First local radio experiences in Portugal (1977-1984)

Abstract

The end of the 70s marked the appearance of several pirate radios in Portugal beginning a process that would lead to the liberalization of the radio sector at the end of the following decade. For eleven years, several hundred small radios have broadcasted without a license bringing the voices of local people. Between 1977 and 1984, there were dozens of radio stations that, although without adequate professionalism or structure, were able to emerge a debate about the importance of local radios in Portugal. It was a process characterized by the pioneering spirit and the desire to create a phenomenon alongside both public opinion and the political class. For the promoters of this movement, legalizing the local radios in Portugal meant taking steps towards the consolidation of democracy and freedom of expression won in the country, and this was noticeably marked in the speeches and practices carried out between 1977 and 1984 and we will seek characterized in this article.