The new documentary film “RADIO WARS” has been nominated for Best Feature Documentary by the New York City International Film Festival and will screen to audiences in NYC on Saturday, August 11 @ 9pm at the Abingdon Theatre.

RADIO WARS, directed by Sandra Mohr, features the story of Dr. Martine Rothblatt, the inventor of satellite radio, and a transgender woman.

Hidden battles

Soon after World War I America began its love affair with radio, unaware of the hidden battles going on behind the scenes since its inception. Who should profit from radio? Who controls its content? Whose interests are threatened as it evolves? Therein lies the conflict that has raged in a dozen arenas over the past century.

This daring film explores the controversy behind the evolution of radio, those who strove to advance the medium, those who sought to turn it to their own benefit, and those who would have destroyed it.

RADIO WARS takes audiences on the journey from radio’s beginnings to Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s modern day battle in the stars. This broadcasting clash turned traditional radio business models upside down, redefined free speech, and put a million investors on a billion dollar rollercoaster ride as the companies fought to survive.

Secret story

RADIO WARS focuses on the controversial history of satellite radio as it exposes the secret story behind the power struggles for radio dominance.

Sirius (Rothblatt’s company) and XM Satellite Radio were engaged in a heated entanglement before they became one company. Their mutual fight for survival against traditional radio, The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), and Wall Street is one of radio’s most epic battles. RADIO WARS delves deep into SiriusXM’s conflict-ridden history, from its earliest days to its darkest hour, and questions the motives of those who seek to control radio’s content in the future.

Howard Stern, Mel Karmazin, Nikola Tesla, David Sarnoff, Martine Rothblatt, and many more radio geniuses are featured in the film.

Buy ticket ($8): https://www.nyciff.com/store/products/documentaries-radio-wars-august-11-2012-abingdon-theatre-900pm/ (also available on DVD and Blu-ray disc).