Radio Patapoe 88.3 FM Amsterdam

Tomorrow (Friday Feb. 27th) a demonstration in support of free radio in general and Radio Patapoe specifically starts at the Westermarkt in Amsterdam. Over the past year hundreds of broadcasters have been forced off the Dutch airwaves. Hundreds of radio makers and thousands of listeners are being victimized, simply because the ether apparently needs to be "cleansed" of "illegal" broadcasters. In Amsterdam, it now seems to be Radio Patapoe's turn. But Patapoe (97.2 FM) is not about to give up. Tomorrow our listeners, radio makers and sympathisers will demand that Radio Patapoe be left in peace.

Radio Patapoe has existed since 1987 and broadcasts 24/7 at 97.2 MHz FM. Run by approximately a hundred volunteers, it operates without subsidies, licenses or directives. Patapoe is about free speech. Anyone can participate at their own account. Our transmitter belongs to the public in general and no one in particular. We offer unheard-of music, soundscapes, noise, talkshows, and live reports of local and international actions.

On Monday February 9th the Telecom authorities tried to raid Radio Patapoe. Their attempt failed but they promised to be back, even though the Telecom authorities themselves admit that Radio Patapoe causes no interference. According to them it is just a part of their action "Etherflits" (Ether Raid) which has taken out hundreds of radio pirates in the Netherlands over the past year. Apparently it is now Patapoe's turn.

Meanwhile, our minister Brinkhorst of Economic Affairs has been ordered to investigate easily accessible ways to give permits to local free frequencies. This widely supported resolution specifically aims to make room for existing free radios and radio pirates. Since radio pirates transmit at unused frequencies and without interference (owing to their limited range) no one has to suffer. Yet the phenomenon itself, with all its significance to a healthy democracy, is now about to disappear. It will be hard to get back once it's gone.

Therefore we call for a demonstration on Friday Feb. 27th at the Westermarkt in Amsterdam. We refuse to be treated as criminals. Ours is a valuable contribution that doesn't cost the public a penny. A petition and dozens of international letters of support will be handed over to our mayor, mr. Job Cohen.