Our Changing Media

On Saturday, June 5th, the KAXE-Grand Rapids Annual Meeting was held. Many changes were announced. Whether the medium is newspapers, news magazines, radio, TV, social networks, blogs, I-pods, or I-phone browsers, we are in a blizzard of change.

So when resolutions for our Northern Community Radio meeting were requested, I thought "Let's initiate some changes of our own here!"

In the interest of governance and accountability - let's try to make a difference. New public money is coming in. How will we spend it? Here's a start -

A POLKA CAUCUS

At the KAXE Annual Meeting Saturday, June 5th, the membership voted to approve this resolution -

resolved "That a 'Polka Caucus' be created for three months in 2010 from July 1 - September 30, Also known as the 'European Roots Music of the (Iron) Range.'

For three months this body will develop and suggest programming for a monthly
'Polka Time Event' - on the air - under the tent - and featuring accordians and fiddles. Respectfully submitted, Gord Prickett"

WHY A POLKA CAUCUS? WHAT COULD IT DO?

In my opinion, the musical offerings on FM 91.7 lack diversity.

With new state legacy tax money currently available to enhance the cultural and historic aspects of our radio broadcasts, possibly the means for doing this already exist within the KAXE membership.

For example, beyond the frequently-heard blues and hard rock in the current mix of KAXE programming, there exists a legacy of the Eastern European, Scandinavian, Celtic immigrant musicians who arrived here a century ago with the timber and mining development of Northeastern Minnesota.

If you would like to be a member of this Polka Caucus, just email gordmett@emily.net to learn more.