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The singular distinction of being the pirate not to run away
falls to Jamaican-born Cecil Morris. With a touching idealism and a
thousand signature petition, Morris tried throughout 1981 to persuade
the licensed stations that they were ignoring the 'community needs'
of Birmingham's large West Indian and Asian populations. But all we
got in response to our demonstration was two, on-off programmes - one
with music and a little discussion , the other with imported music.'
Turning pirate in January of last year, Morris and friends took
to the airwaves as Radio Star - with gospel services and talks on the
various minority religions; senior black citizens' requests; reports
on local community projects; arts, health and beauty slots;
discussions of the education problems and employment prospects of the
ethnic minorities; all intersected with soul, reggae, soca, and
Calypso music and the emphasis on local talent.
'Singers and bands, sure, 'says Morris. 'But we also get kids
coming here saying, "man, it's great to have a radio station
that we can identify with ," and "I always wanted to
get into radio but I never studied because there was no chance of
getting involved with these things before."
I'm talking black schoolkids and older ones with no job into
seeing the importunities that are around - radio, radio, electronics,
music, journalism. Radio Star was first raided in March, then again
in August. The second time, Morris had been listening at home when
the radio went dead. Rushing to the transmitter at a nearby tower
block, and in a lather of frustration and protest, he gave himself up
to the Home Office team. Fighting his case on the point of community
need, Morris lost and was fined £180 plus costs. He also had
£2,000 worth of equipment confiscated.
Between times Morris has applied to the IBA for a
licence and was turned down. 'Birmingham already has it's own local
station serving the needs of the community, they say. With two hours
of reggae a week?
'It has been a lot of tribulation and disappointment.
Perhaps the IBA is scared we'd use a black radio station for
political troublesomeness. But we're not against society. We're here;
we want to contribute, and the station could help us help
ourselves. (home page: pcrlfm.co.uk) |
