Community Opinion

Convinced that tensions of ghetto life could ignite into a holocaust, WLIB, during the hot summer of 1966, gave Harlem a “safety valve.” It developed Community Opinion, a radio program permitting citizens of Harlem to voice their feelings, frankly and openly, via a hot-line telephone interview, heard not only by the Negro community, but also by the entire city. In addition, the station provided details of how listeners could avail themselves of existing vital community services. At WLIB, community involvement is more than just a station phrase. In recognition, the Peabody Award for outstanding local radio education during 1966.