Urban Unrest

21 October 2006 | Pacifica | Ernesto Aguilar

The Pacifica Foundation, the leading listener-supported radio network in the U.S., is pleased to announce the signing of a one-year agreement with Pacifica Reporters Against Censorship (PRAC), producers of Free Speech Radio News (FSRN). The deal covers the production of PRAC’s half-hour daily newscast and distribution by Pacifica Radio to its network of affiliate and sister stations.

In addition, both Pacifica and FSRN have affirmed in writing their commitment “to establish terms that will allow for the integration of Free Speech Radio News within Pacifica,” and outlined a series of steps to make this possible within the next year.

Free Speech Radio News, a popular, progressive half-hour daily news show, features stories produced by hundreds of reporters, working in more than 50 nations. It is currently carried on over 90 radio stations nationwide. Free Speech Radio News began broadcasting in January 2000, and actively recruits and trains journalists throughout the U.S. and around the world, resulting in a diverse and unique correspondent network.

“We are very happy to be entering into this new and closer relationship with Free Speech Radio News,” said Pacifica Executive Director Greg Guma, who led the negotiations that produced the deal. “Pacifica Radio looks forward to increased collaboration, both locally and nationally, and ongoing talks that will make it possible for FSRN to be a key part of the Pacifica family in the years ahead.”

Launched in 1949, the Pacifica Foundation created the first listener-sponsored radio station in the United States. Today it owns and operates stations in New York, Washington D.C., Houston, Los Angeles and Berkeley, CA, and has a network of over 90 affiliate community radio stations across the country

The agreement with FSRN covers the development of closer cooperation on programming and joint fundraising strategies, as well as relations with current and new affiliate stations. In addition, as part of the new relationship with Pacifica, FSRN will add a statement about its support from the network to its newscasts.

The agreement was approved by the Pacifica National Board at its annual meeting, held in Walnut Creek, CA Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2006, and signed by Guma and PRAC representatives last week.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!