Urban Unrest

25 November 2005 | Community | Ernesto Aguilar

I’m an optimist, and I like to think the best of everyone here at KPFT. I believe everyone is here because they have a passion for radio, and everyone wants to do entertaining, educational, inspiring stuff. This memo is just a reminder of the current policy for programs.

Programmers must be out of the chair and ready to leave the studio at least two minutes before a show’s scheduled close. During that final two minutes, programmers are to play announcements as assigned on the log. The next show’s programmers may come into the studio during the two minute transition; although you may be able to work out with me coming in earlier if you need the time (i.e. you have record crates or require more time due to physical limitations). This means programmers should be packed up before the show’s end and ready to switch places and leave the room two minutes before the scheduled close. This also means programmers should wait until the appropriate time to enter the control room. With a few exceptions (weekday afternoon music shows give a few more minutes to make way for the news), this is the case for everyone.

Adherence to this policy is required. A Wireready guide is posted in the studio if you need help.

Of late, I’ve received many complaints about programmers not being out of the chair and not ending two minutes early. In some cases, we’ve encountered situations where programmers are going to the very end or over their time. I don’t think anyone goes to the end or over scheduled time maliciously; better time management (e.g. wrapping up calls, music and/or guests ten minutes early; using the last five to preview next show, say goodbye, forward promote the upcoming show, then go into announcements) would help in most cases. I would like to see all of us sticking more closely to the rules, rather than have animosity develop among programmers when some unintentionally forget the rules and give the impression that they’re disrespecting the next show, or that the next show’s programmer is disrespecting them by coming in early. Communicating with each other is the best way to clear up misunderstandings.

Also, although it’s more common sense than policy, I want to encourage everyone to be patient with one another and extend the benefit of the doubt to fellow volunteers. KPFT has volunteers of varying experience at all levels of programming. New people certainly make mistakes, veteran programmers can make mistakes, and all of us can’t help but come in with many things that have little to do with KPFT weighing on our minds. I have to remind myself that the myriad troubles in the world around us shouldn’t obscure our need for compassion for one another.

I’d still like everyone to remember the time when ending a show. If I hear or someone reports a programmer’s failure to observe the show close/announcements policy, I am compelled to follow up. I’d rather remind you all of the policy now than see violations continue and come down on anyone because of said violations.

Thank you, as always, for your patience, dedication, energy and hard work. You inspire me every day.

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