Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Here’s the press release from my buds, Blake and Lesley:
Local progressives will soon have even better access to local news, politics, issue and information when Local Edge Radio moves from Saturday afternoons to Fridays from 3pm – 6pm on 880 the Revolution, broadcasting throughout Buncombe County. The show has been on the air since early last fall, entering the talk radio arena during the apex of the 2008 election frenzy.
“We knew Asheville was overdue for a local progressive talk show, but I don’t think we realized how central to this election Buncombe County would be,” said co-host Blake Butler. “Asheville helped turned a red state blue, which says a lot about the political climate here.”
During their first six months of shows, co-hosts Blake Butler and Lesley Groetsch netted interviews with a number of political notables, including Senator Kay Hagan, Governor Bev Perdue, and Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill.
The show also features a potpourri of arts, music and entertainment geared towards eclectic Asheville tastes. Live musicians, film makers, chefs, athletes and authors have all appeared. “Asheville progressives are multi-dimensional,” said Groetsch. “A popular live musician is likely to be a central figure in local political activism. We never stay on one subject for too long because the show has a life of its own, just like our listeners.” The show’s “Master Producer” Aaron D”Innocenzi juggles phone lines, fact checking, technical issues, live “glitches” and still manages to contribute to the dialogue.
This Friday’s premier will include an hour long segment on the graffiti problem in Asheville with representatives from the city, the Asheville Police Department, the local business community and a “tagger.” Award-winning blogger Ashvegas will join the show, along with a handful of surprise political guests. To listen, tune in to 880am on Friday at 3pm or stream the show live from anywhere in the world on a computer at 880therevolution.com. Local Edge Radio takes live callers at (828) 252-4348.
