Up for Air: Recent Episodes
NFCB: National Federation of Community Broadcasters
NFCB’s podcast Up for Air explores local, community media in this cultural moment. We talk with radio, podcast and content leaders, producers, organizers, and thinkers about leadership, governance, volunteerism, mentorship, solutions journalism, and how hyperlocal media contributes to democracy. Join NFCB’s Sally Kane and Ernesto Aguilar and explore community radio’s diversity and creative voices.
In this episode of Up for Air, Erika Pulley Hayes, President and CEO of 90.7 WMFE | 89.5 WMFV in Orlando, joins NFCB’s Sally Kane and Ernesto Aguilar. From 2005 until her recent departure, Erika Pulley Hayes served the community and public media system at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. As Vice President of Radio, she is credited with a string of innovations, including music formats and podcasting initiatives. Then she made a big change, leaving Washington, DC, for Florida. Then the pandemic struck, and she’s been tasked with leading during one of noncommercial media’s most difficult moments.
On Up for Air, Erika Pulley Hayes shares her journey, discussing her new role and how she has had to adapt as a new station leader in this unprecedented time. What prompted her to move into this new phase of her life and career? What has she learned about herself professionally and personally? Hear Erika Pulley Hayes’ story and her work today during this podcast.
Darrah Blackwater is now walking the nearly 500-mile Colorado Trail to raise awareness about the digital divide and how it impacts indigenous communities. But larger issues of spectrum and the Federal Communications Commission are just as critical to this matter. Blackwater talks about her activism, the hike to raise awareness and her previous 1,300-mile walk in China. You can follow Darrah Blackwater’s walk on Instagram at @blackwatersoul.
Sally Kane and Ernesto Aguilar of NFCB interview KWMR Executive Director/Station Manager Amanda Eichstaedt about longevity on this pilot episode. From her first interview by a board that resigned en masse to celebrating 10 years among wildfires and a pandemic, Eichstaedt has some stories! We talk about effective communication, responsive organizations, inclusive meetings, and recommended reading. We would love your feedback, vox pops about your stations, and guest nominations! Email us at membership@nfcb.org, tweet us at @NFCB, or reach us on Instagram, Facebook or Reddit.