Brisbane’s community radio station, 4ZZZ, celebrates its 50th anniversary as a prominent voice advocating against injustice. Established on December 8, 1975, the station has remained a vital platform for alternative media, particularly during periods of political turmoil in Queensland. Over the decades, it has garnered a reputation for supporting marginalized communities and championing local music.
The history of 4ZZZ is painted on its walls, where posters recount significant events, including its eviction from the University of Queensland on December 14, 1988. Heather Anderson, the station’s historian, recounts how students reoccupied the premises almost immediately, ensuring the station remained on air. The current home of 4ZZZ, established in 1992, is located at the former headquarters of the Queensland Communist Party on Barry Parade in Fortitude Valley.
As the station commemorates this milestone, the walls feature a mix of music memorabilia and political commentary. One poster, “Fred Nile is insane,” reflects the station’s commitment to addressing controversial issues. Another highlights the Fees Boycott ’88, showcasing the station’s activism in educational matters.
The station’s legacy includes programs like “Locked In,” which serves as a voice for imprisoned individuals. Historical news clippings illustrate its impact, including coverage of riots at Brisbane’s notorious Boggo Road jail, leading to an inquiry that ultimately shut it down in 1992. Artworks created by incarcerated individuals now adorn the station’s walls, symbolizing its ongoing commitment to amplifying diverse voices.
In a media landscape dominated by podcasts and social media, 4ZZZ continues to resonate with audiences. The station’s sound and atmosphere remain reminiscent of its inaugural day, when announcer John Woods played “Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who, the first song ever aired. On the day of a recent visit from Guardian Australia, presenter Jack Montague debuted his new show, “The Anti Room.”
Brisbane’s political climate during the station’s inception was starkly conservative, governed by the National Party for over three decades. Journalist Andrew Stafford, author of “Pig City,” emphasizes that 4ZZZ was a rare platform for local music amid a repressive atmosphere. The station’s resistance to the Joh Bjelke-Petersen government’s oppressive policies established it as an essential voice against state-sanctioned injustice.
Throughout its history, 4ZZZ has embraced various alternative communities. Starting in 1978, it began producing content for the LGBTQI community at a time when police were still prosecuting individuals for their sexual orientation. The station’s commitment to diversity has continued to evolve, with the introduction of “Tranzmission,” a show catering to the transgender community, developed in response to recent governmental policies affecting gender-affirming care.
Former station manager Jack McDonnell notes that the station’s survival over the years is largely due to the dedication of volunteers, many of whom contribute their time and skills to keep the station running on a limited budget. As part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations, 4ZZZ has organized a series of events, including concerts and an exhibition. A commemorative book titled “People Powered Radio: 50 Years of Australian Community Radio Station 4ZZZ,” authored by Anderson, encapsulates the station’s journey.
Reflecting on the station’s significance, McDonnell states, “4ZZZ has played a central role in radical Brisbane for the whole of its existence. Whenever there’s been a need for a voice to speak up against injustice, 4ZZZ has been there.” The hope is that this legacy of advocacy and community engagement will continue for years to come.
