Occupy Redlands Calls 'Mic Check' Across the Airways

Mic check has taken on new meaning for the hundreds of people who follow the Occupy Redlands movement.

On Feb. 11, the term normally used to focus the attention of a large group on a speaker, has become the name of the group's new radio show.

“We are going to be producing a series of 13 shows that are going to be airing each Saturday evening at 6 p.m.” said Stephen Kemp, a member of Occupy and co-host for the new show.

"Mic Check" can be heard on KCAA AM 1050 out of Loma Linda. The first program featured Kemp, fellow Occupier Kent Marten and community activist Phill Courtney.

“We have as a group come together to dedicate our lives to improving the quality of our lives in the local communities, the Inland Empire, America and the world,” Kemp said during the radio broadcast.

The show was borne from a suggestion made, approved and executed by its members, Marten said. A working group is taking recommendations from the larger assembly and putting them on the air.

The show takes callers and discusses political and financial issues that affect the community. The first show focused on what gave rise to a local Occupy group and what was important to the community. A handful of callers participated and gave atta-boys.

“Going forward we want to have shows that are more centered around a theme,” Marten said. “The theme might be corporate influence. Or the theme might be Wal-Mart.”

National issues will be discussed, but local issues are the main focus. They also look forward to hosting local leaders and politicians.

Occupy is not the only local group with their own show. The Redlands Tea Party Patriots produce their own show from 2-2:30 p.m., hosted by Patriot member Phil Naman, on KTIE AM 590.

Occupy Redlands formed in October of 2011 with a few members. The group has grown to more than 100 active members.