Event Details
All proceeds from this screening benefit our community radio station, Pender Radio!
“An affectionate and informative overview of Top 40 colossus CKLW, an Ontario-based outlet that had profound influence on musical tastes throughout much of the U.S. and Canada in 1960s and ’70s.”
—Joe Leydon, VarietyRadio Revolution investigates the international social, political and musical impact of the radio station CKLW during the 1960s and 70s. The 50,000-watt station was the sonic mirror of Windsor’s sister city, separated by a half a mile of dirty Detroit River water – reflecting excitement, soul, creativity – and bloody murder.
“In 1963, AM radio station 800 CKLW in Windsor, Ontario became a full-time rock, pop, and R&B hit machine, servicing large swaths of Canada and—just across the border—the Detroit metro area. Within four years, CKLW was the top station in its market, and had built a cult following among those in the eastern half of the U.S. who could pick up the broadcasts on clear nights. The programmers mastered the “boss radio” format: an action-packed hourly block that cycled through 18 songs, a smattering of zippy jingles, rapid-fire DJ patter, and two pulpy newscasts every 60 minutes. That relentless momentum kept young people throughout the “Big 8″ listening area locked into the station, afraid to miss an important dispatch from the front lines of the youth rebellion.” (Noel Murray, AV Club)
“To a large extent, the Big 8 became the most influential player in the American music scene… More than just a chronicle of a bygone era in broadcasting history, “Radio Revolution: The Rise and Fall of the Big 8” documents a national treasure for two countries. May the Big 8 never sign off in rock and roll heaven.” (Merle Bertrand, Film Threat)
RADIO REVOLUTION: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE BIG 8
Dir. Michael McNamara, Canada 2004, 70mins.
World Premiere SXSW 2004 | Gemini Award For Best History Documentary Program 2004
Official website: www.markhamstreetfilms.com/radio-revolution