Radio9

Prior to 2019 municipal elections, seeing that local authority informs citizens unilaterally, fails to provide space for democratic debates, a dozen of citizens with close ties to the district kicked off an online radio. Radio9 was started as a pop up radio, then radiocasted from an apartment studio. Presently it produces podcasts informing citizens on local public affairs. Its innovation, as opposed to governing party propaganda typical of the civil service media, is offering real civil service content and providing space for community discourse, setting an example of active citizenship.

Radio9 (“Rádió9”) was launched as an online radio station in response to the shortage of outreach and information from local governmental institutions before the 2019 municipal elections. After the elections, we continued to inform the public as a civilian watchdog. Due to the pandemic, the need for information increased.

We created Radio9 as a communications channel as civilians on city district affairs and encourage civic activity. The topics and programmes are decided and created by staff members living or working in the district.

Radio9 is a local media and community development project; it addresses community members of this highly diverse district, including civilians, entrepreneurs, politicians, local experts, and artists. Radio9 is low-tech; it is also easy to share our radio programmes, which can reach up to tens of thousands of local households.

As local civilians, we aim to protect our neighbourhood and strengthen democratic values, civic activity, and social discourse. We also develop channels of participation and demand transparency in local government. Our aim is to involve and work together with more local people to become a social, civic media platform.

Radio9 has a diverse team of local civilians. Our programme serves as a watchdog to inform the public about local affairs. Our strategy of initiating and leading discourses on local public life can be transferred anywhere.