Acadian Airwaves: A History of Cajun Radio

Abstract

This study explores French-language radio in southern Louisiana, particularly in the region known as “Acadiana.” This region is so named for the Acadian French who settled there in the late 1700s, a group commonly known today as “Cajuns.” Some aspects of this culture have been well studied, such as the language and music, though far less attention has been devoted to the French-language broadcasting in the region. Drawing from prior scholarship and original research, this study outlines the history of this form of broadcasting, which has persisted since the beginning of radio in the region.