Free Radio Pensacola × WPNX 107.7 LP present
Grassroots Radio2026 Conference
Community radio in formation — three days of panels, workshops, and hands-on sessions with the people who build, run, and love grassroots radio. All skill levels welcome.
01 The Conference
Community radio,
in formation.
Free Radio Pensacola and WPNX 107.7 LPFM are honored to host the 2026 Grassroots Radio Conference — an annual national gathering focused on radio practice, infrastructure, and participation in community radio.
We're bringing together station builders, programmers, DJs, engineers, organizers, artists, and listeners to share practical knowledge about how community radio is built and sustained.
We're launching a DIY community radio station — and inviting everyone with an interest to participate.
WPNX 107.7 FM hits the Pensacola airwaves in September 2026, so the conference doubles as a launch party. Come learn from a community with decades of experience.
02 The Program
Over three days,
we'll explore:
Panels, presentations, and hands-on workshops across nine tracks — from the transmitter shack to the boardroom to the beach.
Station Management & Sustainability
Keeping community stations funded, staffed, and on the air for the long haul.
FCC Updates & Applications
Licensing, filing windows, and the latest from the Commission.
Recording for Radio & Podcasts
Field and studio craft for broadcast-ready sound.
Production & Syndication
Building shows that travel beyond your own signal.
Compliance & Governance
Boards, bylaws, and staying accountable to your community.
Transmission & Radio Arts
Antennas, transmitters, and radio as an art form.
Cultural Preservation
Keeping local voices, music, and language alive on the air.
Disaster Preparedness
Storm-season readiness for stations on the Gulf and beyond.
Resilient Communications
Keeping communities connected when everything else goes down.
Full schedule to be announced — stay tuned.
03 On the Mic
Panels, presentations
& workshops by:
Organizers, engineers, and broadcasters from stations and networks across the country — with more names dropping soon.
Ken Freedman
WFMU Visit station ↗Sharon Scott
WXOX · ARTxFM Visit station ↗Pete Tridish
Prometheus Radio Project Visit project ↗Ursula Ruedenberg
Pacifica Visit network ↗Stephanie Schubert
Pacifica Visit network ↗Virginia Todd
Radio Asheville Visit station ↗Spencer Graves
Media and Democracy Listen in ↗Paul Arndt
KLKT Visit station ↗Benn Kobb
KZSM Visit station ↗Govinda
Indigenous Environmental Network Visit network ↗Bvlbancha Liberation Radio
New Orleans Visit station ↗Stay tuned — the lineup is still growing.
✶ Scenes from the scene
04 The Venue
Voices of Pensacola
+ Downtown
GRC 2026 takes place in the heart of Historic Downtown Pensacola, with sessions centered at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center and nearby venues.
- Highly walkable — restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, breweries, and nightlife just steps away.
- Each evening, WPNX hosts special conference events: live music, film screenings, and community gatherings.
- Need a breather? Pensacola Beach is about 15 minutes away — catch a Gulf Coast sunset after the day's sessions.
05 Travel & Stay
Getting here
is easy.
Pensacola Int'l (PNS)
About 5.5 miles from the venue — roughly a 15-minute drive to Downtown.
Uber · Lyft · Taxi
Rideshares run $18–25 from the airport depending on demand. Taxis and rental cars are available at the terminal.
Downtown on foot
Staying downtown? Sessions, evening events, restaurants, and nightlife are all walkable. Want the beach or Gulf Islands National Seashore? Grab a rental car.
Downtown — host hotels
Group rates for GRC attendees. Book early — September is prime season.
On the beach
Make it a Gulf Coast getaway — discounted group rates coming soon.
Near the airport
All three offer complimentary airport shuttles · ~5.5 miles from the venue.
Prefer a rental? Airbnb and VRBO options are plentiful in Downtown, East Hill, and East Pensacola Heights.
06 Registration
Lock in
your spot.
Registration is open now on Zeffy — 100% of your ticket supports the conference and the WPNX 107.7 launch.
We look forward to welcoming the grassroots radio community to Pensacola this fall. More speakers, the full schedule, and wpnx.org are coming soon — stay tuned.
