Late Risers Club is a documentary about an innovative punk rock college radio show that has aired on MIT's WTBS/WMBR since 1977.

This documentary focuses on the history, from 1977 to the present, of the Late Risers Club (LRC) and highlights the importance of noncommercial radio at a time when the FCC threatens the landscape of media ownership and localism.

By the mid seventies, the FM airwaves were inundated with formulaic arena rock and disco. The left end of the dial, which the FCC allocated for noncommercial radio, soon proved to be the only outlet for innovative programming. College radio shows such as the LRC filled the aural gap by connecting more intimately with the public. The spirit of the individual rather than the corporation, via personable DJ's, made a lasting impact on the community. In the Boston area especially, local bands found a captive, enthusiastic audience and the music scene flourished thanks to an abundance of local college radio stations.

In 1979 when the FCC did away with 10 watt class D stations, WTBS was forced to upgrade to higher power or else disappear from the airwaves. The amazing story of media mogul Ted Turner “buying” WTBS call letters and the station subsequently changing its name to WMBR, along with rabid listener support via fundraisers, helped the LRC and WMBR to survive.

Noone involved at WTBS/WMBR has ever been paid. People have participated because they are passionate about the independent music it supports and the diverse community it fosters. As a model for modern day college radio, the Late Risers Club's resilient existence is not to be taken for granted.

Marissa Acosta
Producer/Director/Editor of Late Risers Club
<marissa@laterisersmovie.com>