The Development of Community Radio in South Australia and Foundation of Radio Paesani

Forward

History is not simply a record of what really happened in the past; it is a complex intersection of truths, biases, and hope. When documenting the past, two quotes serve as guiding principles for analysis. The first is, “History is written by winners,” a statement often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte and echoed by figures like Winston Churchill. This quote suggests that history, as we know it, often reflects a selective collection of documents and memories crafted to support an underlying agenda, typically highlighting the contributions of those in power. The second quote is, “Repeat a lie often enough, and it becomes the truth,” a propaganda principle commonly associated with Nazi Joseph Goebbels. Together, these quotes underscore the potential for historical narratives to be shaped, distorted, or manipulated.

While such an interpretation may lead to the cynical view that history is fundamentally based on lies, a more nuanced perspective acknowledges the need for critical analysis. Highlighting particular events and relying on selective documents can distort the past. Therefore, transparency in the sources used to write history is imperative. By declaring and analyzing documents openly, we can strive for a more balanced and accurate account of the past.

My approach to analyzing the history of the foundation of Italian Community Radio in South Australia is rooted in primary sources and firsthand accounts. These include in-depth interviews with key figures such as Keith Conlon, manager of the University of Adelaide radio station 5UV, which initiated community radio; Rosa Colanero, the inaugural program director of Radio Paesani; and Lino Cardone, sound technician for Radio Paesani in its formative years. Informal discussions were also held with Nevis Mercurio (née Zancanaro), Alex Gardini, Chairman of the Italian Education Movement (1974-1976), and Gabriele Damiani, the main announcer for Radio Paesani during its early years. Additionally, I consulted Ilario Nesci’s autobiography, La Mia Epopea, and my own records, minutes, and notes as a member and, in 1977, Chairman, of the Italian Education Movement. Unfortunately, some pioneers could not be traced or had passed away, while others declined to participate or did not respond to requests.

The development of any organization, while often associated with a charismatic or dominant leader, depends on the contributions of many unsung heroes. These individuals, akin to "cogs in a wheel," play indispensable roles in ensuring the success and sustainability of an organization. This concept aptly applies to the foundation and growth of Italian Community Radio in South Australia.

I dedicate this short history to the pioneers who had the courage and resilience to embark on this venture, laying the foundation for what has become ethnic broadcasting in the twenty-first century. Their efforts have left an enduring legacy, enriching the cultural fabric of our community.

Giuseppe (Joe) Geracitano
President, Italian Historical Society of South Australia Inc.
2025

The Foundation of Community Radio in South Australia

The 1970s was a period of social change in Australia. The previous twenty years of mass immigration and the influx of immigrants from Southern Europe had not only increased the Australian population but also changed it from a predominantly Anglo-Celtic country to a multi-ethnic community. It was a period that ushered in the Whitlam Government from the Labor Party at the federal level and Don Dunstan at the state level, both of whom facilitated social change and recognition of the ethnic complexity of the community.

To fully understand how community radio, and ethnic community radio in particular, developed in South Australia, one must examine the various factors at work. In radio, and community radio in particular, major changes were taking place not only in Australia but also in Great Britain and the United States. In South Australia, the introduction of community radio dates back to the 1960s when key people in the Department of Continuing Education at the University of Adelaide became interested in using radio to broaden their educational reach.

The first major breakthrough came with a $100,000 donation from Kenneth Stirling, enabling the University of Adelaide to establish a radio station. The station, 5UV, began broadcasting on 531 KHz. However, bureaucratic obstacles arose as the university was neither a commercial broadcaster nor part of the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC). To accommodate the university, an experimental license was issued, initially prohibiting music.

With the advent of the Whitlam Government and its social reform agenda, interest in community radio surged. In 1974, 5UV was granted an experimental license on the condition that it allowed community access. This made 5UV the first community radio station in Australia.

The Birth of Radio Paesani

With the foundation of community radio, various ethnic communities were eager to establish their own programs. The Italian community was represented by three attendees at a community radio seminar in October 1974: Alex Gardini, Rosa Colanero, and Ilario Nesci. Their combined efforts led to the formation of Radio Paesani. Rosa Colanero, in particular was the Convenor of Radio Paesani and first program director.

On March 3, 1975, at 6:00 PM, the first non-English community radio program was broadcast from 5UV. Due to scheduling, the Italian program aired first, making it the first ethnic community radio broadcast in Australia. The first voice heard was Enzo Dobrilla’s, and the program quickly gained popularity within the Italian community.

The structure of Radio Paesani focused on regional Italian culture, featuring segments on history, music, cuisine, and community issues. The group faced challenges such as funding, resource shortages, and gender bias, as Italian community leadership at the time was predominantly male.

The Transition to Radio Italiana

By 1977, tensions arose between the Italian Education Movement and Radio Paesani, leading to the latter’s separation. In December 1978, a new constitution was adopted, officially founding Radio Italiana with Luigi Penna as its first president.

Since then, Radio Italiana 531 has remained a pillar of the Italian community in South Australia, providing a platform for Italian culture, music, news, and community engagement.

Conclusion

The history of Italian community radio in South Australia is a testament to the resilience and passion of its pioneers. From the early days of Radio Paesani to the establishment of Radio Italiana 531, this journey has been shaped by dedicated individuals who believed in the power of community broadcasting.

As Radio Italiana 531 continues to evolve, it remains committed to its mission of serving and uniting the Italian community of South Australia, ensuring that the voices of its people are heard for generations to come.

A copy of the full report is available in the State Library of South Australia and that a digital copy is available on request from the Italian Historical Society of South Australia.