Urban Unrest

21 April 2007 | Pacifica | Ernesto Aguilar

Notes from Pacifica National Board meeting, April 21, 2007:

10:35: Lederer asks about calls to action to events. Crigler responds to both many aspects. FCC concerns involving a call to action include supporting/opposing a political candidate; considerations such as in urging people to buy items. Gives example of Korean-language station sued for mentioning youths who went to a store claiming a need for defense and being injured. May not cover demonstrations or events, but there is a concern for liability. Siegel says whether a station could be sued by someone injured at something urged from a station is a matter of tort law. Risk is greater if we expose listeners to an event where we know violence or other matters will take place.

10:44: Rawline asks if it’s okay to make announcements, but not encouraging people to attend. Crigler says responsibility is key, and that he is reluctant to write policy on the fly. Siegel says there is no liability to announcing something, and “virtually no” liability to urging them to go. Specific prohibitio, attorneys agree, is about buying item if one is paid.

10:48: Williams asks about calling senators. Crigler says such calls are considered grassroots lobbying. Stations are precluded from supporting/opposing candidates and lobbying. Williams follows up with comment about how much calls to action were part of the stations.

10:51: Hauptman asks about writing policies. Crigler says such a policy is needed.

10:55: Berg says the issue of choice of language. Asks if IRS could simply come after Pacifica for any reason; does payola include giving of CDs? Crigler says payola is more of a practical matter, one of due diligence.

11:02: Cook says he’s concerned about non-profit status as well as payola. Crigler replies that payola is a vague set of laws and focused on big-money issues. Challenge, he says, is in scale;

11:07: Randhawa asks about policies and management. Crigler says his goal is not to undercut staff in doing the day-to-day work.

11:11: Byrd asks about indecency.  Crigler gives background on the

11:17: Hauptman asks about whether a non-profit has to be the one to do a PSA. Crigler notes need for due diligence.

11:18: KPFA GM Rijio says current policy is still in effect until it’s been revised. Matter of administrative discretion is important.

end

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