| FALL 2008 |
| Below is an open letter offering points of recommendation for new leadership within KPFA and Pacifica. As you know, a permanent KPFA general manager will soon be hired. With this statement we (our signatures at the bottom) hope to bring about the best possible leadership to help steer the station and network in a more positive direction. This letter embraces our concerns about the future of KPFA and Pacifica. |
| It’s been nearly ten
years since the 1999 Lockout of KPFA Staff, a major turning point in our
station’s and network’s history. After surviving an attempted
authoritarian coup, the station began a new era of democratic
decision-making and station Transformation. Many staff, including those
from under-represented communities and their allies, did not want to
re-enter the station with business as usual.
A new vision was reflected in the ten point Transformation Proposal adopted at a historic, broad based community/staff meeting at La Pena Cultural Center, which included "the expansion and transformation of KPFA's Program Council to include diverse non-paid staff and community representatives as voting members" and "a commitment to turning the 4-5 PM program slot into a dynamic, top-quality community/public affairs show (now known as "Hard Knock Radio") appealing especially to young people and people of color." Also demanded was the return of fired KPFA general manager Nicole Sawaya, who had become emblematic of creative, collaborative, and visionary station leadership. The push for new, more inclusive programming, as well as enduring changes in internal power relations, gained prominence during the Lockout. Nine years later, some of these goals have yet to be realized. We are excited about the prospect of fresh leadership at KPFA as we enter 2009. Pacifica network is in a dismal financial state and moving KPFA forward through vision and strong leadership will result in a wider base of support among new listeners. Pacifica's move toward the digital/internet realm to reach a global community will help move the network into more equitable and sustainable financial streams. As KPFA has historically been a beacon within the network, a financially stable KPFA must be a role model for all of the Pacifica stations. In this context, we look forward to innovative management that embodies the following qualities listed below. We, the undersigned members and supporters of Pacifica Radio Network and KPFA, offer the following points of recommendation for the fresh leadership that we would like to see within KPFA and Pacifica. These attributes reflect our common goals of shifting the culture of KPFA and Pacifica to one of collaboration, support and creative diversity. We wish to see leadership that: |
1. IS COMMITTED TO KPFA/PACIFICA MISSION & TRANSFORMATION Believes in the mission of Pacifica Radio Network and is committed to fulfilling the overarching preface to the historic Transformation Proposal made during the 1999 KPFA Lock-Out, which reads, "It is imperative that we take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves for transforming KPFA into an even more powerful and inclusive voice for social justice." |
2. ACTIVELY SUPPORTS KPFA STAFF, INCLUDING FIRST VOICE & COLLECTIVES Supports and encourages the professional and organizational growth of Unpaid Staff, KPFA radio collectives, and the First Voice Apprenticeship Program. Maintains a respectful and collaborative spirit with regard to the historical struggles, internal operations, autonomy, freedom of speech in on- air content & programming, and self-organization of KPFA collectives and programs. |
