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Airwaves of Rebellion: Youth, Identity, and the Fight for Community Radio (12A*)

Rebel Radio

Rewinding the Airwaves

A programme of films diving into the energy and impact of youth-led pirate radio in 1980s–90s Britain, showing how young broadcasters defied mainstream media to amplify underrepresented voices. 

In this programme: Black and White Pirate Show (1987), features a rare exchange between veteran white pirate broadcasters and rising Black DJs. It explores their shared love for radio while exposing cultural divides and differing motives behind pirate broadcasting in London.

From a broader lens, Ebony ‘Pirates’ (1983) delves into debates over the criminalisation of non-commercial radio, with voices from the Dread Broadcasting Company and BBC’s John Peel. A decade later, Pirates (1993) reflects on pirate radio’s lasting impact and the ongoing struggle of unlicensed broadcasters.

Featuring an introduction from Rob Burkitt, producer for 'Black and White Pirate Radio Show'.

This is one of two screenings presented as part of Rewinding the Airwaves: An Archive Mixtape of Pirate Radio and Black Media.

With thanks to the BFI National TV Archive, Matthew Harle and Ian Greaves.

Special thanks to Roger Shannon, Steve Sklair and Rob Burkitt.

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