Catholic Radio Conference to feature 'Boot Camp' for new stations

Charleston, S.C - The 2010 Catholic Radio Conference, scheduled for the October, will feature a “boot camp” for those new to the Catholic radio. Keynoting the event will be Newt and Callista Gingrich, who will discuss their new movie about Pope John Paul II’s pilgrimage to Poland.

The conference will take place in the Birmingham, Alabama Oct. 13-16, a press release from organizers reports. Its “boot camp” will teach newcomers to the Catholic radio how to overcome common hurdles.

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista will speak about their movie “Nine Days that Changed the World.” The movie is about John Paul II’s visit to Poland in June of 1979 which helped transform the Polish people and helped lead to the fall of the communism.

A screening of the movie will follow the Gingriches’ comments.

Bishop of Birmingham Robert J. Baker will celebrate a Mass at the conference and the deputy chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s Audio Division will address attendees. The conference has separate tracks in the radio operations, promotion and fundraising and technical issues.

Catholic Radio Association President Stephen Gajdosik said that one strength of Catholic radio is its ability to leverage and unify the work of the Church.

“Whether it be a lay or diocesan effort, it is a work of the Church. Catholic radio can magnify that work, helping it to bear more fruit. The 2010 Catholic Radio Conference is designed to help the radio stations and programmers make their work serve the Church ever more effectively.”