Today marks a milestone that holds deep personal significance for me. Exactly 50 years ago, on March 10, 1975, Radio Milano International (RMI) made history by launching its first experimental broadcasts on 101 MHz FM. More than just a moment in Italian radio history, it was the spark that ignited my own passion for broadcasting - one that eventually led me to World Music Radio. (Read more about that journey: The Italian Connection).

RMI: A Voice for Youth and Freedom

RMI wasn't just another radio station - it was a movement. A voice that spoke to an entire generation hungry for something fresh, something real. I still remember the first time I tuned in, captivated by the station's bold and unfiltered energy.

At the heart of RMI were its fearless founders: Angelo and Rino Borra, Piero and Nino Cozzi - two sets of brothers in their early 20s, driven purely by their love for music. Their studio? Piero's bedroom. Their transmitter? A military-surplus unit. Their playlist? A collection of personal records. It was raw, it was rebellious, and it was unlike anything Italy had ever heard before.

Breaking the RAI Monopoly

In the 1970s, RAI controlled the Italian airwaves, offering little variety and virtually no programming that resonated with young people. The lack of diversity left many of us longing for a station that truly spoke to our generation. Then came RMI - broadcasting music, freedom, and individuality.

Word spread fast. People heard about RMI in bars, town squares, and even newspaper headlines. It was the radio station Italy didn't know it needed, and soon, it became impossible to ignore.

The name “Radio Milano International” wasn't chosen at random - it was a statement. It reflected a vision that extended beyond Italy, embracing the global movement of free radio. For me, it was more than just a station; it was proof that radio could be more than a government-controlled medium - it could be a platform for passion, creativity, and self-expression.

A Battle for Survival

But pioneering change was never easy. Just weeks after launching, on April 14, 1975, the police shut down RMI's studios. It was a crushing setback, but the founders refused to surrender. Their resilience became an inspiration for anyone who ever dared to dream big.

They fought back. They challenged the system. And they won. By July 28, 1976, their perseverance paid off - the Italian Constitutional Court officially declared local broadcasters legitimate, forever transforming the Italian radio landscape.

RMI's Legacy: More Than Just a Radio Station

For me, RMI was more than a groundbreaking station - it was a revelation. It showed me the power of passion and the importance of fighting for what you believe in. It wasn't just about music or broadcasting; it was about pushing boundaries, defying limitations, and reshaping the airwaves.

As I look back 50 years later, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Those four young dreamers - armed with nothing but their love for radio - changed the course of broadcasting history. And in doing so, they also changed my life.

Happy 50th anniversary, RMI. Your legacy lives on!