Radio Lonato 50th Anniversary: History of a Pioneer Station

Radio Lonato studio preview graphic — Historical preview of Radio Lonato during its 1970s broadcasting era.

Happy Birthday Radio Lonato (Part Two)

Our journey into the roots of Radio Lonato continues as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, guided by the protagonists of the era. In February 1977, Radio Lonato left its historical headquarters in via Ludovico Ariosto, finding hospitality in rooms in vicolo Peli kindly provided by the Tosadori family. The reason for moving to the Citadel was purely technical. The new location was extremely close to the fortress, enabling the installation of a transmitter among the castle ramparts. The transmitter’s power wattage increased, and with it, listenership grew.

Radio Lonato collaborators in snow near Rocca transmitter 1977 — Radio Lonato collaborators trekking through the snow toward the transmitter at the Rocca in 1977.

In Soiano, Radio Rosa was born, only to fade after a single season. In Peschiera del Garda, Radio Antenna 3 took off, while in Brescia, Bresciasette launched. In Montichiari, RTM gained huge popularity, followed by Radio Padana 1, which later expanded into television. Meanwhile, a third relocation occurred for Radio Lonato, which moved from the Citadel to Corso Garibaldi and became Radio Mela. The team of announcers expanded. Joining those previously mentioned were Domenica Lazzaroni, Luisa Bettini, Giancarlo Serina, ‘Orso’, Giacomo Zanotti, Lorena Papa, Ermido Urbani, Gianfranco Amadori, and Roberto Parolini.

Here is how Roberto Parolini recalls that period: ‘I began visiting the radio studios around mid-1977, while the transmission and recording booths were being built adjacent to the ‘Piccolo Fiore’ pastry shop on Corso Garibaldi. I started under the air name Bob, hosting music programs that ranged from pop rock to light music. The program title was Sound on Sound. Popular featured groups included Led Zeppelin, Eagles, Deep Purple, with occasional dives into funky music… My collaboration concluded in June 1980.’

We also have the recollection of Ermido Urbani: ‘In the Citadel, I co-hosted a music show with Mauro Susara, while on Radio Mela I presented SUGO, dedicated to Italian singer-songwriters. A concept I later carried forward at Radio Canale 93 in their via Sorattino studios before concluding my work there.’

Station management was entrusted to sector committees and an assembly bringing together owners and collaborators. A lack of advertising revenue led to a temporary suspension of broadcasts in June 1977. Prior to this pause, Radio Mela welcomed major guests to its studios, including Claudio Rocchi and Gianna Nannini.

(Second Part – To Be Continued)