Many of us grew up listening to the radio. It was the one dependable source available for us to hear our favorite songs. The medium also allowed us the opportunity to discover the latest hits on the charts or find out about the hottest concerts coming the city. Radio has been influential and instrumental in many positive ways. It has been responsible for entertaining and informing the public. If you enjoyed talk radio, you may have even enjoyed hearing your favorites radio personalities talk about the important issues of the day.
Radio as an entertainment medium that has been that steady staple that many have felt that would always be a part of our media landscape, but is this truly the case? Is radio as important to the world as it was 20, 30 or even 50 years ago? In the past decade or more, there seems to have been a decline in black radio. The mainstay African-American disc jockeys, who allowed the radio airways to make them famous, don't seem to have been replaced with people who have the same goals and ambitions and that is to be the "voice of the people."
Radio was once the place to find out about the big news story of the day, political rallies and other community events going on in your city or town. Sharing this information with the listeners somehow made the general public feel like they were a part of something much larger than themselves. This process was important then, and is still important now.
What can be done to stop the decline of black radio? Is there anything that can be done? Director U-Savior Washington along with Producers Iyanna Jones and Shawna Glover saw the issue and decided to do something about it. They put their amazing creativity together and created the documentary entitled "Disappearing Voices: The Decline of Black Radio. The creative executives saw a need to get the word out and educate people on this issue. As a result of putting together this explosive and mesmerizing material, they have received quite a bit critical acclaim and praise from industry professionals.
In addition, while compiling this vital information, the producers interviewed some of the pioneers of black radio to get their opinions on how this epidemic came to pass. Their powerful stories resonate with the audience and educates them on what radio was for the community as a whole.
After seeing the documentary 3 times, it is a must for all to see. It provides an enlightening and educational experience for all who have the pleasure of watching it.
This powerful and thought provoking documentary can be seen at high schools and universities all across the country, but is definitely worth owning yourself. For more information go to: http://www.disappearingvoices.com/
Also, for more information on Director U-Savior and his current projects, visit his production company Black Waxx at: http://www.blackwaxx.com/
This documentary will absolutely change your life and the way you see black radio which is exactly the result intended.
Comments
This is awesome. I never knew about this. I will definitely have to check out the website and order a copy of the film. Excellent information and movement. YES!!
I agree. A new documentary with some good and solid information. I hate listening to the radio myself and this may be why. No more good information to listen for.
Black radio rules!!
Nice article. I love radio and this is definitely sad to be happening with black radio. Thanks for putting this in our faces so we can do something about it.
I truly do miss the days of old school radio. Now most of what is on is the same old same. They play the same 5 or 10 artists over and over again. Enough already.
There are some great artists out there who never get the chance or the radio play because they are not on the Hot 100. Does it really matter how popular someone is? Come on really. I thought the purpose of the radio was to hear some good music.
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