Radio Lonato was born amidst the seismic cultural wave that swept Italy during the scorching summer of 1976, when an extraordinary ruling by the Constitutional Court dismantled the historic state monopoly over broadcasting, unleashing the vibrant era of independent local radio stations.
On May 6, 1976, as a powerful earthquake shook Friuli with tremors rattling shelves even across Lake Garda, a group of socially engaged friends gathered in Lonato at the Popular Initiatives Center on Via San Giuseppe. Their ambition was daring: to establish a truly independent, community-driven free radio station.
When the historic Constitutional Court verdict was proclaimed on July 28, the team reacted with dazzling swiftness: on August 18, 1976, RPL (Radio Popolare Lonato) went on air. The studio was improvisational genius: set up inside a humble garage on Via Ludovico Ariosto, its walls lined with cardboard egg crates for acoustic soundproofing—though they couldn’t entirely muffle the crowing of backyard roosters or the roar of passing motorbikes! The gear was minimal: two vinyl turntables, a mixer, one microphone, and a pair of headphones. Alfredo Facchetti oversaw technical operations, while Riccardo Vischioni acrobatically climbed roofs and towers as the “lord of the repeaters”.
In its initial phase, led by founder Franco Stuani, RPL possessed two vibrant souls: one passionate, political, and community-centred; the other cheerful, recreational, and musical. As leadership transitioned through Claudio Orlandelli and Mauro Carrozza, the station merged in 1980 with RTS to create Radio Studio Più. In 1984, talented broadcaster Claudio Tozzo acquired the 92.7 MHz frequency, transforming the local venture into a powerhouse dance network across northern Italy.
The late 1970s marked a golden dawn for pirate and free radio all around Lake Garda: from Radio Surprise and Radio Vò in Desenzano to Radio Rosa in Soiano, Euro Onda in Montichiari, Radio Break in Castiglione delle Stiviere, and Radio Antenna TRE in Peschiera. Radio Lonato was not just an acoustic pioneer, but a heartfelt community story—even sparking lifelong romances, such as the marriage between show host Gianfranco and presenter Carmela.
Episode 4 of the Free Radio chronicles, curated by Dario Darra for GN Magazine.
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