There is great anticipation by the Prime Minister for the release of this film "Disappearing Voices". As a life long student of the medium that helped me get over my fear of being alone in the dark, this film hopefully will educate Blacks in America that radio is a medium worth fighting for. The problem with radio is radio itself and that African Americans seem to have forgotten what radio actually contributed to the Black Community. Radio was once an adhesive that connected communities together. The personalities were once cultural heroes. Black Radio was central to the struggle. You mean to tell me that we've arrived and the struggle is over! I don't think so. Actually through "Disappearing Voices" the struggle must go into high gear with an effort to reclaim Black radio.
There has been plenty of criticism about radio in the last few weeks and some people want to abandon it altogether. The Performance Rights Act has complicated the issue more and African Americans are a house divided. It's time to remember what radio was and put some value to that history. A friend made a point that was very profound. He said, "There were great DJ personalities in every city in this country and we've forgotten about them and we're forgetting about radio." What he said made me think. I can still remember the Good Guys at WVON in Chicago. And I'm sure many of you can remember your favorite DJ's from your city.
We've lost localism, we're losing ownership and the identity of Black Radio. Today what we hear on radio is a showcase of promotions and buffoonery. That's Urban Radio and not Black Radio. Black radio was conscientiousness, political, informative and entertaining. Was Black Radio really that bad or was Black Radio actually that good? The film Disappearing Voices will answers many questions. This film will be shared with my students because they will have to live with and straighten out the mess that is radio today.
For more information go to http://www.disappearingvoices.com/
Check out the Trailer
Iyanna Jones Disappearing Voices Interview
Check out the Interview
The Prime Minister.
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