Rocky Mountain Community Radio Spotlights Local Broadcasters at Annual Conference

By Kyler Edsitty, NPM

Ignacio, CO, October 25, 2024 – Founded in 2001, the Rocky Mountain Community Radio (RMCR) is a coalition of 20 non-commercial radio stations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The coalition allows each member station to share news stories and content throughout the area. RMCR hosts an annual conference with a rotating host to gather every member station for three days of training and networking sessions. KSUT sponsored the 2024 RMCR Conference at the Sky Ute Casino and Resort. KSUT radio serves the Southern Ute Tribe in Colorado

The conference started with a welcome reception at KSUT radio station, followed by a live performance by Community Pancake, a local rock band based in Durango. This event allowed participants stations to network and tour the new KSUT studios.

Former KERA Vice President of News Rick Holter interviewed Bruce Auster, NPR Managing Director, one of the notable plenary speakers at the Conference. Auster discussed the evolving news and journalism industry and the importance of journalism as the U.S. Presidential Election draws closer.

National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB) CEO Rima Dael also provided a plenary session and was interviewed by RMCR President Breeze Richardson. Dael highlighted NFCB initiatives and programs that benefit their member stations nationwide. Dael provided accolades to RMCR members who report on local news stories as their reporting keeps their communities informed during a momentous Election Year.

The remaining Conference sessions focused on critical radio station operations such as news, music, programming, and development. The sessions covered emergency preparedness, soliciting major donors, and raising revenue.

Native Public Media (NPM) provided a presentation titled “Empowering Native Communities Through Public Media.” NPM is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting its network of over 60 Tribal radio and television stations. This presentation highlighted NPM’s core programs and achievements, such as the FCC’s approval of the Missing and Endangered Persons (MEP) Event Code.

After the presentation, RMCR members expressed interest in participating in NPM programs and services, including receiving newsletters and attending NPM’s Annual Native Broadcast Summit.

“Attending the Rocky Mountain Community Radio Conference for the first time was an enlightening experience that deepened my understanding of community and radio,” said NPM staff Ellery Charley. “The emergency operations sessions were essential and informative. The critical role these radio stations play in ensuring community safety and resilience. I witnessed firsthand how effective preparedness and communication can make a significant difference during crises. It highlighted the importance of collaboration and trust within communities, and I’m inspired to continue improving NPM’s strategies to enhance our programs and response efforts. This experience has reinvigorated my approach to storytelling and engagement.”

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