Presented by Michael Huntsberger, Linfield College Associate Professor Emeritus

In a time before iPhones, algorithms, and podcasts, local community radio stations were among the few outlets where people could make their own media. Some of the oldest and quirkiest of these stations emerged in Cascadia, where community leaders, educators, intellectuals, activists, artists, and other characters created free speech and creativity havens on the FM broadcast band.

The presentation will include s highlights from Sex and Broadcasting: A Handbook on Starting a Radio Station for the Community, by Lorenzo Wilson Milam. This American writer and activist was influential in starting many of the first community radio stations in the United States, beginning with KRAB in Seattle in 1962. He gave his classic how-to manual on starting a community radio station an awful title and a lurid pink cover, in a blatant attempt at scaring away religious broadcasters. He didn't want his helpful information falling into their hands, as they were often competing for the same radio frequencies. Join us to hear more of his story and others of Cascadia community radio pioneers. We'll also be listening to some of the sounds that distinguished these unique stations from the cultural mainstream during the golden age of American alternative media.

About the Speaker:
Prof. Huntsberger has worked as a manager, producer, engineer, and consultant in commercial, educational, public, and community media since 1980. His research focuses on public service media, media policy, and technology. He is the producer of the interactive multimedia documentary Waiting for Peace: The Journals and Correspondence of a World War II Combat Medic. He has taught courses in media history, media ethics, electronic media writing, audio production, video production, interactive multimedia production, radio production and programming, sports media, and media in Europe. In addition, he has taught the introductory colloquium, inquiry seminar, and Journalism & Media Studies capstone courses. Prof. Huntsberger is the former chair of the Radio & Audio Media division of the Broadcast Education Association.

These monthly, free events are open to everyone interested in Oregon and Pacific Northwest history. Co-sponsored by like-minded historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers and historians who expound on topics from Lewis and Clark to shipwrecks, hop growing to women pioneers and far, far beyond. It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp