Free Press Mourns Wally Bowen

WASHINGTON — North Carolina media activist and community media innovator Wally Bowen passed away Tuesday in Asheville, North Carolina. Bowen was the co-founder of the Mountain Area Information Network, a nonprofit Internet service provider, Low Power FM broadcaster and community hub. He was a nationally known advocate for local self-reliance through local ownership of media infrastructure.

Free Press President and CEO Craig Aaron made the following statement:

“Wally Bowen inspired so many of us with his commitment to community and deep understanding of the transformative power of access to media and technology. He wasn’t just a dreamer; he was a doer who built networks, put radio stations on the air, and brought people together. He was an ally to Free Press, and we offer our condolences to his family, friends and the many people whose lives he touched. Wally will be missed.”