Latest news with #Toller
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
How Some Independent Radio Stations Avoid Sounding Like Corporate Drones
Before 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) restricted U.S. corporations from owning more than 40 radio stations. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 eliminated these curbs, enabling single corporate entities to own unlimited stations. At that point, listeners 'said goodbye to regionality and creativity and hello to bland, homogenized programming,' filmmaker Brendan Toller noted in his 2008 documentary I Need That Record! Corporate networks continue to dominate the airwaves. BIA Advisory Services reports that iHeartMedia owned 870 stations in 2023, making it the nation's top radio owner, followed by Audacy, Cumulus Media, Hubbard Radio, and Beasley Media Group. 'It's monopoly after monopoly,' notes Toller, now the director of operations and new initiatives at the volunteer-run WPKN, one of about 100 independent radio stations in the U.S., according to Wikipedia. 'I think the call to independence and a free-form format is important as things become more homogenized, influenced by AI, and automated.' Founded in 1963, WPKN is a 10,000-watt station in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Its terrestrial signal reaches a potential 1.5 million listeners in most of Connecticut and parts of Long Island, New York State, and southwestern Massachusetts. Millions of listeners worldwide have access to its broadcasts at Toller says WPKN hosts about 170 programs. The content of these broadcasts includes music, news, public affairs, arts and culture, environment and science, and lifestyle. Besides talented local DJs, the station looks for 'organizers and activists who want to highlight people making their communities better in the public affairs realm,' Toller states. WPKN's DJs, programmers, and hosts have full autonomy. 'Our schedule is the 'you never know what you're going to get' chocolate box of radio,' Toller says. 'We don't have the playlist requirements that an obnoxious corporate station has. We are where freedom and human-driven, anti-algorithm expression lives. That, to me, is more exciting than a curated playlist because you get the personality [of the DJ] drifting and guiding you toward all this music or information if it's a public affairs program or podcast.' He adds that independent stations like WPKN enable local musicians, artists, nonprofits, and organizers 'to reach a wider audience [and] to get contextualized properly within their region, the times, and history.' In April 2025, NPR stated that the Trump administration's proposed cuts to federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting 'would have a devastating impact on American communities across the nation that rely on public radio for trusted local and national news, culture, lifesaving emergency alerts, and public safety information.' While Toller notes that such cuts will be 'major and grave,' they do not pose a threat to WPKN, which does not receive any federal funding. 'The station has remained largely listener-supported [since 1989], with a hint of underwriting from local nonprofits, organizations, and businesses,' Toller explains. Unlike WPKN, which is unaffiliated, some local stations disburse their content through independent networks like the Pacifica Foundation, which owns and operates non-commercial stations KPFA, KPFK, KPFT, WBAI, and WPFW. It also oversees the Pacifica Network, which provides content to more than 200 stations, according to the network's website. Britannica states that Pacifica 'funds and promotes news and public affairs programs, most notably 'Democracy Now!' and 'Free Speech Radio News.'' Meanwhile, the nonprofit, volunteer-run indie radio network A-Infos Radio Project presents 'an alternative to the corporate and government media, which do not serve struggles for liberty, justice and peace, nor enable the free expression of creativity,' according to its website. The freedom of expression that terrestrial radio offers may help explain this medium's enduring popularity despite competition from online outlets. 'Sparked by the advent of social media in the early 2000s, the landscape of communication underwent a monumental transformation,' the International News Media Association observed in 2024. 'This was further accelerated by the global lockdowns of 2020, where the demand for instant, online news reached unprecedented heights, highlighting the growing preference for short-form content among audiences.' Sound of Life, a platform designed 'to foster a community of curious connoisseurs and share stories through the lens of sound,' states that indie radio stations have grown in popularity despite challenges like overhead costs and rising rents. 'During the pandemic, the… [number] of radio and podcast listeners boomed, and habits stick. In the U.S., 92 percent of the population listen to [the] radio every week,' stated a 2024 article on its website. This boom may have helped several independent radio stations in the U.S. survive challenges that wiped out many British stations, including soaring living expenses and energy bills. Indie stations like WBHF, Aggie Radio, WFMU, KUCR, KEXP, the SoCal Sound, and Rinse FM have adapted to industry shifts by offering multiple streaming options. WPKN has also embraced the digital format. Besides posting content to its website, it maintains a podcast channel on all major platforms, an archiving system, and a video sessions format. Toller says he has witnessed a surprising amount of interest in traditional radio among young people. 'What's amazing to me is that the youth are being raised with these digital devices that are so attention-commanding all the time, and I see people coming in here from other stations who are much younger than me and are interested in this as a tried-and-true platform that has existed far longer than social media. If youth is still interested, that tells me this is going to be around for another 60 years.'
