Since 1975, NFCB has been dedicated to ensuring support for community radio. We are pleased to share some important developments for stations.
NFCB has just issued a new report, Community Radio Responds to the Coronavirus Pandemic. It collects more than 100 community broadcasters’ interviews and accounts of how the coronavirus has prompted increases in services and local engagement.
Community radio has, at times, been misperceived in the extent of its service. The 2021 report is the first major effort nationally to tell the public, funders and the wider public media system about how community radio is meeting local needs. This educational endeavor is aimed at helping stakeholders better understand community radio in order to make more equitable decisions about resource allocation.
The data-driven and detail-rich paper sets the stage for Wish You Were Here, NFCB’s July unconference. Keynotes have been unveiled. Join Minal Bopaiah, First Draft’s Aimee Rinehart and Jaime Longoria, Karen Hawkins and Dave Isay. Member-exclusive events and the full agenda will be announced in May.
On April 8, NFCB member stations are invited to attend a meet and greet with a legal team wanting to get to know and support community media.
NFCB members will be introduced to principals from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Local Legal Initiative, state and regional units organized to provide local news organizations with the direct legal services they need to pursue stories in their communities. Stations will hear about available resources and get to share their stories with attorneys passionate about the media’s place in our democracy.
According to the US Press Freedom Tracker, the ability of radio, television, print and digital to inform their communities is threatened as rarely seen. As print publications dwindle and radio continues to enjoy a strong bond with audiences, community radio is a vital player in cities and towns across the United States. Very few have help when legal challenges strike, at least until now.
In addition to the Solution Center, NFCB’s 24/7 knowledge base for community radio, member organizations also get unique and vital connections to allies in media justice and equity. NFCB invites you to come and meet the attorneys April 8, learn about what they provide, and how your station can engage.
And if you’re not a member, 2021 is still young. Community media organizations can join today and extend membership benefits to the entire team and board. Contact us today to be part of the community.
