by Arianne Zeuner
The project Polyphonia began in mid-December 2000 in the following radio stations: Radio Dreyeckland (DE-Freiburg), Radio Ondarossa (IT-Rome), Radio Contrabanda (ES-Barcelona), Radio Orange 94,0 (AT-Vienna) and Amarc Europe.
Polyphonia received its support in the context of the Anti-Discrimination Programme of the EU. It was running through the year 2001 and its goal was to strengthen the position of those who are faced with discrimination as well as those who actively work against discrimination in non-commercial, independent radios, simultaneously using the medium "radio" itself to this end.
The project was aimed at various groups, who in their turn are confronted with different kinds of discrimination as well as at those who are fighting against such discrimination. Discrimination which stems from racism, because of ethnicity or national origin, discrimination because of sexual orientation, whether lesbian, gay, bisexual or transsexual, and discrimination because of physical handicaps clearly differ from one another as to their causes, their form, and the consequences for those affected by discrimination. Yet at the same time there are similarities, not the least of which are to be found in the experiences of those who actively work against marginalization and violence.
Especially for this reason Polyphonia was intended as a forum for different groups to come to together in order to: 1) discuss differences and similarities, 2) exchange ideas about possibilities and difficulties in the struggle against discrimination, 3) build networks extending beyond one single group, in individual countries as well as internationally, and 4) consider how independent radio as a medium for non-discriminating groups and projects can be better utilized.
The programme for 2001 included various events: Three days of special activities: International Day Against Racism (21 May), Christopher Street Day (Gay Pride, 29 June) and World Day of the Handicapped (3 December) * National Conventions in April * a Transnational Congress in November * the organisation of round-tables, discussion panels and radio programmes * the production of a CD.
On the occasion of MITIL 2002, the project co-ordinator Ariane Zeuner of Radio Dreyeckland will recapitulate Polyphonia and draw a retrospective balance: Did the project reach its goals? Has it left traces that will allow to pursue its purposes? Where lies the interest for other independent radios to take up and develop the idea?
Radio Dreyeckland (RDL) in Freiburg, Germany is the coordinating project partner of Polyphonia. It grew out of the anti-nuclear power movement in 1977 and is the oldest independent radio station in the Federal Republic of Germany. Radio Dreyeckland identifies itself as a media project of the Left. Individuals and groups - with a total of about 200 participants - produce and broadcast many different programmes. Among these are fifteen broadcasts In other languages (the name of an production team at RDL). Although there is great diversity at the radio station, all editorial teams are obliged to abide by the programme statutes. RDL also participates actively in various projects outside its normal broadcasting activities, such as in IKX (Interkonnexiones), which has been connecting independent radio stations with one another since 1992.
Amarc is an international, non-government organisation of independent radios, which has 3000 members and radio stations from 106 countries. It was founded in 1986 in Vancouver, Canada as a world organisation of independent radios. Amarc supports and initiates various projects in collaboration with independent radio stations, such as a special day of international broadcasting against racism by Voices without frontiers, anti-racist campaigns and women's projects. The European branch of Amarc is participating in Polyphonia.