3. IS COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING DEMOCRACY WITHIN KPFA & PACIFICA Is committed to achieving democracy within the radio station, including ensuring an active, empowered role for a Program Council, which includes Unpaid Staff, LSB and Listener Representatives in programming KPFA’s air waves. Supports inclusive, fair and collaborative decision-making processes with respect to programming, which is enshrined in Pacifica’s bylaws: "radio broadcasting operations to engage in any activity that shall contribute to a lasting understanding between nations and between the individuals of all nations, races, creeds and colors." Understands that we can measure our success in meeting the needs of communities through our broadcasting with the active participation of community representatives on our decision-making bodies. |
4. WILL IMPLEMENT NEEDED CHANGES IN KPFA SCHEDULE & INTEGRATE NEW INTERACTIVE MEDIA TOOLS Is committed to shifting the current programming grid, and has the vision to integrate decentralized multi-media tools such as interactive web pages and digital radio bands to attract a new generation of listeners, to create space for new voices and talents to be fostered, and to move Pacifica forward in the 21st century. Understands that the listener base will grow through equitable participation and inclusion of the "first person" story, moving beyond basic reporting about these communities to letting the people speak for themselves, broadening listener-based support and interaction. |
5. RECOGNIZES NEED TO SERVE NEW AND YOUNGER AUDIENCES Understands the changing demographics of our listener base from a financial perspective. Recognizes that our subscriber base is an aging population, and because of this there is a need for younger listeners and attracting them will require new fund raising approaches that go beyond the traditional fund drive model, such as engaging in collaborative projects with organizations/individuals from new communities. |
6. WILL ALLOCATE RESOURCES TO SUPPORT LOCAL PRODUCERS’ NEEDS Within the station budget, supports the needs and growth of local producers and staff through funding for the recommendations of the Disability Access Report, staff training, reimbursements for station-related costs such as transportation, childcare, promotion, and production expenses and in-station support for grant and fellowship applications. |
7. REMAINS ACCESSIBLE & IMPARTIAL IN ALL STAFF MATTERS Will adhere to an equitable hiring process and rejects backdoor hiring. Is accessible to staff and community members, and can rise above factional disputes and can work successfully with a broad spectrum of people. |
8. RESPECTS & FACILITATES BROADCASTING OF ETHNIC COMMUNITY SPECIALS Shows due respect to under-served and under-represented communities by prioritizing annual ethnic specials (including heritage or history months, anniversaries, celebrations, and yearly specials) to be aired on the appropriate dates or months, adjusting for fund drive dates, and confirming awarded dates and timeslots with the producers and programmers concerned at the earliest possible time. Eliminates repeated bureaucratic problems in scheduling specials and is inclusive in the decision-making process in relation to programmers who produce annual specials and events for broadcast. |
| Matthew Abaya, Filmmaker, Educator, API Specials |
| Shahram Aghamir, Producer, Voices of the Middle East and North Africa. |
| Raquel Aguirre, Host of Musical Colors |
| Nick Alexander, KPFA Producer, Reporter |
| Naji Ali, Producer, Full Circle |
| Nora Barrows-Friedman, Producer, Flashpoints |
| Amanda Bellerby, Producer, Flashpoints |
| Donna Bellorado, Lead Segment Editor/Fellow in the First Voice program |
| Khalil Bendib, Producer & Co-host, Voices of the Middle East & North Africa |
| Mary Berg, Music Programmer, Host of a Musical Offering |
| Rivian Berlin, Producer, Women's Magazine |
| Dennis Bernstein, Senior Producer, Flashpoints |
| Vanessa Bohm, Producer, La Raza Chronicles |
| Bonnie Bone, KPFA Engineer / Music Show Host / Apprenticeship Grad |
| Allison Bunder, First Voice Apprentice |
| Erica Bridgeman, Engineer, Co-Producer, The Radio Chronicles |
| Melody Brown, First Voice Apprentice |
| Dolma Chuteng, KPFA API Specials, Tibet Update |
| Afrikahn Jahmal Dayvs, Producer/Host, Music |
| Lisa Dettmer, KPFA Producer, Women's Magazine |
| Darren J. de Leon, Producer/Co-Host Radio 2050 |
