My Goals for KPFA/Pacifica

This essay is from a discussion on what we'd like to see at the station and in the network

by Adrienne Lauby
-- Host of Pushing Limits, KPFA's disability program

I would say, more programming that supports the communities that are crumbing in the economic and global climate crisis. Practical stories about politics, solidarity and survival. Stations that teach media literacy by teaching people to hold the microphone in their own hands. Stations with a flow to and through from the communities they serve. Stations that are vibrant and flexible enough to bring in new people, new ideas. Stations that are present physically at the birth of new movements. Stations that challenge the status quo of the left as well as the wider power struggle. Stations which do so well at confronting white privilege and stopping inter-personal conflicts that they are beacons for other groups and individuals.

I also want stations that are free of nepotism, corruption and careerism so that they can sustain themselves with good financial practices.

Ideally, I want a network. I want a place where small stations are supported in a variety of ways and where there is a safety net for crisis moments. I want a network where engineers, bookkeepers and other behind the scene folks share information and, at times, fly in to assist. I want some national programming - At the moment, I'd be okay with Amy Goodman and 3-4 days a year of united (non-fund drive) coverage of specific events or developments.

These are not distant goals. Many of Pacifica's affiliate stations achieve many of them. Some of the five sister stations achieve some of them. The only concrete barrier to making this vision real is those who don't share it... yet.

ADRIENNE LAUBY
-- member of unpaid staff, host of Pushing Limits, KPFA's disability program

August 10, 2014


*** *** ***
*** *** ***

for updates, reports & essays on KPFA/Pacifica,
please visit these websites:

UNITED FOR COMMUNITY RADIO

PACIFICA IN EXILE

ANN GARRISON, A KPFA REPORTER

LORDS & LADIES vs. the PEASANTS at KPFA


*** *** ***

KPFA 94.1 FM is one of five stations of the Pacifica radio network which are located in major cities across the country. The other stations are WBAI 99.5 in New York, WPFW 89.3 in Washington DC, KPFT 90.1 in Houston, and KPFK 90.7 in Los Angeles. There are also about 160 affiliate stations.



Vote for the UCR -- United for Community Radio