lthough Orson Welles' broadcast of War of the Worlds rocked a nation back in 1938, "eclectic" might be the best word to describe science fiction radio today. To be sure there are a fair number of SF shows on the air, but most of them come on at obscure hours and are broadcast in even more obscure parts of the world. They might be overlooked altogether if it weren't for resources like the Science Fiction on Radio Web site
Science Fiction on Radio contains some basic background information about radio SF, as well as plenty of links to other resources and a wide range of mini-reviews. The reviews cover both the well-known broadcasts, such as Welles' 1938 spectacular or the Star Wars series, and the more esoteric series, such as the 15-part radio version of A Canticle for Liebowitz. Nearly the entire lifetime of SF radio is covered, from the 1930s to the present day. A sub-section called "Contemporary SF Radio" also has a listing of current SF shows and productions, as well as links to their Web sites.
Mixed in throughout the page are links to vendors dealing in audio tapes and CDs, and where direct links aren't available there are often mailing addresses or phone numbers. There is a also a link to the Mark Time Award sponsored by the American Society for Science Fiction Audio.
If you can't find it here...
Anyone interested in SF radio should make this site by Jerry Stearns the first stop on their bookmark list. While Jerry has compiled a lot of information on his own, he also has a comprehensive list and wrap-up of the other SF radio sites available, making this an invaluable resource. Quite simply, if the information itself isn't here, Stearns probably has a link to it.
Beyond that, the reviews offer an excellent look into both the past and present of SF radio, serving to steer readers toward programs of interest and away from those that might not be worth the listen (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is"Just the best there is!" while The Secret of Dominion is "In a word - Dumb!"). In many cases Stearns provides information on how to get ahold of a particular show or series, something that may be more important than the reviews themselves, since many readers might not be familiar with the world of SF audio.
Although the site falls far short of slick design, it has the virtue of being quick loading and easy to navigate. And another handicap -- the absence of sample audio files (well, there is one) -- is overcome by links to sites that do have sound clips. So what readers end up with is both a comprehensive introduction to the world of radio SF as well as a starting point for forays to other Web sites. All in all not a bad hour's worth of browsing.
