As a radio hobbyist and DXer, I’m always fascinated by the evolution of broadcasting, especially centennial milestones like Radio Brno's. On September 1, 2024, Radio Brno celebrated its 100 years anniversary. It is marking a century of impactful broadcasting history that resonates deeply not only with Czech listeners but also with radio enthusiasts around the world.
A Century of Radio Brno: The Pioneer Beyond Prague
Radio Brno Celebrating 100 Years
Radio Brno began its journey on September 1, 1924, just two years after the birth of the BBC. A year after Radiojournal (now Czech Radio) started broadcasting in Prague. It was the first regional station to launch outside the capital. Also, a significant move that expanded the reach of radio to the South Moravian region and beyond. This initiative brought the sounds of Brno’s culture, arts, and news to the airwaves. Also playing a key role in uniting communities through the magic of radio.
The station's initial studio was uniquely located on the roof of the New Provincial House on Žerotínov Square. Radio Brno broadcasted content from this elevated position that brought together some of the finest local talents. The Brno National Theatre, along with professors and students from the Brno Conservatory, became integral to the station’s programming. A radio station that could gather such artistic minds was bound to have a lasting impact. The collaboration with Oldřich Nový, the then-director of the National Theatre’s operetta, further added to the cultural richness of the station’s early years.
The Rich Legacy: A Bridge Between Generations
As part of its centenary celebrations, Radio Brno organized an exhibition titled "100 Treasures of Radio Brno." That showcases the incredible history and cultural treasures that the station has preserved over the years. One of the standout items on display is a radio receiver crafted by employees of Brno airport for their director. It is a symbol of the personal connections radio has fostered throughout its history. The exhibition also features a letter from Milan Kundera, the renowned Czech writer, sent to the station from Paris. As well as the harmonica of Ladislav Kozderka, a legendary musician, and an anthology of poems by Jan Skácel, a beloved Moravian poet.
This exhibition serves as a bridge between the past and present, showcasing how radio is not just a medium of communication but a cultural beacon that has preserved and celebrated Czech art, history, and talent for generations.
From Brno to the World: A DXer's Connection
For DXers like myself, Radio Brno represents more than just a regional station. It’s a reminder of the golden age of radio. When the airwaves were filled with regional voices that traveled far and wide. As a DXer, tuning into Radio Brno from halfway around the world would have been a thrilling connection to a place rich in culture and history. Even today, when we celebrate this 100-year milestone, the station continues to inspire that same sense of wonder and discovery that radio brings to people across the globe.
A Monument of History: The Iconic Brno Building
Radio Brno’s home on Beethoven Street, in a building originally designed as the Czech Union Bank, is itself a piece of history. Built in the early 1920s by the architect Ernst Wiesner, this architectural gem restored in 2021. It now stands as a monument to the station’s enduring legacy. The building’s heritage status on the national list of protected monuments is a testament to the role of Radio Brno. It has played in shaping not only regional but national broadcasting culture in the Czech Republic.
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate this 100-year journey, Radio Brno stands tall as one of Czech Radio’s most important regional stations. It continues to be the most listened-to station in the South Moravian Region. It proves that its connection to listeners is as strong as ever. For us radio hobbyists and DXers, it’s a reminder of the enduring power of radio as a medium that brings people together, across borders and through time.
Radio Brno’s centenary is not just a historical footnote but a living testament to the vibrancy and resilience of regional broadcasting. Whether you’re a local listener in Brno or tuning in from far away, the story of Radio Brno is one that continues to captivate and inspire.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Radio Brno's 100 years, I’m reminded of the incredible journey of radio itself. From its humble beginnings to its role in connecting cultures across the world, radio remains a powerful force. Radio Brno, with its storied history and dedication to broadcasting excellence, is a shining example of this, and its centenary is an occasion worth celebrating. Here's to the next 100 years!