Resistance in Song Form: NPR’s Alt.Latino and Oppositional Discourses on Public Radio

Abstract

In 2010, National Public Radio (NPR) launched Alt.Latino, a music-oriented podcast that showcases Latin Alternative artists while addressing current political, social, and cultural issues. Compared to NPR’s general news programming, Alt.Latino reflects a more progressive politics, taking a critical view of global capitalism while offering a sympathetic view of those left out. This is most evident in the show’s approach to immigration, which has been an ongoing focus. By providing a human face to those directly impacted by US immigration policy, Alt.Latino demonstrates the capacity for producers working for NPR to negotiate and even subvert the network’s institutional norms. However, the ability for Alt.Latino to act as a form of resistance is predicated on the presumption of access and agency. Using an industry case study approach, I examine the degree to which Alt.Latino serves as a space by Latinxs for Latinxs, thereby enabling its producers to address important social issues. Grounding this study in Critical Political Economy and Critical Media Industry Studies, I examine the economic conditions and the logics of practice that set the pre-conditions for Alt.Latino’s creative output, with a particular focus on the concept of audience. Based on a review of NPR discourses, public statements by the show’s producers, and interviews with the show’s creator, I argue that Alt.Latino’s designation as a “music” show enables it to engage in oppositional work not possible in NPR’s general news programming. But I further argue that NPR’s continued focus on elite listeners impedes Alt.Latino’s mission to reach out to disenfranchised listeners.