MN. Series Two, Episode 3 - Radio Netherlands Firsts
November 2024 - A message from Jonathan Marks, producer Media Network. Yes, we're still here although my other work has meant I have little time for shortwave these days. I've started sorting out some off-air archives in the audio-only selections. It's true, radio has a terrible memory. (I'm delighted to learn that the British Vintage Wireless Society is still going strong https://www.bvws.org.uk ) Now you know why I am publishing old editions of Media Network here on this site, as well as some of the off-air recordings of stations I monitored in the 80's and 90's as part of the research for the programme. I'm simply looking for ways to capture more unique stories that I believe need to be told before we all forget. I realise that in 1000 editions of Media Network, we had only just begun the scratch the surface. So at this time of reflection, I'd just like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement as the archive project enters a new phase. First time visitor? I'm Jonathan Marks. If this is the first time you've visited the vault, then I'm glad you dropped by! There are over 660 editions of Media Network, representing just over half the episodes that we made and broadcast from the Radio Netherlands' studios in Hilversum. I'm pleased to say most survived in excellent studio quality (quite often in stereo).
Episode 3 about Radio Netherlands has now been
published on Vimeo and YouTube. It is video so it complements the
collection here on Libsyn. I get mixed reports about YouTube
containing adverts, but it is not my intention to try and monetise
this archived content which has already been paid for by the Dutch
taxpayer.
Here is Episode 3 in the new second series of Media
Network.
This edition focuses on the forgotten firsts
connected with Dutch International broadcasting. I mixed a lot of
footage I shot myself with other vintage footage from rescued
archives from Radio Netherlands and YouTube. I hope it is a public
contribution to a better understanding of what all of us involved
in Dutch international broadcasting achieved over 85 years. In the
Netherlands. There is a tendency by Dutch domestic media to always
pick ancient footage from the 1960s when making documentaries or
news items about Radio Netherlands. They ignore the brilliant
investigative journalism and wide-ranging music productions from
the early ’80s until 2012. We were pioneers in many formats, not
outdated laggards. As the RNW studio complex at Witte Kruislaan 55
is sold to a private investor in January 2021, I think it is time
to set the record straight. This adventure may be over, but let’s
examine what we learned about international communication. I
believe a lot of the ideas connected with community media are still
valid, especially in a post-Trump world. Enjoy the past, but think
about the future!
Re-live original Media Network shows as broadcast between 1980-2000. Curator & host Jonathan Marks shares the archive of insight into international broadcasting. And watch for occasional new video episodes in 2024. Feedback is always welcome. Enjoy.