Urban Unrest

24 March 2006 | Community, Pacifica, Programming | Ernesto Aguilar

Another day into my visit to Los Angeles and another day of insightful discussions. One person remarked that, among our biggest challenges as Pacifica staff was the fact many of us adopted a shell of a radio network a few years ago — the court settlement drove many people out and, as a result, we are still refounding processes, documentation and direction for a network that skates between desiring the reach of commercial radio, while eschewing the traditional aesthetic of public radio, per listener demands. It is a task few people acknowledge.

As a consequence of rediscovery, I’ve found it takes a special person to manage at Pacifica. Many of our best managers are either very outspoken or lead with quiet strength, but all are tough and committed — the often pugnacious circumstances and people we’re faced with make it so we can’t seem to have it any other way.

Thursday was a whirlwind day in Los Angeles. Much of it was spent in meetings with our management across Pacifica. What strikes me most about this group is the energy and conviction of the people who manage these stations. Ron Pinchback at WPFW is inspiring in his determination. Eva Georgia and Armando at KPFK have transformed a challenging station to one that is successful on financial and volunteer fronts. WBAI, whose problems have generated much concern across the country, has an interim GM who brings much to the fold. Greg Guma, our executive director, brings humanity to his very difficult job. Lonnie Hicks, our CFO, is kind as he is quick to keep us on task. It’s been exciting to meet and get to know each of these great folks.

In the news:

A St. Louis radio host has been fired for using a racial slur to refer to Condoleeza Rice.

Public-radio employees at WUOM have been charged in a payola scandal.

Fox station recommends anchors dress in red.white and blue.

Before I go, I wanted to address something I’ve covered as well as KPFT information.

To correct something I wrote a few days back, RadioOne will be participating in the Media Audit study, not Arbitron’s PPM. Media Audit is offering competing technology to Arbitron’s, and the shift to a more accurate ratings system using cell phones and other tools could deal a major blow to Arbitron long term. RadioOne, Univision, Liberman Broadcasting, Cledar Channel (rumored to be exploring its own system), Cox, Cumulus and CBS Radio have all signed up for Media Audit. All will encode their signals to be read by Media Audit tools; the seven companies comprise 37 stations in Houston and over 90 percent of radio revenues. Cost of Media Audit versus Arbitron is reportedly a major factor — Arbitron will be hiking their rates for PPM, and the majors are initially balking. Hard to say whether that means these radio groups will cut ties to Arbitron down the line, but Media Audit and its partner Ipsos are not taking this lightly. MediaWeek reports Media Audit/Ipsos is already courting Wall Street. The outcome for Arbitron pricing and community/public radio (Pacifica takes Arbitron numbers, for instance) remains to be seen; Media Audit doesn’t expect to launch until next year at the earliest.

If you are in the KPFT listening area, I encourage you to get to the Jenni’s Noodle House station benefit this Saturday. Station volunteers will be on hand to take your meal orders, and KPFT gets all the tips. We did very well last time KPFT hosted such an event, and I think we’ll again do great. Please come by. I’d be there if I was in town.

KPFT volunteer Liana Lopez asked me to share that Pat Mora is hosting a children’s book reading at the Flores Public Library on North Milby on April 11. It’s part of El Día de Los Niños/El Día de Los Libros,” was created in 1995 to encourage family participation in the joys of reading and fostering a lifelong relationship with books of all cultures and languages. Thanks Liana!

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