On the box

Actively Radical TV — Sydney community television's progressive current affairs producers tackle the hard issues from the activist's point of view. CTS Sydney (UHF 31), every Thursday, 10pm and Saturday, 7pm.

Access News — Melbourne community TV, Channel 31, has excellent coverage of industrial, environmental and community actions throughout Victoria. Access News broadcasts every Monday and Friday at 8pm. Phone (03) 9525 3551 to contact the producers or make a donation.

CATv — Subverting the "one-way media" via CATv's regular Sydney program. CTS Sydney, every Thursday, 10.30pm, CTS UHF 31. Ph Karina at 9557 3223 or John at 9569 4963. Visit the web page at http://www.cat.org.au/catv.

Smallest Room in the House — An intimate comedy half hour with Rachel Berger. Berger's material is political, psychological and socially conscious. She has done much to establish the position of women in comedy, providing a distinctive voice. ABC TV, Monday, May 5, 9.30pm.

Songlines — Songlines is an entertaining show that highlights the depth and diversity of black Australian music. Produced by the ABC's Indigenous Programs Unit, the series consists of nine 30-minute programs. In the premiere, Christine Anu sings, presenter Michelle Tuahine explores the traditional indigenous concept of songlines — where songs and stories are passed on between Aboriginal peoples, starting with the ancient jardiwarnpa ceremony in Yuendumu. From Melbourne Kev Carmody and friends, Tex Perkins, Ruby Hunter and Archie Roach, contribute. Songlines will also debut new bands and performers. ABC TV, Wednesday, May 7, 9.30pm.

The Great Depression — Part of a series about the impact of the Great Depression in the US, this episode begins in 1934 in California, where San Francisco is paralysed by a general strike. Upton Sinclair, socialist, muck-raker and novelist, enters the race for governor. ABC TV, Thursday, May 8, 9.30pm.

From GLW issue 272