New Statesman
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Statesman
This England: Great pub-licity
A university student on a quest to find the best Wetherspoons in the UK plans to visit all 800 pubs by the age of 30. Charlotte Toller, who is 20 and based in Bromley, is judging each establishment on criteria including cost and appearance, as well as how far away the toilets are from the bar and the quality of the carpet. Toller is studying journalism at the University of Roehampton. Bromley News Shopper (Benjamin Chase) Fits the bill A man is walking 53 miles in a homemade bird costume to raise awareness and funds for conservation projects. Matt Trevelyan, a farming officer for Nidderdale National Landscape, crafted the 10ft-long costume of a Eurasian curlew – Europe's largest wading bird – out of polystyrene and bamboo. Mr Trevelyan said: 'Those who know me well know I was eventually going to build a giant curlew. She's a real beauty. I wanted to represent curlews well because they're such a beautiful bird.' BBC Yorkshire (Mark Ireson) Ninety-nine problems Plans to prohibit ice cream vans next to Greenwich Park have prompted a councillor to state that the local authority is not 'anti-ice-cream'. Greenwich Council's cabinet suggested that King William Walk be designated as a prohibited street for itinerant lolly trading. However, ice cream van operator Paul St Hilaire Sr successfully challenged the decision in court on the basis that the council's decision was not legally sound. BBC (Kate McIntosh) [See also: Inside the Chaotic Map of Doom] Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Related
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Who's replacing Shasta County's top elections official? What to know about special meeting
The Shasta Board of Supervisors called a special meeting on Thursday afternoon to talk about the suddenly open position of county clerk and registrar of voters now that Tom Toller says he's stepping down at the end of April. Toller told supervisors he will retire in five weeks due to medical issues. County officials will start vetting possible successors soon, Shasta County spokesperson David Maung said in Tuesday's announcement about Toller's retirement. Posting of the agenda on the county website on Wednesday, the day before the special meeting, prompted planned demonstrations at Redding City Hall by those who oppose the board's hard right majority's take on election processes and reform. Here's when the meeting takes place, what the agenda says and why a Shasta County activist says she's organizing a demonstration. Note to readers: If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. The special meeting of the Shasta County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, March 27 in the Redding City Council Chambers at 777 Cypress Ave. See links to the agenda and a list of future meetings at According to the agenda, the purpose of the meeting is to 'Consider options related to the vacancy of the County Clerk/Registrar of Voters position and consider providing direction to staff.' It also says, 'Simple Majority Vote,' but it's unclear from the agenda's wording if the board plans to appoint someone at that time. Questions about the board's role in appointing Toller's replacement, when that will happen and who is in the running came up in public comments at last Tuesday's regular supervisors meeting. At that time, the board didn't announce candidates. Supervisor Kevin Crye rebuffed questions from a Record Searchlight reporter who attended the meeting. More: Shasta elections official retiring months into job, raising question of who will fill role Shortly after the county posted the special meeting agenda on Wednesday, Community activist Jenny O'Connell-Nowain said she started organizing a demonstration, slated to start just before 4 p.m. at Redding City Hall. She and her husband, Bejamin Nowain, produce North State Breakdown, which she describes as an informational website and social media account promoting transparency in North State government. The demonstration is 'not a protest as much as a 'we see you'" statement and call for transparency, said O'Connell-Nowain, who fears supervisors hear mostly from people who support far-right election reform agendas, like hand counting and same day voting requirements. She's concerned the board will appoint someone of a similar mind, she said: Like former Supervisor Patrick Jones, or Laura Hobbs, who unsuccessfully sued the elections office after she lost the 2024 District 2 supervisor primary race. O'Connell-Nowain said she hopes the demonstration lets supervisors know there are Shasta County constituents who would oppose those appointments. While she rejects conservative election reform agendas, she has no political party preference, O'Connell-Nowain said. Party members on both sides of the aisle tend to stereotype and "demonize" each other, rather than have 'constructive conversations,' she said. Toller delivered a letter of resignation to supervisors on Monday, according to a press release issued by the county. He'll retire on April 29, less than 10 months into his tenure at the elections office. 