Talking Homes: Bringing Down the Neighborhood

Neighborhood Public Radio

Talking Homes: Bringing Down the Neighborhood

NPR collaborates with SF and Oakland neighborhood residents to produce “Bringing Down The Neighborhood”, an experimental reality radio game based on a collection of site-specific audio pieces. Appropriating the technology of commercial devices called “Talking Property” transmitters, participants record personal narratives and testimonials of their homes or neighbors with regard to “property values” and other cultural or societal norms. The resulting audio is broadcast from each of their homes on an FM frequency and a map of broadcast zones accompanies the project. Participants compete for the prize of “Worst Neighbor” and listeners compete for “Best Enforcer” by trying to guess the exact location of the transmitters. Led by NPR member Jon Brumit, Talking Homes attempts to reveal hidden stories you might not otherwise hear. Bring your radio and download a map from soex.org!