Greek media has changed in recent years, as digital social media platforms now challenge the survival of traditional radio and print formats.
However, Greek radio and newspapers are vital for preserving ethnic and cultural identity, especially for older generations who may find digital technologies difficult to use.
Chris Despotakis, owner of Radio ENA, has been the voice of Adelaide’s Greek community for many years, and has helped many first-generation migrants stay connected to their Hellenic roots.
“There’s an obligation to our forefathers who spilled blood in keeping the Greek heritage or Hellenism alive,” said Chris Despotakis to Neos Kosmos.
Radio ENA: Connecting Adelaide’s Greek community
Since its launch in 1994, Radio ENA has connected Adelaide’s Greek community, being “the first 24-hour open-air Greek radio station in Australia.”
Initially, without computers to digitize or automate anything, “everything was done live, 24/7,” Despotakis explains.
“There were no overnight services, so we played music through long VHS tapes recorded during the daytime.”
But then, came the internet.
During that time, the station grew significantly, particularly thanks to one key initiative.
“The thing that put us really on the map was the fact that we were probably the first station that tried to broadcast live church services.”
Despotakis saw “there was a need for it,” making radio content more accessible for elderly and sick listeners.
Today, Radio ENA offers a variety of Greek and local programs.
Primarily broadcasting in Greek with some English content, it caters to a broad range of ages, from seniors to younger listeners, and continues to provide sports, health, and pop programs.
South Australia’s Hellenic associations fostering an ongoing legacy of belonging
Turning a hobby into a lifetime career
Born in Adelaide, Despotakis talks about how his family had an old TV without electricity while in Greece in the 1960s.
“I remember tuning that old TV and putting up just a water pipe on the roof and having one of my cousins hold it up and we picked up a station from across Turkey when they were broadcasting the Eurovision Song Contest.”
It was the year ABBA performed Waterloo, he recalls.
As a kid, Despotakis “would buy small kits from an amateur radio magazine from Athens and build radio transmitters.”
His interest in broadcasting was evident from a young age, and what “was supposed to be a hobby, became a lifetime career,” said Despotakis.
Following the Cyprus invasion in 1974, he returned to Australia as a teenager with his mother and siblings.
Since “there was no ethnic radio in Australia at that time,” he was invited to a meeting with group of people who were interested in starting ethnic broadcasting.
They decided to purchase airtime from a special educational station in Adelaide called 5UV, operated by the University of Adelaide, that focused on university education and languages.
He became involved with the “Greek side of things,”and relied on news organisations from Greece via telex.
“Sometimes we spent eight to ten hours just to produce a one hour program,” he said.
“I had to climb our roof and put some shortwave antennas and pick up the Voice of Greece broadcasting to Tashkent to pick up a 5-minute news bulletin.”
Despotakis was involved with the group that became Ethnic Broadcasters Incorporated, now known as 5EBI.
His roles included working on the committee, announcing productions, and had a long tenure from around 1977 to 1992.
Radio ENA‘s commitment to preserving Greek heritage
Despite financial challenges, especially in the aftermath of Covid-19 affecting businesses, Despotakis remains committed to preserving Greek heritage, which continues to drive his efforts at Radio ENA.
“It’s an honour when people allow you into their households, to entertain and inform them.”
Despotakis said there have even been cases where people “have passed away listening to the radio.”
“Knowing that people left this world listening to your station… It’s hard to describe in words, but it really does put some sort of additional responsibility on keeping that service alive.”
Bridging generations
“From a musical standpoint to thematology,” Radio ENA tries to honour first migrant generations while also appealing to today’s youth, explains Despotakis.
The station has expanded its online presence and launched Radio ENA Extra for younger listeners, featuring a mix of English and Greek songs.
“We have a voice and that voice is respected.”
Despite mainly attracting listeners aged 45 and above, Radio ENA‘s local focus and community support have kept it relevant.
Its commitment to balanced reporting and inclusivity has earned them widespread respect across the community, said Despotakis, even garnering mentions in South Australian papers on Greek migration.
“If we’ve gained anything, it is that respect and we honour that.”
A point of connection for cultural events and vital services
Its live broadcasts from major Greek festivals and religious events like Holy Week during Easter make the experience accessible to those unable to attend, including the older Greeks and those with mobility issues.
The station also acts as a messenger for the community, delivering information about passings, and even serves as a lifeline for those seeking help, who often call in.
These contributions didn’t go unnoticed, as Despotakis received the “Τιμής Ένεκεν” title from the Greek Government in the late 90s, which he described as one of his greatest honours.
“I’ve been advised many times, that you shouldn’t make you hobby a career path, but this is where we’re at now and this is where we’ll keep going.”
