Lost Coast Communications Launches Documentary Series on Marijuana – January 28, 2012

First Episode of ‘The Humboldt Chronicles’ to Focus on the Economic Impact of Cannabis Cultivation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(January 27, 2012)

How large is the impact of marijuana on Humboldt County’s economy? How much money does a marijuana grower make? What’s life like for “trimmers” – the itinerant farm workers of the marijuana world?

All these questions and more will be explored on “The Humboldt Chronicles,” the new radio documentary series from Lost Coast Communications premiering February 2. Hosted by Southern Humboldt journalist Kym Kemp and produced by Mike Dronkers and Chuck Rogers, the series will explore the innumerable ways in which marijuana cultivation plays a role in Humboldt County life – economic driver, touchstone of culture, environmental burden (or boon), source of violent crime, medical panacea.

Episode 1 focuses on the question that has been asked so many times before – just how big is the impact of marijuana on our local economy?  Using the resources of an economist, a banker, a business person, and yes, a grower, the show seeks to establish some working parameters to measure the impact.

Lost Coast president Patrick Cleary says, “ I am very proud of our team and their efforts to produce a show on subject where information is scarce and its impact is very real.  Regardless of one’s views on pot, it without a doubt affects almost everyone in the county in one way or another.”

Lost Coast Communications is a previous recipient of the 2007 Radio and Television News Directors’ Edward R. Murrow Award for its documentary program “Picking Up: Meth on the North Coast.” It owns and operates four Humboldt County FM radio stations – KHUM, KSLG, KWPT and KXGO, as well as the online news service the Lost Coast Outpost.

Debut run is followed by a 30-60 minute call-in community dialog hosted by Kym Kemp, Chuck Rogers, Mike Dronkers and special guests. This will include a moderated live online chatroom via LostCoastOutpost.com, as well as social participation via Twitter, Facebook, email and SMS texts.

 KHUM 104.7/104.3 FM

The show will also be podcast at lostcoastoutpost.com.