultural needs, not to current propaganda.
Successful models in the world
NPR, in the United States
NPR (National Public Radio) has managed to build a vibrant ecosystem of information, culture, and music. Its series Tiny Desk Concerts It's an essential platform for independent artists worldwide. Furthermore, its commitment to podcasts has demonstrated that public radio can be modern, insightful, and engaging.
However, not even NPR is safe. Under the Trump administration, budget cuts were implemented that threaten its existence, with accusations of bias. This is yet another example of how public radio is always under threat.
BBC, in the United Kingdom
The BBC It maintains a network of public broadcasters with distinct identities. BBC Radio 3 is dedicated to classical music, jazz, and intellectual culture. BBC Radio 6 Music, meanwhile, is a leading station for alternative music, with programming that blends history, current affairs, and expert voices—not just decorative presenters.
Colombia: Radiónica and its struggle to survive
In our context, Radionics He has shown that it is possible to speak to new generations intelligently. He has supported the country's emerging music scene, backing artists, covering festivals, and building community.
But its independence is threatened. Government demands to broadcast official speeches affect its editorial approach. This is compounded by internal harassment scandals and absurd technical decisions, such as broadcasting on AM for Medellín and Cali, even though cell phones only receive FM signals. All of this jeopardizes its future.
Public radio is also digital
Today, public radio goes far beyond the dial. It produces podcasts, broadcasts videos, connects on social media, and organizes concerts and festivals. Technology is not the enemy; it's the tool. The essential thing is... what is being said y how to build community from that voice.
Therefore, their role must be clear: Don't follow trends, but forge new paths.. Invest in content that builds collective memory, promotes debate, and showcases talent. And for that, you need a budget, editorial independence, and passionate staff, not bureaucrats.
What's at stake is the future
At Zonagirante, we believe this needs to be said loud and clear. Because often, the songs we discover, the interviews that move us, or the sounds that accompany us at night come from spaces that someone championed.
The public radio democracy future It's not an impossible ideal. It's a cultural right. And if we take care of it, its future can continue to belong to everyone.
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