Radio highlights

In the Mix: The commodification of Malcolm X — In November, Spike Lee's much touted new film on the life of Malcolm X screens in the US. It marks the end point of Malcolm's regeneration in the politics and culture of Black America. Young African Americans are buying tapes and copies of his speeches, and there is a new assessment of his positions on violence, women and religion. Put this with the sale of badges, posters, caps and potato chips, and you have a potent cultural mix in a USA searching for answers. Black Americans like author Thulani Davis, cultural critic Bell Hooks and commentator Stanley Crouch explain the significance of Malcolm in 1992. ABC Radio National, Mon Sept 21, 10.05 a.m. and 8.30 p.m.

Sydney's urban challenges — Part of JJJ's Living for the City series. Transport and the 20th century phenomenon of "car dependency" are big issues for our largest and most vibrant city. The program looks at Sydney's urban sprawl, talks to the mayor of Liverpool about the merits of the western suburbs and to environmentalist Les Robinson, who warns that Sydney faces problems on the scale of Los Angeles if car dependency is not reduced. Triple J-FM, Wed Sept 23, 5.30 p.m.

Out on Wednesday: Paco Pena's Misa Flamenca — Paco Pena is the world's foremost flamenco guitarist. Until recently, flamenco guitar was not widely known outside Andalucia, its native environment in southern Spain. Flamenco has influences and remnants of cultures long gone from Andalucia, including Byzantine, Moorish, Mozarabic and Jewish. The music was further developed by the influx of nomadic gypsies in the 15th century. ABC FM Stereo, Wed Sept 23, 8 p.m.

From GLW issue 71