Annual Grassroots Radio Conference Announced in New Orleans 2024

Written By Alicia Vial

New Orleans - The annual Grassroots Radio Conference 2024 (GRC2024) has announced that it will be held at the historic Gallier Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana. This exciting event will take place from Sept. 26 to 29th, with the theme "Using Our Platforms to Protect Democracy." Local New Orleans radio stations 102.3FM WHIV-LP and 99.1FM WXDR-LP are hosting the event with a consortium of other local nonprofit radio stations, including WRBH (radio for the blind), WAMF-LP, WTUL and HOWL (Loyola University's new online radio station). 

The GRC2024 is a gathering of community radio stations, independent media outlets, and grassroots organizations nationwide. It is a networking, learning, and collaboration space in independent media. The conference strives to empower and amplify diverse voices often marginalized by mainstream media.

This year's theme highlights the crucial role of grassroots media and independent voices in protecting democracy. With the current political climate, it is more important than ever to use our platforms to speak out against injustices, advocate for marginalized communities, and hold those in power accountable.

"We are thrilled to bring the Grassroots Radio Conference to New Orleans this year," said Liana Elliott, co-founder of host radio station 102.3FM WHIV-LP and GRC2024 co-chair. "As a city with such a rich history of activism and community organizing, we feel that New Orleans is the perfect location to explore how grassroots media can protect our democracy." 

The conference will feature workshops, panels and discussions on various topics, including media ethics, diversity and inclusivity in media, fundraising strategies for independent outlets and more.

Attendees can also look forward to keynote speeches from David Sirota, founder of The Lever and campaign writer for Bernie Sanders in 2020, Thom Hartmann, from the Thom Hartmann Show and named nation's #1 progressive talk show host for over a decade, Monica Pierre, Emmy award-winning journalist and author of several books, Sam Seder, actor, left-wing political commentator, media host, Wade Rathke from ACORN + WAFM-LPFM and Wajahat Ali, author of “Go Back To Where You Came From: And, Other Helpful Recommendations on Becoming American.”

"The Grassroots Radio Conference 2024 aims to address systemic oppression and amplify the voices of marginalized communities in our efforts to protect democracy," said co-founder of host radio station 102.3FM WHIV-LP and GRC2024 co-chair Dr. MarkAlain Déry. "This conference is not just about protecting our democracy but also about creating a more just and fair society for everyone."  

We invite all those passionate about grassroots media and social justice to attend the GRC2024 in New Orleans. Let's use our platforms to make a difference and protect our democracy together.

Registration for the conference is now open, and early bird discounts are available until July 2. Scholarships will also be offered to those in need of financial assistance.

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About Grassroots Radio Convention
The annual Grassroots Radio Conference (GRC) is a must-attend event for the community media sector. It brings together diverse radio professionals, activists, and community members to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing independent and community-based radio stations.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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