Microradio and Democracy discusses the role of citizen access to communications in a democratic society, and how diversity, localism, and core political speech are undermined by corporate control of the public airwaves. Ruggiero examines the emergence of microradio activism in recent court cases, and the links between the microradio struggle and larger movements for democracy and social justice. Illustrated with photos and graphics, this book will be of interest to anyone concerned about keeping free speech for communities, not corporations. “Microradio & Democracy is a superb analysis of how the media giants and the government have worked together to cripple freedom of speech on the airways by banning small radio stations. It is also an exhilarating account of how the small broadcasters and their supporters are fighting back.” –Howard Zinn


“This study provides an illuminating analysis of a crucial component of the ongoing state-corporate assault on meaningful democracy: the effort to control and shape attitudes and beliefs to induce passive acceptance of the dictates of private power.” –Noam Chomsky


“Microradio is here, and it can no longer be repressed. Greg Ruggiero has done a mighty service by explaining the issues of microradio broadcasting and outlining the crucial struggle that is taking place at this very moment in Washington, D.C. Microradio is not "the answer" to all our media problems, but it can be an important first step in the process of making our media accountable to Main Street, rather than to Wall Street and Madison Avenue. Read this pamphlet, share it with your friends, and get active. If popular support for noncommercial, community-based microradio emerges, this is a fight we can and will win.” –Robert. W. McChesney