| Julius Dimanlig, API Specials, Bindlestiff |
| Doug Edwards, Programmer/Producer, Music of the World, Ear Thyme |
| Professor Samera Esmeir, Producer, Voices of the Middle East & North Africa |
| Bonnie Faulkner, Host and Producer of Guns and Butter |
| Anthony Fest, News |
| Omar Flamenco Board Op/Producer/DJ, Apprenticeship Graduate |
| Leah Gardner, Producer, Pushing Limits |
| Rainjita Geesler-First Voice Co-Director, Co-Host Apex Express |
| Wendell Harper, Staff Reporter, KPFA News |
| Francisco Herrera, Co-host and Producer, Flashpoints, La Onda Bajita |
| Yvette Hochberg, Producer, Women's Magazine |
| I~los, Roots Kommunikations kru, API Specials |
| Minister of Information JR, POCC, Block Report Radio/Flashpoints |
| Kayumanggi' Kaloy, KPFA DJ & Producer, [Apprenticeship Grad'89] |
| Shuka Klanatari, Producer, Voices of the Middle East and North Africa. |
| Julieta Kusnir, Producer, La Raza Chronicles, Hard Knock Radio |
| Kevin Jefferson, Producer, Radio Chronciles |
| Rahul C. Lagura, KPFA API Specials, Smartmoves/East Oakland Boxing Association Youth Coach |
| Adrienne Lauby, Producer, Pushing Limits |
| Fabian Chavez Martinez, Live Music Engineer |
| Mickie Mayzes, Listener/Subscriber/Producer |
| David McBurnie, Producer, Music of the World |
| Evelina Molina Assistant Producer / Roving Reporter for Flash Points & La Onda Bajita |
| Miguel Molina, Executive Producer, La Onda Bajita; Roving Producer, Flashpoints |
| Jill Montgomery, 32nd Generation of the First Voice Apprenticeship Program |
| Joy Moore, Producer, KPFA |
| Tony Moses, KPFA Reggae Programmer (Since 1974) |
| Safi Wai Nairobi, Producer, Women’s Magazine |
| Daniel Nemser, Co-Host, Radio Zapatista collective of La Onda Bajita |
| Teresa Opaon-Ali, Filipina Women's Network, API Specials Translator/Contributor |
| Eddy Pay, Music Programmer and Board Op |
| Miguel Perez, Co-Producer, La Onda Bajita, Flashpoints en Espanol |
| Emmit Powell, DJ/Producer, The Gospel Experience |
| Kate Rafael, Producer, Women’s Magazine |
| Malihe Razazan, Producer and Co-Host of Voices of the Middle East and North Africa. |
| Michael B Reagan, News |
| Alejandro Reyes, Radio Zapatista collective (La Onda Bajita) / Flashpoints Mexico correspondent. |
| Pedro Reyes, Co-Producer, La Onda Bajita |
| Raynelle Rino, DJ, Scientist, Educator |
| Taiye Robinson, Apprenticeship Graduate |
| David Rosenberg, News Anchor |
| Jan Santos, Producer, Pushing Limits |
| Art Sato, Host of In Your Ear |
| Doyle Saylor, Producer, Pushing Limits |
| Adália (Moncada) Selket, Apprenticeship Grad, Producer, Host Brazilian Music Show, Board Op/DJ |
| Nina Serrano, Co-producer La Raza Chronicles, Monthly Host/Producer, Open Book |
| Preeti Shekar, Producer, Women’s Magazine |
| Ruthanne Shpiner, News Reporter, Producer/Pushing Limits |
| Jacob Simas, Full Circle |
| Weyland Southon, Hard Knock Radio, Apprent Grad |
| Frank Sterling, Full Circle Fellow |
| Tiny AKA Lisa Gray-Garcia- POOR NEWS |
| Kirsten Thomas, Board Op/Producer, Morning Show/Democracy Now! Apprentice Alumnus |
| Walter Turner, Producer, Host of Africa Today |
| Rickey Vincent, Host of the History of Funk |
| Carla West, News, Apprenticeship Graduate |
| Simin Yahaghi, Women's Magazine |
| Ali Zadeh, Voices of the Middle East & North Africa |
| Dr. Zeina Zaatari, Producer, Voices of the Middle East & North Africa |
| LISTENERS/SUPPORTERS/COMMUNITY |
| Elliott Axelson, Listener, Mill Valley |
| A. Gilman, WBAI & KPFA Listener/Supporter |
| Peter Kim, Listener/Supporter, Managing Director of Streetside Productions |
| Thelma Mondero, Listener, Santa Cruz |
| Ken Moshesh, Subscriber/Supporter, Commissioner, Berkeley Homeless Commission |
| Dave Room, Bay Localize |
| Eloise Rose-Lee - Listener/Supporter, Media Alliance |
| Elena Serrano, Listener/Supporter, EastSide Arts Alliance |
| Greg Stagi, Listener, San Francisco |
| Brian Stegner, Listener, Oakland |
| Eric Stegner, Listener, Santa Clara |
| Yvette Torres, KPFA Subscriber/API Community Organizer |
| Jahleah Valdez, Listener, San Francisco |