'I regret to inform you that I have been struggling with a serious illness for some months now. Based on the advice of my doctors, it has become clear to me that I cannot both focus on my health and continue to serve the citizens of Shasta County with vigor and undivided attention," Toller said in the press release. Supervisors appointed Toller last June to serve out the rest of longtime clerk Cathy Darling Allen's term, which ends in January 2027. Toller took the seat vacated in May 2024 by Darling Allen, who also cited medical reasons for her departure. In doing so, he became a central figure in heated conflict over election reform issues, including hand-counting ballots, identification requirements for voters and same day voting. Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Shasta County clerk, registrar of voters: Search to replace Tom Toller
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Shasta County Registrar of Voters retiring less than year after appointment
Shasta County Clerk and Registrar of Voters Tom Toller announced Tuesday he'll retire in five weeks, less than 10 months into his tenure at the elections office. Toller announced he'll step down on April 29 after delivering his letter of resignation to the Shasta County Board of Supervisors on Monday, according to a press release issued by the county. 'I regret to inform you that I have been struggling with a serious illness for some months now. Based on the advice of my doctors, it has become clear to me that I cannot both focus on my health and continue to serve the citizens of Shasta County with vigor and undivided attention. I, therefore, resign my office as County Clerk and Registrar of Voters…My goal in providing five weeks of notice is to assist in an orderly transition well in advance of the Gubernatorial Primary of June 2026,' Toller said in the announcement. When he leaves, Toller will be the second person to retire from the position over the past year. Toller was appointed to the position in June after then longtime clerk, Cathy Darling Allen, vacated the position in May. Darling Allen also cited medical reasons. At the time of his appointment last June, the Shasta County Board of Supervisors anticipated Toller would serve out the rest of Darling Allen's term, which ends in January 2027. '…Toller has served Shasta County with dedication and integrity, overseeing local elections and vital record services with professionalism and a deep commitment to public service, said the county's spokesperson David Maung the announcement. County officials will start vetting possible successors soon, Maung reported. Note to readers: If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. Toller faced controversy even before he took office in July 2024. The Shasta County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to appoint Toller to the elections clerk position on June 19, 2024. The semi-retired former prosecutor had no experience in managing an elections office when he applied, according to the county. At the time, Shasta Supervisors Kevin Crye, Patrick Jones and Chris Kelstrom voted to hire Toller over three other finalists for the job. Then Supervisors Tim Garman and Mary Rickert voted against hiring Toller, preferring instead Joanna Francescut --- a candidate with 16 years of elections work experience and who managed the elections office after Darling Allen became ill. "…my greatest hope is that I can bring some transparency to the office and increase people's confidence in how we process votes here in Shasta County,' Toller said at the time of his appointment. Toller inherited a tempest when he took office. While Darling Allen was popular with many voters — having won 68.4 % of the vote in the 2022 election, she and her staff faced criticism from supervisors, advocates of hand counting ballots and election deniers who supported President Trump's claims of election fraud in 2020. Elections office workers reported angry calls and shouting observers, some accusing them of tampering with ballots and other crimes, none of which were substantiated, according to Darling Allen. Seemingly tasked with cleaning up the elections office by the board's hard right conservative majority, Toller faced pressure from local election skeptics and activists before and after the presidential election. At the same time, he was at the center of heated board and community discussions about replacing voting machines with hand counting ballots in spite of state election law. In late October, a few weeks after November presidential election ballots went out in the mail to registered voters, Toller announced the elections office was having tallying troubles due to a printing error on some ballots. An 'ink overspray' that wasn't 'visible to the naked eye and did not come up in our pre-election testing' caused the problem, he said on Oct. 30. By then, the elections office had already received approximately 32,500 ballots. In early November, Toller announced he was addressing complaints from election staff about Supervisor Kevin Crye's behavior toward them, although he didn't specify what those complaints included. 