Urban Unrest

26 March 2006 | Pacifica, Politics | Ernesto Aguilar

Saturday, the Pacifica National Board took an extended break to participate in the massive immigrants’-rights march in Los Angeles. I and other Pacificans participated in what was unquestionably a historic and powerful event. I wanted to share some of my photos of that event with you, although they certainly don’t capture the true feeling of being among over half a million people demanding justice.

Saturday PNB Notes

Afternoon session focused on a programming. Affiliates, power and other items was of debate. Public comment came after. First speaker, Maxine from KPFA, on covering of hotel workers’ organizing. Janet Goodman speaks next about programming coordinator. Mike speaks on taxi workers’ organizing. Next speaker discusses directors’ inspection rights, and how one cannot be investigating racism and other issues without respecting such. Next speaker talks about management should not be allowed to choose who are unpaid staff. Following speaker addresses use of term ‘Latino’ and says he may be forced to sue because of classifying Chicano Mexicanos as such. Next speaker, Israel, notes we need dialogue. Myla says that the programming document is far-reaching, and that something more general, and to criticize internal investigation. The next speaker, Chandra, speaks in support of FSRN, and for FSRN to be brought into Pacifica. Paul from WBAI alleged he had been choked and kicked at the station. Jose from WBAI seconds concerns that Paul has. Yvone (WBAI business manager) comes up and says WBAI has made improvements, including cutting costs, community events and accountability for events. Cerene speaks next and speaks about WBAI internal issues.

Next is a motion on national programming policy. Only sections 8 and 12 are voted on.

CPB/Board composition; Hicks reports on requirements.

Elections for three people to serve on FSRN negotiating team: Zarina Shakur, Mary Berg, Ray LaForrest and Dave Adelson, with a vote for three of those people at the next board meeting.

ED Report: Greg says no way to satisfy all the expectations, and perhaps wouldn’t want him to. Current mode of operations, winner take all, doesn’t provide best standpoint. Elections are proportional, governance is winner take all. A siege mentality is at hold, and Greg has no choice but to move slowly. At WBAI, factions, morale and communications are worst examples; Gary Null and recent Hicks visit are among the biggest gossip at WBAI. At KPFT, concerns about serving community. At KPFA, three qualified candidates turned down GM job. At KPFK, ongoing conflicts. Programming should be mission-inspired programming. Closes with a question: are we trying to address programming that utilizes mission or are we creating a government? If we are here for radio, we need to reexamine our efforts. Question and answer session is somewhat contentious.

WBAI presentation: interim GM Indra Hardat acknowledges abusive behavior going on at WBAI. PD Bernard White calls WBAI problems “post traumatic coup syndrome”; contrary to belief, he says, many are dedicated to good work. He says a well-funded faction is destabilizing WBAI, and that he has tried to draw attention to it at the DC PNB meeting, but was ignored. White calls some of the concerns raised Friday unfounded. He responds that the Null and Robert Knight issues raised Friday are personnel issues. White says the gag rule claim the night before is incorrect. Latino programming, White says, has grown, with additions of programming and producers. White says the issue is one of Latino programmers and power struggles. Question and answer session goes over issues of violence, etc. PNB resolves that ED look into violence allegations and report back at an unspecified dates.

KPFK Report: Largely a positive report. Much applause for KPFK’s many victories.

Affiliates and station reports were largely good too. You’ll be happy to know KPFT was of most interest to PNB members, with questions ranging from representation to fund drive. Fun stuff.

The event concluded with a roundtable of managers and the board talking about programming and strategies for such. One day to go!

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