This week we launch Radio for Change Radiothon 2017! At 6.30pm Aziza Hussein (pictured) takes to the airwaves with  this year's first Radiothon program - Nile Show. Tune in for a rousing start to our 2-week Radiothon fundraiser - and most importantly call the station and make your pledge 03 9419 8377. In 2017 3CR is Radio for Change and we ask all our supporters to donate so that we can stay radical and independent.

The corporate media is in crisis. We've always known that corporate media owners prioritise profit over the service of independent journalism, and that this has dire consequences for democracy and social justice. 3CR was formed 41 years ago to counter capitalist media, and we are delivering radio for the people, by the people. In 2017 3CR is Radio for Change. Radio for Change aims to capture the global mood of resistance, and during our annual Radiothon fundraiser we ask all our supporters to donate so that we can stay radical and independent. (Artwork by Aysha Tufa).

LAST CHANCE! Extended until 5 May. 3CR wants to know what you think! Please fill out this quick survey to help us better understand and meet the needs of our community. The survey closes on Friday 28 April and is being managed by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia and McNair Ingenuity Research, so you can be assured that your individual responses will remain confidential. We appreciate your contribution to our station, and would like to thank you in advance for your participation. Go to the survey now.

Each year on May 1 (International Workers' Day), communities from around the world join in to celebrate the achievements of the labour movement and to show solidarity with the continued struggle for labour rights everywhere. Start May Day with 3CR Monday Breakfast as we serve up solidarity and resistance.

It’s a no-brainer that keeping Melbourne's diverse community radio stations on air is vital for the soul of our city, but them bills, they gotta get paid. To help out, a posse of much-loved community radio presenters are putting on a big, bold night to raise funds for 3CR at the Bella Union on Thursday 27 April. Kick off is at 7pm and the evening includes Kate n Suzy from Lazy Wednesday spinning tracks, comedy with Fiona Scott-Norman, the official launch of the second edition of Ian McFarlane's The Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop, and a live Superfluity show. Tix and full line-up here. BUT WAIT there's more! You can also get along to a great line up at the Northcote Social Club and support that station at the same time - too easy! Party for your right to fight! Sunday 30 April, 1.30pm at the Northcote Social Club, 301 High Street, Northcote, featuring Ekranoplans, Winter Sun and BJ Morriszonkle. Book tickets and get more information online now.

Come see and hear the voices of the Pacific and help bring awareness to the plight of the Pacific nation of West Papua. Support Voice of West Papua and celebrate our local Pacific groups such as the Black Sistaz from West Papua, Charles Maimarosia from the Solomon Islands, Ella from PNG, Ihaka from Aotearoa, Sam Brown & Co. representing various Pacific Islands, Niuean Dance Group and much more.

3CR has partnered with the Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights to deliver an exciting training program financially supported by the Inner North Community Foundation. It's a great opportunity to gain media and radio skills and we're currently looking for participants. Check out the guidelines and put in your application by 20 March. For more information email youngwomen@muslimwomenscentre.org.au, or call Munira on 03 9481 3000.

In 2017 for IWD we bring you 24 hours of radio featuring the talent of women broadcasters that make up 3CR including transwomen, indigenous women, women of colour, queer women and women from different ages and abilities. This year we are celebrating with a special LIVE Wednesday Breakfast Show. Come down to the station at 21 Smith Street, Fitzroy, from 7 - 8.30am to be part of the live audience and to enjoy a light breakfast in the 3CR courtyard. Check out the program grid.

For progressive people around the world it's been a crap start to the year. Trump is rolling out his racist agenda, inspiring increased racial, religious and gender-based hatred across the globe. It really is time to rally together to fight for a better world. There is power in numbers, and there is power in independent, community-run media. Join the swelling number of people fighting back by becoming a member of your radical, activist radio station. Show us your love and subscribe to 3CR.

Enjoy summer radio on-air and online wherever you are with spokenword and music summer specials to keep you going through the long days. Remember to also catch up on many of the specials from our busy 40th birthday year - Black Gold, Beyond the Bars, Disability Day and 40 days. It's been a radical year, and we look forward to an even better 2017!