Radio's one-to-many mode of communication could generally be mistaken for centralised top-down models. But Phil Korbel ö Radio Space manager ö makes clear that the top-down model of dinosaurs like the BBC, in pursuit of a 'core audience', are "a slap in the face of diversity and community interests." Given the fact that BBC North recently expired the contracts of most of their Manchester based radio producers and predictably relocated production down south to London, this centralisation even seems to be geographically grounded.

Radio Space is an independent project, funded collectively by small local businesses. It will play its part in challenging the 'greasy spoon' and sweat shop profile of the Northern Quarter which has been unofficially renamed: 'The Creative Quarter'.

But a transmitter can move faster than urban regeneration programmes. Let's hope Radio Space will initiate a lively media scene in the near future which will then launch further projects into space! Korbel has plans for short-term mobile radio projects throughout Greater Manchester and wants to "produce radio in those urban redevelopment areas with the communities to broadcast what is otherwise not being reported."

Radio Space will be running from 18th May to 14th June on 87.7FM.
contact:
tel: 0161.819 2422 / fax: 0161.819 1430

Radio Space [peterloo@xxist.com]