The Precarious Growth of Community Radio in Italy: Economic Problems, Legislative Uncertainties, and Identity Issues

Local, non-commercial, linked to research institutions and NGOs: the universe of community radio is wide and varied. What so many different experiences have in common is the mission to serve a community, whether territorially or ideally bounded. Their history, which dates back to the adventures of the 1970s, reached a turning point with the transition to the year 2000. In fact, digital technology offers an increasing number of players the opportunity to create hyperlocal and community radio editorial projects at low cost. They keep the original spirit of community radio but often have to deal with problems of marginality, invisibility and sustainability.