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Sending messages via radio waves

Want more Latino rap, but twirling the radio dial just results in cookie-cutter music formats?

That’s because most radio stations – even lots of Spanish-language ones – are mass produced nationally by media conglomerates like Clear Channel.

However, listeners can now tap into local Latino alternative radio via the Internet. In addition, the FCC in October is giving a chance to Valley Latino non-commercial groups to own a radio station.

Click on www.phxinternetradio.com and hear urban Latino, world beat, boleros, indie and pop spun by Sara Rassas, an ESL instructor and resident DJ on Phoenix College’s Internet radio station. She’s joined by about 24 students, staff and alumni DJ’s who produce sounds and PC-related programming 24/7 on the internet outlet.

Station faculty advisor Miguel Fernandez says the program has been a big hit since starting in January.

“For the Internet radio, all it takes is a microphone and a computer,” Fernandez says.

Fernandez, who teaches Chicano literature, says the college’s Internet radio can supplement his course materials. “We’re looking for old Chicano protest music and march songs to play,” he says.

The other opportunity for Arizona Latino-themed airways comes from a special program by the Federal Communications Commission.

The National Hispanic Media Coalition is getting word out to Latinos about the FCC’s acceptance of applications from Oct. 12-19 from community-based organizations to own full-power radio stations.

The FCC is offering this opportunity through its non-commercial educational radio-licensing program. Organizations can include cultural or social service nonprofits, churches, schools, or community centers, among others.

Alex Nogales, NHMC president, hopes that Latino organizations understand the program offers a rare opportunity. However, applicants will have to act fast: all applications must be filed by Oct. 19 and potential station-owners must be prepared.

The FCC estimates it will take $25,000 to $200,000 to build and operate a station, plus about five years for a newly licensed station to go live.

The Valley and Tucson are two areas the FCC intends to grant licenses.

Competition for the licenses is expected to be tough. The FCC is employing a point system to determine the winning applicant in cases where many groups are competing for stations.

Nogales advises would-be applicants to visit www.GetRadio.org and www.RadioForPeople.org for user-friendly information and links to the FCC applications.