Round Up: “Stand Up for Local Radio!”

For Starters, Happy Earth Day everyone!

I was stopped recently outside my office when someone I know asked if I was all right. I have been busy of course with work, but I’m not particularly sad or down about anything specific in my immediate personal life. They had observed that for the past six months or so I was not seeming as happy or joyful. Hmmm. 

I suppose it would be safe to say that my mood about the state of affairs in the USA, as well as globally at this moment, and quite possibly for the past six months, has not been one of joy. So this person’s observation is spot on.

But we persevere. Right now I am feeling profoundly sad about the loss of four young people in our community in a tragic vehicle crash. My condolences to the families and friends that have lost these young daughters, sisters, friends. And to the families that are coping with the long road to recovery for the two surviving victims of the crash. 

I do find great joy working here at KWMR with the stellar team that keeps the fire of community radio burning with the light of 10,000 suns. Thank you Richard, Alyssa, Jeff, Jordan, James, and Ian (and Mia who is on maternity leave). I could not ask for better partners in local community broadcasting!

And I am pretty jazzed about the fact that KWMR added four brand new Board Members this month. A warm welcome to Tony Cascardi, Steve Martinek, Judith Moore, and Todd Sulzinger. We will bid a sad farewell to Miguel Kuntz, Cathy Richards, and Danny Vitali this fall as they end their full three-term 9-year commitment to KWMR governance.

I have been uplifted by my great conversations with the public at Marconi Day up at the Lodge at Marconi this past week, as well as with people who have roamed into the station during our first weekend of our Annual Spring Pledge Drive. It really feels good to engage with one another and celebrate how radio connects communities.

I am also looking forward to KWMR Day on Friday, May 2nd at the Dance Palace Community Center where we will just have a big ol’ fun time with folks who come out to eat, drink, dance and connect. 

I remember that one time when I was in a pretty cranky mood, someone observed my foul aura at the market and thought that I was mad at them. Nope, not mad at them, I was just having a cranky pants moment. I have tried to keep to myself when I am in a mood, or to at least try to smile.

Please stand up for local community radio! There is a real threat to funding for public media at the federal level right now. Notify your elected officials that you are concerned about these cuts. Donate to the KWMR Spring Pledge Drive as another way to show how many people appreciate the music, talk, news, and emergency information that KWMR brings to the community.

I promise I will try to “turn that frown upside down.”

Amanda Eichstaedt
Station Manager and Executive Director