Actively Radical TV — Sydney community television's progressive current affairs producers tackle the hard issues from the activist's point of view. CTS Sydney (UHF 31), every Sunday, 9-11pm. Ph 9565 5522.
Access News — Melbourne community TV, Channel 31, has excellent coverage of industrial, environmental and community actions throughout Victoria. Access News broadcasts every Monday at 8pm. Ph 9633 6976.
Ruben Blades: Tiempos — Born in Panama, Blades sings salsa like no other. He has played with such legendary musicians as the Ray Barreto Orchestra and Willie Colon's band and is acclaimed as one of the giants of contemporary Latin American music. Blades and Colon are also unashamedly left-wing and are involved in many political campaigns. Features a live performance of songs from his Tiempos (1999) album and an interview with Blades about his life and music, including his campaign for the Panamanian presidency. SBS, Saturday, August 19, 12.30pm.
Carlinhos Brown: Bahia Beat — Another program featuring a progressive Latin American musician. Since the funky singer, songwriter and percussionist burst onto the Brazilian scene 15 years ago, he has been a constant voice for the oppressed African-Brazilian people. SBS, Saturday, August 19, 1.25pm.
Compay Segundo: a Cuban Legend — Segundo, legendary singer and one of the stars of the Buena Vista Social Club, tours Santiago de Cuba, his birthplace and the heartland of the Cuban son music style. SBS, Sunday, August 20, 8.40pm.
Movie: Lamerica (1994) — A tale of corporate and social exploitation in post-communist Albania. From Italy. SBS, Monday, August 21, 12.30pm.
What's Up With the Weather? — Looks at the possibilities of turning to non-carbon energy sources. Scientists also hold out hope for developing unimaginable new technologies that will replace fossil fuels. SBS, Tuesday, August 22, 8.30pm.
Tobacco War: Smokescreen — How the tobacco companies tried to stop the truth leaking out about the dangers of smoking. ABC-TV, Wednesday, August 23, 11.15pm.