Scenic Roots

Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.

From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.

We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.

We are "Scenic Roots."

Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

Next For Chattanooga’s Riverfront Parks: A Community Open House

Ray Bassett

A community open house is the next step in shaping the future of Chattanooga’s Riverfront Parks. The open house - on Thursday, from 4 PM to 7 PM, in the Tennessee Aquarium’s River Journey building - offers the public the chance to preview the latest designs for the Riverfront Parks.
CrimeCast: Chattanooga Area Stories Of Crime And Policing

Ray Bassett

Here in Chattanooga, a local podcast dives into crime - cases cold and active, famous and infamous - but it also focuses on policing and the community, all powered by two storytellers. David Roddy co-hosts the "CrimeCast" with Clint Powell.
Scenic Roots - Tues 3/25/25

Ray Bassett

CrimeCast: Chattanooga area stories of crime & policing. A community open house for Chattanooga’s Riverfront Parks. These voices - and more - on this edition of “Scenic Roots.”
Veterans On The Water: The Mission Of RangeOars Row

Ray Bassett

Jere Hartman served as a U.S. Army ranger during the Iraq War. Today, he is among a handful of veterans who form RangeOars Row. Their journey is on the water - and their cause is to raise mental health awareness for veterans.
At ArtsBuild, Opportunities For Local Artists With Disabilities

Ray Bassett

Annie LaVoie is one of nine local artists to receive a recent grant from ArtsBuild, which supports the arts in Chattanooga and Hamilton County. The latest round of grants is for artists living with disabilities to activate a new project.
Mouthy Oddities: Life And Death, Carved Into Jewelry

Ray Bassett

Annie LaVoie is a taxidermist and a bone carver whose own brush with death inspires the avant-garde jewelry she creates today. She uses stone, bone and organic remnants to fashion the pieces of her “Mouthy Oddities” collection.
Scenic Roots - Mon 3/24/25

Ray Bassett

Mouthy Oddities: Life and death, carved into jewelry. At ArtsBuild, opportunities for local artists with disabilities. Veterans on the water: The mission of RangeOars Row. These voices - and more - on this edition of “Scenic Roots.”
Chattamatters: What It Takes To Change The City Charter

Ray Bassett

(Aired Thu 3/20/25) In last week’s elections here in Chattanooga, voters approved a change in the city charter to allow city employees to live outside the State of Tennessee. The fact that Chattanoogans can decide to change it is rare for Tennessee, as William Newlin of Chattamatters tells us.
At Barking Legs, “Angels In America: Millennium Approaches”

Ray Bassett

(Aired Weds 3/19/25) An epic story about an epic time takes the stage at Barking Legs Theater here in Chattanooga. The SEED Theatre presents “Angels in America, Part I: Millennium Approaches” at Barking Legs, all performances for mature audiences only.
The Scopes Trial Centennial - In The Spotlight On The UTC Campus

Ray Bassett

(Aired Weds 3/19/25) In July 1925 - a century ago this summer - the Scopes Trial was held in Dayton, Tennessee. On trial: John Scopes, a high school teacher accused of violating a Tennessee law that barred the teaching of evolution in public schools.