University students and BigJAcademy hold a workshop on various aspects of radio programming during Radio City Milan.
MILAN — In Italy, where public, private national networks and regional radio stations abound, competition is particularly strong and radio very popular.
To celebrate radio as a medium, and to educate listeners on the offerings available, the city of Milan organized “Radio City Milan” March 13–15 at the Fabbrica del Vapore, a renovated factory. The festival preceded Radiodays Europe, which took place in the city March 15–17.
Radio Immaginaria dubs itself as the only
radio station in Italy that is managed by adolescents.
Stations such as the RAI, Radio 24, Radio Deejay, RDS, Radio105, Radio Italia, Radio Capital, Virgin Radio, Radio Monte Carlo, Radio Popolare, Radio NumberOne and Radio Lombardia participated in the event, which offered live broadcasts and contests. Attendees were able to listen to different radio programs, visit the OB van parked in front of the venue and meet radio personalities.
Radio Immaginaria, which prides itself on being “the only radio station fully managed by teenagers in Italy,” was also on hand touting its operation. The station, which is coordinated by Michele Ferrari and based in Bologna, reaches youngsters throughout Italy and invites adolescents to send in their contributions, which make up its programming. The initiative allows youngsters to express themselves via the radio, while it also teaches them about radio and its creativity.
The Radio DeeJay OB van parked outside the Fabbrica del Vapore.
Radio City Milan in addition played host to #FRU15, “Festival delle Radio Universitarie” (“University Radio Festival”), where students majoring in communications organized — in collaboration with the DJ academy, BigJAcademy — a workshop on various aspects of programming, including storytelling, music programming and economic news.
The event wrapped up with a packed special session of “Meet the Media Guru.” The guest of honor was Helen Boaden, director of BBC Radio.
