Community Radio Profile: Valene MC, KRCL

Valene MC: My name is Valene MC and I am a producer and production assistant for KRCL’s public affairs talk show, RadioACTive and co-host of KRCL’s Indigenous program, Living the Circle of Life every other Sunday from 7:00 am – 10:00 am.

 

SM: How did you find your way into radio and broadcasting?

V. MC: I always wanted to be apart of the world of music. The fact that I get to make a living out if is beyond me! I was a stay at home mom for 6 years, and my kids were attending school full time. So with all the extra time, I enrolled in at Salt Lake Community College because they were teaching Radio Production. Just after I enrolled I found out I had thyroid cancer. I used my courses to distract me from the uncertainty. I had a strong support system from my professors and my family and I graduated. Which led me to meet Lara Jones, Executive Producer Host of RadioACTive & Director of Social Impact KRCL. She has been an amazing mentor along with Ebay Hamilton, KRCL’s Director of Programming and Operations / On-Air Host. Radio is all heart and a lot of practice, so their feedback has shaped me in forming my on-air personality. I am blessed to report, I am cancer free.

 

SM: In your KRCL bio, you say that you “believe we all have a place to be received + seen.” I love that. Have you found that your work in radio facilitates this? If yes, how so?

V.MC: When listening to the radio we love to hear songs that help us connect to our feelings like joy, sadness, etc… Additionally in talk radio, hearing your story in someone else’s similar experience or conversation is impactful. We all want to be seen and received by our loved ones, community and our culture. Storytelling whether through song or journalism gives hope and community and it makes us feel seen and validated and frankly… a little less lonely.

 

SM: KRCL broadcasts in a city of some interesting demographic intersections; Advocate Magazine lifted up SLC as one of the Ten Queerest Cities in America, it’s considered “the home” to Mormonism, It’s a University city, an outdoor recreation city, and all with a lively arts and music scene. What surprises you about Salt Lake City and what role do you think community radio plays in the city?

V.MC: Community culture is the life force of a city and community radio is its cultural hub. It’s a symbiotic relationship that gives exponentially to all willing to participate. Salt Lake City has a dominate religious culture and community. But… SLC has an influencing counter culture which as we say in our KRCL RadioACTive show intro: are the “grassroots activists, community builders, punk rock farmers and DIY makers and musicians.” Community radio is building those bridges and plugging the community into local stories. It is well known that Utah is enduring an oppressive, dark cloud of in the face of new anti-DEI laws in education, reproductive rights, and anti war protests. Goodness, those movements, organizations and movers + shakers are what keeps communities aware and personally connected to our neighbors experiences. Community radio’s duty is to make sure they have a platform to seen and received. No right or wrong, connection through story.

 

SM: Since your early days in broadcasting, how have you seen native and indigenous representation in broadcasting change?

V.MC: Since beginning radio broadcasting I have only seen the Indigenous representation grow in the media, from Film, TV to local stories. After attending the Native Broadcasting Summit in Phoenix of Spring 2024 I realized there are so many Indigenous broadcasters and allies holding space for their communities and doing the work. In my own show, Living the Circle of Life that I co-host with Dave John, we work hard to remember our cultural roots with traditional songs and we also share and highlight songs from our modern, contemporary Native artist and musicians in all genres. Because it’s important for listeners to know where we [Indigenous People] have been and what we are creating in the here and now.

 

SM: Like many community radio people, you wear more than one hat. What are some ways that you stay grounded when all the proverbial irons are in the fire?

V.MC: LOL, in a fully transparent confession, my work is meaningful and at times very demanding with real world news and experiences. My media consumption is not always sophisticated, but it’s how allow my brain to turn off with my TV favorite Real Housewives of Dubai or Beverly Hills. 😀 Love watching sports my kids and their soccer games, we’re season ticket holders for Real Salt Lake MLS. And I love our bougie sports like Formula 1 racing and Manchester City Premiere league soccer. My beautiful babies (ages 12 + 8) and hubs keep me grounded and recharged. Film is where I find catharsis.

 

SM: What’s next on the horizon for you? And what lessons from community radio will inform your future expression and community work?

V.MC: What’s next on the horizon for me is graduating my film program and applying for graduate school in film. My documentary that I am directing and co-producing received funding and we just won a student Emmy, so we are moving into phase II of filming. It is about Indigenous Stewardship and Saving Great Salt Lake. KRCL is apart of my family and community, it has informed my work along with my Indigeneity as a filmmaker to stand up and speak out for community and our environment.

 

SM: Where do you turn for inspiration? For guidance? For community?

V.MC: I turn to my Ancestors, Spirit, Creator, God, the Infinite and/or Higher Power [whatever one calls it], first and foremost because as it has been said before me, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience, not the other way around.”  I have always had the ability to see and feel the spiritual both dark and light. It scared me as a child, but I was lucky my cultural beliefs and my family were so supportive. It allowed me to grow in the many directions I was always meant to experience. I used my gifts of mediumship to help people connect with their loved ones and guide gifted children. Now, I can give this support to my own children as they navigate their gifts.My inspiration comes from My Great Aunt and Great Uncle Elizabeth and Roy Peratrovich who were civil rights leaders in Alaska when we were segregated much like America’s deep south. In 1945, a culmination of their hard work with Native community activists were able to get Alaska senators to successfully pass one of America’s first Anti-Discrimination Bill. A touchstone of a quote for me is:“Asking you to give me rights implies that they are yours to give. I must demand that you stop trying to deny me the rights that all people deserve.”
– Elizabeth Peratrovich, Alaska Native Civil Rights Activist

 

SM: What music is on heavy rotation at the Peratrovich house?V.MC: My youngest son just discovered Oasis when he found my old MP3 player from 20 years ago (can’t believe they’ve been around that long?!). He has been listening to Oasis’ song, “Live Forever” on repeat. Just in time for the band’s reunion tour too. How serendipitous.

I am playing lots of: Aysanabee (First Nation Indigenous Artist) – “Letting Go,” Little Brother – “Not Enough,” Elbow – “Firebrand and Angel,” SZA – “Ghost in the Machine (Feat. Phoebe Bridgers),” Kali Uchis – “Telepatia,”  and Ya Tseen (Alaska Native Musician) – “Born Into Rain.”

 

SM: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

V.MC: Donna Land Maldonado (Northern Ute tribe), former KRCL General Manager, who was KRCL’s very first hire and pioneer in public radio. She founded Living the Circle of Life, at KRCL which I have the honor of co-hosting. She gave KRCL so much and Salt Lake City will always be grateful.

Rest in Power, Donna and memory eternal, April 26, 1944 – September 25, 2022Her tireless work and 30 year commitment to KRCL will always be remembered as our General Manager Gavin Dahl and KRCL staff continue to move the KRCL legacy forward. Quyana to all the KRCL family and keeping our Indigenous roots strong and nourished.