WGXC Barnraising
The WGXC Hands-on Radio Barnraising reminded us at Prometheus why we do what we do. Held September 24-26 in Hudson, NY, our 12th barnraising was an incredible celebration of people-powered radio.
We knew that our first-ever full power station barnraising (3,000 watts instead of the low power 100 watts) would be an event to remember. Radio activists traveled from around the country to participate in the barnraising--from engineers and carpenters to community organizers and musicians and to lawyers and policy advocates. We had over 35 workshops on everything from radio theater to FCC compliance. Taking a tip from the station's motto ("Hands On Radio"), everyone learned new skills and put them into action--from building audio cables to recording station IDs to making cole slaw for 200. The event culminated in a fantastic parade through the streets of Hudson and a balloon-lifted transmission experiment.
We also knew that a new full power community radio station would depend on a strong community group with a powerful vision. Founded by arts organization Free 103.9, WGXC promises to bridge the many diverse communities in Hudson and Greene Counties. With a governing Radio Council with representatives from many of those communities, as well as months of local outreach to create a vision for the new station, WGXC is poised for success. We wish them the very best, and we encourage everyone to lend a hand in the coming months and years!
For all of us who care about genuine local media and who fight to get our communities a voice on the airwaves, the WGXC Hands-On Barnraising was a reminder of why we do what we do. Let's use the inspiration and energy from this event to fight for more community media!
We would especially like to thank departing Prometheus staffer Andalusia Knoll, who organized the incredible workshops, and Kate Blofson, longtime Prometheus volunteer and the lead barnraising organizer for Prometheus.
Check out photos on flickr and facebook and some videos at the Sanctuary for Independent Media.
