[grc] GRC 2016 Closing Note re: Detroit

Thu Oct 13 08:59:41 PDT 2016

Joan & Co.:

I just want to clarify some things on my statement the other day.

Over the past 10 or so years, all of the predictions and forecasts for 
LP-100 and the proposed LP-50 and LP-250 services showed that there was 
never a chance that Detroit would ever get any kind of LPFM station.  
There were some areas that would have qualified for LP-10 but not 
without a lot of incoming interference.  These predictions were always 
based on the minimum spacing rules in §73.807 of the FCC rules.

However, through some creative engineering and waiver requests, the FCC 
did grant an LPFM to the Detroit area.

With that said, this opportunity.. one that has defied the odds, study 
after study will come to an abrupt end on May 20, 2017, which is the 
deadline for WNUC-LP to be finished and on the air. There will be no 
more extensions.

I did not support Detroit _for 2017_ for the following reasons:
- First, planning an event like the GRC is a huge thing that does take a 
lot of time. Time that will be taken away from the construction, 
planning and programming of WNUC-LP.  I don't want to see either the 
construction and launch of WNUC-LP or the presentation of the 2017 GRC 
get short-changed because resources are stretched between two very 
important projects.
- Second, I feel that we need to look at bringing the GRC further west 
for one year.  There are many LPFM and full-power NCE stations that are 
further west that have not been able to easily access the GRC due to the 
"easterly" locations of the most recent GRCs (Urbana, Palenville, Ames, 
Hot Springs).  We need something west of the Rockies.  I personally 
would like to see a GRC in Phoenix (or the neighboring city of Tempe).  
Phoenix is an easy destination, road trippable for many in So. Cal, NM, 
CO and NV and a major hub for both American and Southwest Airlines 
(hence competitive/low air fares). It also has a lot of 
reasonably-priced lodging along the light rail.  Or, we can look at the 
northwest. But I do feel that the west coast is long overdue for the GRC 
to come back to them.

As of today,
66% of the granted LPFM authorizations in Oregon and California are 
still construction permits
76% in Washington state
These states are well above the national average of 49%
I still need to look at these to see how many CP explorations we will 
have between now and then but regardless, those stations that do build 
and get going will definitely be able to benefit from the programs and 
presentations that GRC provides.

With that said, assuming that WNUC-LP is successful in getting their 
station up and going (which I have faith that they will), I would be 
supportive of holding the *2018* GRC in Detroit. By this time, WNUC will 
be up and running and will be able to share many success stories of how 
the station has made an impact in their community.

I just also want to clarify that the comments that I made about some 
minimum guidelines for city selection are just common criteria that some 
use to select host cities for conferences and conventions.  Especially 
in the wake of the anti-LGBT legislation that has been passed in states 
like North Carolina, Minnesota and Indiana, I want to be assured that 
not only the host station (who would normally be very welcoming), but 
the host community is welcoming of LGBT individuals in their town and 
state.  While we (LGBT) are in host communities, we contribute to the 
local economy.  We stay in hotels and eat in restaurants which in turn 
generates sales taxes and keeps people working.  Communities without a 
non-discrimination ordinance do not provide the appropriate protections 
that some members of our radio community will not be denied services and 
accommodations and states like North Carolina that has a culture of 
institutionalized anti-LGBT discrimination simply does not deserve our 
money until these vicious laws are repealed.

As I specifically pointed out, Detroit does have appropriate 
anti-discrimination ordinances that protect sexual orientation and 
gender identity in public accommodations and housing so therefore, there 
is no issue with Detroit.

So with that, it is my position (and keep in mind, I am only one person 
and not representing the entire collective) that we consider a west 
coast site for 2017 and Detroit for 2018.  It is a win win for all.

=m

On 10/12/2016 7:48 PM, Ursula Ruedenberg via grc wrote:
> Hi Joan,
>
> At the final wrap up meeting we discussed a GRC in Detroit after you left
> the call, (sorry about the timing - we did not know you had to leave and
> were assuming you were there for the whole meeting). The discussion was
> thoughtful, and measured and there was no question that there was a real
> pro-active desire to have a GRC in Detroit from many and agreement from the
> rest (except, as Michi has pointed out, from her).
>
> There was agreement to express was our desire that you post an intention to
> host, with the understanding that if you feel it is too soon in relation to
> the work you are doing to launch, postponing does not mean canceling future
> dates.
>
> Solidarity was expressed for WNUC getting on the air and interest in
> helping if possible. The only real lasting concern held by the room was
> timing - a general desire was expressed that the decision intention to host
> be publicly made by January or February, to allow planning, since short
> notice is prohibitive for small poor organizations, that we all are.
>
> The meeting was sizable so if you end up hearing and focusing on the one
> "nay" in the group, you will literally not be responding to everyone else
> in the room who were all sincerely was in favor of it. A lot of us see this
> as an opportunity personally, professionally, and for valuable development
> of the collective consciousness of the conference. There is no doubt that
> your team is already connected to the community in ways we all could learn
> from.
>
> I am not ignoring the fact that you have said you are withdrawing but
> still.  In hopes you consider this and I personally hope things can stay
> open to possibility; I'd like to see all the good things happen.
>
> Ursula Ruedenberg
> One GRC attendee
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Oct 11, 2016 at 7:44 PM, Joan Ross via grc <grc at maillist.peak.org>
> wrote:
>
>> Thanks Paul and to others expressing such a cheer for Detroit.  We have
>> been considering that.  But certainly know that there are others that are
>> looking for more of a vacation spot.  Currently we are involved in some
>> historic advocacy work. In just a few short weeks, we'll be free to discuss
>> this possibility more with folks like yourself and the alumni of GRC.
>> Don't count us OUT just yet.   Rev. Joan C. Ross
>> Director, North End Woodward Community Coalition (NEWCC)
>> Acting Station Manager,
>> WNUC-lp 96.7 FM Detroit Community Radio7700 Second AvenueDetroit, Michigan
>> 48202248-565-6572www.northendwoodward.org
>> www.wnuc.org
>>
>>
>>        From: Danny via grc <grc at maillist.peak.org>
>>   To: grc at maillist.peak.org
>>   Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 6:09 PM
>>   Subject: Re: [grc] GRC 2016 Closing Note re: Detroit
>>
>> For many great reasons, Detroit would be an awesome place to host a future
>> GRC!
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: grc [mailto:grc-bounces at maillist.peak.org] On Behalf Of Paul Bame
>> via
>> grc
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 3:45 PM
>> To: grc at maillist.peak.org
>> Subject: [grc] GRC 2016 Closing Note re: Detroit
>>
>>
>> Based on inquiry from Detroit, we agreed that Detroit WNUC-LP would be a
>> great place for a future Grassroots Radio Conference, and that we might
>> even
>> be able to help build stuff or knowledge while at such a conference. When
>> WNUC-LP is ready, we welcome their invitation on this list and connecting
>> them to the historical memory and resources which exist.
>>
>>      -Paul (pablito) Bame, Prometheus Radio Project
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>
>