On 12 August 1985, ‘Eldoradio’ found its initial audience as a gay programme on West Berlin cable radio, with lesbians joining in 1986. In March 1987, the Sunday ‘Eldoradio’ programme went on air as part of the private station ‘Radio100’. (Its studio was located at Potsdamer Straße 131). From March 1989, with Radio100 broadcasting around the clock, ‘Eldoradio’ became a regular feature on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The new broadcast times are announced in our find: an advertising poster for ‘Eldoradio’ – using a 1988 Ralf König comic, featuring a female and male couple listening to the radio.

‘Eldoradio’ addressed topics such as politics, culture and event tips in a blunt manner. This was particularly true for the taboo subject of sex – with heated discussions about HIV/AIDS or lesbian porn radio plays. The unconventional style was popular on both sides of the Wall. Overall, ‘Eldoradio’ was classic West Berlin – until it wasn’t. Radio100 was closed without warning in an obscure insolvency proceeding in 1991. Some of the employees remained active in LGBTIQ+ media (some to this day).

Image: “ELDORADIO” Poster by Radio100, Drawing (1988): Ralf König. SMU, Archive