Radio highlights
The People's Parks — Australia's first national park, the Royal National Park on Sydney's southern outskirts, was created in 1879. Its primary purpose was as a place for recreation. The concept of national parks is under constant redefinition by governments as big business looks to exploit them and environmentalists fight to preserve and extend them. ABC Radio National, Sunday, June 25, 2.05pm.
Radio-Eye: Sound Systems — When reggae fans visit Jamaica, they are sometimes surprised by the lack of reggae "bands" and the profusion of "sound systems" aka "sounds" — huge, awesomely powerful mobile discos. The beats they produce are the foundation of reggae. They are run by small armies of technicians, roadies, DJs ("selectors") and promoters. As well as exclusive records called "dub-plates", the sounds feature live vocalists who perform over prerecorded rhythms. Other attractions include fashion parades, food, and merchandise stalls. Sometimes the Jamaican sounds meet in eagerly awaited "sound clashes", which can leave combatants and supporters bloodied or even dead, so fierce is the competition. ABC Radio National, Sunday, June 25, 8.30pm.
The Dirt — Sydney public radio 2SER brings back a full half hour of current affairs. The Dirt digs up the stories you won't hear anywhere else on radio. 2SER-FM (107.5), Monday to Friday, 8.30am.
On the streets, what does "safe" mean? Do homeless kids care about the safety message we give them? After all, what do we know? Coming up on Sydney's 2SER to bridge the gap between those who know and those who don't is Tribal Voice. Produced by street kids who tell us the way it is, Tribal Voice looks at safe sex and intravenous drug use. This one-hour radio documentary will be broadcast in two parts during 2SER's Youth Current Affairs program, The Gap, at the end of June. The Gap, 2SER-FM (107.5-FM), Wednesdays, 6pm.