The keynotes, by independent journalists from Oaxaca and Palestine, were humbling and inspiring. I look forward to downloading the promised audio soon and making it available through A Critical Ear.

The food… the food was abundant and delicious. Props to the various caterers and restaurants used. The scenery, in Portland and on the train journey from and to Seattle, was beautiful and refreshing. Powell’s was a rare treat (as was a return visit to Left Bank Books in Seattle this afternoon).

Finally, the KBOO studios were impressive and inspiring. Their audio archive – with 40 years of public affairs tapes, cassettes, and more, from independent and radical sources – is the sort of place I’d love to have an opportunity to ensconce myself in for a considerable period.

More detail when I return to Urbana and am able to compile some of my notes and recordings from the event. Until then, a fair summary is: inspiring and useful. Both Portland and GRC demand return visits.

This morning I took part in a session on social activism in community radio, where we pooled stories of how different stations have accomplished this, all while abiding by FCC and IRS regulations. This afternoon I plan to attend a session titled “Non-violence: Culture Change”, headed up by KBOO station manager Arthur Davis and Cherie Blackfeather, followed by one on AMARC.

It’s always interesting to pick up the ‘swag’ brought along by different stations. WORT (in Madison, WI) have interesting fans, useful in this hot weather, with the cute slogan “I’m a WORT fan” emblazoned over an image of an old-fashioned radio – easily the most inventive and striking item here. KBOO‘s August Listener’s Guide, in turn, shows what can be done with a single folded sheet of newsprint. Among the interesting items here is their decision to move Democracy Now! from 11am to 7am (part of a move to combat recent declines in listenership levels and revenues). The new 11am slot is still in flux, but one of the things they’re experimenting with through August will be “the work of well known activists and experts” including Bob McChesney – which I guess could mean another station picking up Media Matters, which many of you will know I currently produce.