BY FRED FUENTES
MELBOURNE — In Australia, with the most monopolised media in the world, there is a growing need to support alternative media. For the past 25 years, 3CR has been broadcasting on a volunteer basis, providing alternative coverage of social, economic, cultural and political developments taking place in Melbourne, Australia and the world. 3CR continues to be free from corporate sponsorship and government control.
However, the money needed to continue to produce alternative media has to come from somewhere. That is why 3CR held its annual radiothon, June 4-17. This year the station needs to raise $125,000, The theme of the radiothon was "Uncensored and Outspoken".
3CR has allowed the voices of hundreds of community and marginalised groups to put their views on air — indigenous people, women, environmentalists, community language groups, social justice activists, trade unionists, lesbian and gay organisations, community arts organisations, and alternative and local musicians. Every week, more than 400 volunteer programmers broadcast in 20 languages and provide 24-hour coverage of issues that affect our lives.
To make a donation for the 3CR radiothon just call (03) 9419 8377. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
[Tune in to 3CR on 855am, every Friday at 7.30am for the Friday Breakfast Show. The program is coordinated by activists from the Democratic Socialist Party and Friends of the Earth.]