Good morning from Riverton.
This evening, the 2024 Grassroots Radio Conference begins in New Orleans, LA. Before every GRC, a lot of planning, resources and overall sweat equity goes into the creation of these gatherings. For LPFM, the GRC represents a gathering of like minded people where unlike NABSHOW, is not overwhelming with other technologies or NFCB, does not break the bank.
This year's show will have sessions on station operations, technical operations and legal compliance. Every year, I receive some feedback that the GRC is too "left leaning". When I look at this year's schedule from a centrist perspective, I feel that there is something for everyone there. I do believe that everyone, regardless of political leanings, should feel welcome and I am very confident this year will be no different. Whichever side you support, this year's election is very important. The conservative point of view was expressed loud and clear at this year's NRB, so its only fair for the GRC be used as a similar platform for the liberal viewpoint. But again, for those who do not agree, the schedule holds many opportunities to bypass the politics and stick with the subject matter to make great radio in the overall spirit of the First Amendment, which is the primary foundation of why we can even have any political discourse in the first place.
I hope many of you are currently on your way to NOLA right now and that you have a safe trip. Hurricane Helene is not a threat to the area as it is expected to make landfall over the Florida panhandle later today (but it may interrupt ground and air travel). Unfortunately, earlier this year, my spouse had a new cancer diagnosis and at the time there still a lot of uncertainty of what was going to happen next. After deep thought and consideration at the time, I came to the decision that family had priority. Therefore, I will not be able to make this year's GRC, but I will be there in spirit. Fortunately, the prognosis is showing improvement and it appears that radiation treatment was not going to be needed (which for us, would have meant 20+ mile round trips, 5 days a week). Hopefully, soon someday, we will beat this bastard called cancer, and ring the bell, a symbol of the end of needing cancer treatments.
I have full confidence in the crew at WHIV-LP and the other NOLA area broadcasters who are stepping up to host this year's show. I hear that they have a great venue. I would have loved to have seen it. I totally understand that many who are in roadtrip range of NOLA have a much bigger issue brewing right now, both for your stations and for your personal lives, but for many of you where Helene is not an immediate concern, I invite you to come to this year's GRC. Walk-ins are welcome!
More information about this year's show is at
https://2024grc.com
Again, all are welcome!
I wish for a safe and successful GRC and safe travels to everyone to and from this year's show. As for me, I will try again for next year.
