Croatian Radio New York turns 55

Croatian Radio New York turns 55

55th Anniversary of Croatian Radio New York – young Croatians breathe new life into the station

One of the biggest media brands of the Croatian diaspora, Croatian Radio New York, is celebrating its 55th anniversary this week.

Established in Manhattan, New York, in 1969, Croatian Radio has been a beloved channel of information for generations of Croatians in North America, thanks to the significant efforts made in recent years under the new Radio management.

This achievement is credited to a team of 20 volunteers who work daily on creating Saturday programs. Some have been with the station for a long time, while others are new, enthusiastic members. It’s safe to say that the Radio has been experiencing a true renaissance lately.

“We’ve seen refreshing changes in both technical and editorial aspects with new collaborators who have enthusiastically taken on their roles. We’re especially proud of our 13 podcasts, where we’ve collaborated with other Croatian organizations in America and institutions in Croatia. We’re particularly delighted that many young people have joined in, preparing their shows with passion and energy,” reveals Petra Peša from New York.

She adds that these activities have led to increased website traffic and a consequent 70% rise in listenership compared to three years ago. Podcast topics cover various themes such as studying in Croatia, bridging Croatia and the diaspora, cultural and sports news, and featuring young talented individuals of Croatian descent and their projects in this area.

(Photo: Private album)

Aware that without the involvement of young Croatians living in America, the radio cannot have a bright future, they have dedicated efforts to attract a younger audience, many of whom now speak Croatian less fluently. However, media activities weren’t the only challenge the new management successfully tackled; a significant amount of time was spent resolving property issues that affected revenues.

“Thanks to the wisdom of our founders who purchased the building housing our radio station back in 1977, we can now support other non-profit organizations and charitable actions and have a long tradition of helping those in need. By addressing problematic issues and refurbishing the building, which is owned by the Club, we have significantly increased our revenues,” added Zvonimir Crnogorac, president of the HRKNY board.

He revealed that certain board members deserve credit for their daily dedication and efforts towards renovation and refurbishment. Crnogorac was recently honored with a special award from ACAP, marking their tenth anniversary, which is another significant recognition for his dedication and work within the Croatian community and Croatian Radio NY.

(Photo: Private album)

You can tune in to Croatian Radio New York’s program 24/7, with the well-known show “Voice of Free Croatia” airing Saturdays at 10 AM, followed by new podcasts.

You can find the archive of shows on the website https://www.croatianradiony.com/.