Protesting the untimely demise of 88FM

The station was the first in Israel to play Tupac, Biggie Smalls, the Fugees, Wu-Tang and more when R&B artist Momy Levy began broadcasting his radio show on the channel.

By MARION FISCHEL
ehud banai 88 (photo credit: )
ehud banai 88
(photo credit: )
The 10-year anniversary of 88 FM radio, known for its alternative music and as a place for young new artists to get themselves heard, is about to be celebrated by its closure due to lack of government funding. Two fans of 88 FM radio, Anat Meromi and Kinneret Lorai have decided not to sit idly by while they watch their favorite radio station wiped off the airwaves, and have organized a protest concert to take place on Saturday, November 19 in Tel Aviv. "Basically," says Meromi, "people at the station have been ordered not to say anything as they are government workers. Since they can't speak for themselves we want to give the public a vehicle in which to speak for them. As listeners who adore the station we must do something." The station was the first in Israel to play Tupac, Biggie Smalls, the Fugees, Wu-Tang and more when R&B artist Momy Levy began broadcasting his radio show on the channel. "From schmaltzy R&B to soul to hardcore underground street hip hop to rap, I play it all," Levy told The Jerusalem Post last year. "Not just what I like, but [to] play [music] freely.' Despite the gag order, an employee at 88FM did have a few words for The Post: "Nothing is really sure. What we know is that the Dinur Committee which has created a reform in all sections of the IBA has decided to shut down 88FM. They say that all the other radio stations are necessary for targeted audiences and that our station is just like any other commercial stations. But this is not the case. We play music not according to popularity but according to quality and there is no such other station in Israel. "We are the only chance for local artists, not just fringe artists, but local and international. We play alternative music, rich music such as jazz blues and classic rock in addition to new artists. We are a platform for dozens of Israeli artists who sing both in Hebrew and English and even in other languages. With 88FM they will not be heard." Twelve well-known Israeli artists will speak up against the closure and perform their music at 7 p.m., on Saturday in the plaza of the Tel Aviv Cinematheque. The performers will include Ehud Banai, Tamar Eisenman, Micha Shitreet, Alon Olearchik, Dan Toren, Ishtar Ashdot, Vered Kelpter and Yali Sobol. Yoav Kutner will be MC at the event. Entrance is free. A request for listeners to sign an online petition against the closure is circulating by email. The petition can be accessed at: http://new.petitiononline.com/save88fm/petition.html For more information, please contact Anat Meromi at anatmr@012.net.il or 0523-684-963.