Pirate Waves

This book reveals the value of pirate radio, with a special focus on local radio stations that broadcast illegally in Poland and other countries from the region in the early 90s. The analysis of the sources supports the conclusion that, although the pirates left a lasting legacy, they lost out in the licensed regime driven by market logic.

This book reveals the value and significance of pirate radio, with a special focus on local radio stations that broadcast illegally in Poland in the early 90s. It shows that many of them, like in other countries from the region, began as non-commercial, community-oriented initiatives. Several sources of information were used to maximize the potential of the study, especially documents gathered from public institutions, press articles, interviews with radio representatives, and decision-makers who influenced the shape of the broadcasting system. The analysis of these sources supports the conclusion that, although the pirates left a lasting legacy, they lost out in the licensed regime driven by market logic.

Autorentext

Urszula Doliwa is Professor and Head of the Institute of Journalism and Social Communication at the University of Warmia and Mazury, Poland. Her research interests center on radio broadcasting and community media.

Inhalt

The history of pirate broadcasting - broadcast media transformation in Central-Eastern Europe - Polish private broadcasting after 1989 - community radio in the public debate in Poland - the National Broadcasting Council's policy toward Polish local radio in the early 90s.