The Airwaves Belonged to the People: WBCN and the American Revolution
Before social media, before the internet, there was WBCN — at a time when the airwaves still belonged to the people.
This is the story of how radio, politics, and rock and roll helped end a war and changed everything. At a time when it matters more than ever.
Watch the trailer for the theatrical re-release of the award-winning documentary.
The film — newly re-released under its expanded title — tells the story of how a Boston rock radio station helped ignite the cultural and political revolution of the late 1960s and beyond, becoming both participant and platform for the anti-war movement, civil rights, women’s and LGBTQ rights, and the rise of countercultural media.
Featuring members of the legendary WBCN airstaff, along with rare early radio appearances by David Bowie, Lou Reed, Jane Fonda, Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Garcia, Bruce Springsteen, and Patti Smith.
The film aired nationally on PBS and received coverage from major publications including The Boston Globe, which called it a film audiences “watch with awe.
Directed by Peabody Award–winner Bill Lichtenstein, who began working at WBCN at age 14 in 1970.
“A fascinating journey back in time when music and radio were at the center of a movement, and an inspiration for what media can be today. WBCN holds a special place in history.”
“A team of young heroes, women and men, black and white, straight and gay, passionate, fearless and revolutionary, broadcast the music and ideas that shaped how every college kid thought, felt, and acted for the rest of our lives.”
“As a budding broadcaster at powerhouse WBZ-AM in the early 1970s I fell for WBCN and told my boss, who said: ‘FM? It’ll never last.’ He was right in that there will never be another WBCN.”