Community Radio Station Corax Faces Funding Threats Ahead of State Elections

• Ahead of the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD has pledged to cut funding for the community radio station 'Radio Corax' if they come to power.
• Radio Corax has operated in Halle an der Saale for over 25 years, run by approximately 400 volunteers producing 24/7 content.
• The station views these threats as a politically motivated effort to silence dissenting voices and is actively seeking independent funding to secure its future.

Political Threats and Resilience

• The AfD's party platform explicitly names Radio Corax for funding cuts, framing the station as an ideological opponent.
• Johanna Fischer, a representative of the station, argues that if the AfD takes office, they may attempt to transform society along extremist lines, making the station's role as a platform for counter-public discourse more vital than ever.
• To maintain independence from potential state pressure, the station launched a campaign to reach 959 supporters (matching their 95.9 FM frequency) to stabilize its base funding.

Community Role

• Radio Corax serves as an 'open access' medium, providing a voice to marginalized groups and those underrepresented in mainstream media.
• Beyond broadcasting, the station acts as a socio-cultural hub where local initiatives can meet, organize, and host events.
• The station reports that while the political climate is increasingly hostile, the threats have catalyzed local support rather than discouraging staff.

Underreported Local Issues

• The station seeks to fill gaps in local journalism by covering overlooked topics in Saxony-Anhalt, such as:
  • Challenges faced by queer youth in finding public spaces.
  • Infrastructure and mobility issues in rural areas like the Altmark.
  • Healthcare shortages and hospital strain.
  • Social issues concerning asylum seekers and the reduction of language course support.