THE AIRWAYS BELONGED TO THE PEOPLE: WBCN AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

JULY 1

The true story of how radio, politics, and rock and roll converged at a turbulent moment in American history — a story that feels newly relevant amid ongoing national debates about media, democracy, and dissent. The film — newly re-released under its expanded title — tells the story of how a Boston rock radio station helped ignite the cultural and political revolution of the late 1960s and beyond, becoming both participant and platform for the anti-war movement, civil rights, women’s and LGBTQ rights, and the rise of countercultural media.

The documentary includes Bruce Springsteen’s first radio interview and live in-studio performance (1973), and Patti Smith’s first radio concert (1975), along with archival material from Jane Fonda, Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Garcia, David Bowie, and Lou Reed, among others. The Boston Globe called it a film to “watch with awe.”

This screening features a post-film Q & A with Rob Sennott: Executive Producer.

Directed by Peabody Award–winner Bill Lichtenstein, who began working at WBCN at age 14 in 1970.

About Rob Sennott: Rob Sennott is an entrepreneur, investor, and producer. He is an Executive Producer of the documentary WBCN The American Revolution, which was short-listed for the 2021 Academy Awards by The Wrap. He has built several real estate information service companies that sold to NYSE companies. Rob served on the board of The Upper Valley Haven, a housing shelter and food pantry in Hartford, Vermont, for six years. During that time, he innovated a funding effort by producing and promoting music concerts to raise awareness and capital for the Haven attracting artists Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie, Suzanne Vega, Little Feet, Bruce Hornsby, John Hiatt, Bud Guy, Cyndi Lauper, and more.

DOCUMENTARY