'I recognize (supervisors) stand in a special relationship, but as an independent holder of an elected office, they have to respect my responsibilities as well. And if they wanted to descend to the level of punishing my doing my job by, say, pruning my budget, that would be a really disappointing thing and I think that would be something that the voters of Shasta County would take very seriously,' Toller said at the time. Toller and his staff faced criticism from members of the county elections commission as well, including from ballot hand-counting advocate Patty Plumb. Supervisors voted 3-2 to in January to re-appoint Plumb to the commission. Before the vote, Plumb said Toller needed to step down because he refused 'to reform our elections.' Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Shasta registrar of voters Tom Toller retiring 10 months into job
CBC
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Like 'if the Muppets were trying to put on a seminar about ADHD and everything keeps getting worse'
Social Sharing Alec Toller found the inspiration for 13 Plays About ADHD All at the Same Time while at his day job. In addition to being a Dora Award-winning director and playwright, Toller is also a psychological associate. While researching ADHD, in order to better treat his clients, he began to notice that a lot of the disorder's symptoms sounded an awful lot like him. "I kept going 'Oh, that sounds like me,' or 'Yeah, that [strategy] would be really helpful," he says. One diagnosis later, he had the genesis of a play. Or, at least the title of a play. Toller says that he kind of worked backwards on this 13 Plays About ADHD, coming up with a title first, then writing the play to match it. "The title came to me… I was like, 'That is such a dumb idea. I have to do it. I'm compelled to,'" he says. He described the play as being like "if the Muppets were trying to put on a seminar about ADHD and everything keeps getting worse and worse." Trend Forecast '25 We asked Canadian creatives what they're looking forward to on screen, stage, and in galleries in 2025 "There's these two host characters and… they are trying to do the seminar onwhat it's like to have ADHD, or how you can have ADHD too, if you try," he adds. "The supporting cast is meant to help support them, but they don't because they have their own ideas. And the seminar — it's boring. They want to do something more fun. And so it's like it keeps interrupting things. It keeps getting derailed and derailed and derailed." He says that the play itself is like a metaphor for what it's like to live with ADHD. "It's like embodying that battle for internal control or, like, organizing your own thoughts, which is, you know, usually impossible," he says. And so it like, tries to give the felt sense of ADHD. So it's not just like you watch it and go like, 'Oh, I learned a fact or two.' It's an hour-ish of time where you have ADHD too, just by being in the room." The play first ran in October, and is getting a second run as a part of Toronto Sketchfest. Toller says that the most remarkable takeaway from the show's first go-round was that it made any sense at all. "The whole time writing [this play], I kind of had a rule of like, 'everything goes in the pot,'" he says. "Like, if I have an idea, it's going to get in there… [there's] a dance number and there's a puppetry piece and there's like a game show part. So it's like always changing. But that also presents a very key challenge of like, how the hell does it make sense?" Toller adds that, while the premise of the play is kind of inherently goofy, he wanted to make sure the play had a real emotional heart to it, as well. Having ADHD is hard. Toller says that it comes with "a lot of tears… a lot of shame, and a lot of self-criticism." He wanted that struggle to be part of the play, too. "I was worried that in the silliness and the chaos that would get lost," he says. "But it's been very touching to see that come through, that people respond to the emotional core of the show.... This show is really about trying to break through that shame and kind of just show up and present yourself and be like, 'Yeah, I'm kind of an idiot. Sometimes I forget how to do basic human tasks, but also, who cares?' You could also be brilliant at other things, too."
