Annual Grassroots Radio Conference Announced in New Orleans 2024
New Orleans (Sept. 9, 2024) - 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.