An Easy AIR Update

It's pretty common knowledge: AIR members are a diverse and fascinating group, highly educated with a passion for sharing their knowledge of everything under the sun--and in some cases beyond! Less well-known, however, is the fact that many AIR members sustain professional careers outside media. We have lawyers, doctors, travel agents and a wide range of artists among us. In more ways than one, those careers fuel their work as broadcast journalists. Our spotlighted member Michele Magar is one such multiple-careerist. AIR Member Spotlight on Michele Magar           I've spent the last dozen years working as a civil rights lawyer in the Bay Area, writing the occasional article whenever possible. Last year I decided to return to radio and joined AIR, and I'm currently splitting my time between civil rights law and investigative reporting on civil rights issues.          I had gone to law school to become a better civil rights reporter after spending 14 years at Pacifica, NPR, and other outlets (including print). When I decided to try my hand at law, though, I had to put journalism aside. It took a dozen years for me to learn to work efficiently enough as a lawyer to find time to return to radio, my favorite profession.          I'm currently working on an investigative piece of interest to AIR members, exploring whether CPB is meeting its Congressional mandate to ensure adequate funding for independent producers. If any readers have any information on this important topic, please contact me via e-mail or phone: magar@sbcglobal.net or 415.793.4144 (cell). AIR Goodies: Enhance and expand your radio skills AIRblast Exclusive: Third Coast Scholarships Available AIR will make available four scholarships to the 2007 Third Coast International Audio Festival. To be eligible, you must be a paid AIR member who has not previously received an AIR scholarship or mentorship. To apply, follow this link to complete AIR's online mentoring application form. Applications are first come, first served. Online Legal Seminar: Ernie Sanchez Posts Answers to Your Music Use Questions Ernie Sanchez has been tirelessly answering your legal queries concerning the use of music in web-based distribution formats. More of his responses are now posted online at http://interact.airmedia.org/. AIR Gets E-mail        "I'm relatively new to AIR and this is my first foray into doing anything other than reading what everyone else is doing and the issues you are raising. I am in awe of this community, its members and above all the spirit of openness and camaraderie."       -Christal Smith       New AIR member You can send your comments and questions to airblast@airmedia.org Funding for AIR comes from our members and the generous support of The New York State Council on the Arts, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.