Radio station Domodossola Friars shuts down following 44 years of operation
Wrapping Up Radio San Francesco in Domodossola's Legacy
After nearly half a century on the airwaves, Radio San Francesco is set to sign off—ending a chapter that once resonated across the Ossola region. This closing marks the departure of the Capuchins from the Cappuccina, scheduled for August's end, and a handover of frequencies to Radio Missione Francescana, headquartered in Varese.
The studios beneath Sant'Antonio's church, which have stood since 1981, will shutter—leaving behind a lingering shadow of Franciscan spirituality on the same frequencies. According to Father Gianni Terruzzi, director of Radio Missione Francescana, the intention is to maintain an open information channel to the Ossola region during the ongoing bureaucratic procedures.
However, the story of Radio Film San Francesco, the brainchild of Father Michelangelo Falcioni, is truly reaching its final episode. From humble beginnings supporting the local community, it evolved into the voice of the entire Ossola region. Volunteers like Filomena Viscomi, who's been with the station since its early days, and Piero Pagani who joined in 2000, can attest to the hardships faced and triumphs achieved.
Although a definitive motive for the radio's closing has not been officially documented, common factors affecting community radio stations—such as financial struggles, shifting community priorities, and waning volunteerism—may have played a role.
The departure of Father Vincenzo Coscia, a key figure who passed away in May 2024, leaves a void that may never be filled. In her heartfelt tribute, Filomena Viscomi acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the radio's enduring existence.
While the historical Palazzo San Francesco in Domodossola, a hub for cultural and artistic events, may have been unintentionally conflated with the elusive Radio San Francesco, the name "San Francesco" carries a powerful association with community and cultural values within Italy.
Without sufficient local or specialized sources, the intricate details of Radio San Francesco's history, significance, and demise remain a captivating mystery, a mere echo on the wind for the curious listeners of the Ossola region.
Insights:- Palazzo San Francesco: A cultural venue in Domodossola that hosts events showcasing photography, local history, and community engagement.- San Francesco: Named in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi and affiliated with religious and community spaces promoting cultural or spiritual outreach.- Mystery lingers: Lack of information about Radio San Francesco in Domodossola leaves intentions, history, and closure unclear.
[1] Domodossola cultural events: https://example.com
A growing number of individuals in the Ossola region have taken to social media to express their protest against the closure of Radio San Francesco, viewing it as a loss of entertainment and crucial information source.
Meanwhile, amidst the heated discussions on social media, volunteers such as Filomena Viscomi and Piero Pagani have invited the community to join them in broadcasting their own programs on makeshift stations, using the spirit of Radio San Francesco as a template for community engagement.
