Question Fourteen: How can our station better serve under-represented communities?

You can find all of the staff candidate's answers to Question Fourteen on this page.

KPFK Staff candidates

Douglas Barnett

Let them speak, on our mike. Start doing radio from other locations.

Began by making our station accessible to all. Do away with all physical and language barriers. Again, I'd also suggest that our new GM do a little outreach and start visiting with, community groups, churches, etc. and let them know that our soapbox is their soapbox.

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Margaret Prescod

As I said earlier, diversity does not mean anti-racist, we only have to look at the Bush administration to realize this must be true. There is not sufficient work and thought put into active anti-racism and there are accusations and defensiveness on both sides of this discussion that end up being counter productive. Actions and words that would have been unthinkable even 5-10 years ago are increasingly becoming acceptable, now is not the time to turn back the clock but to move forward. There are many practical things that can be done; for example, it is important to put in place an on- going youth media-training program that includes a place on the air for youth programming for those who have gone through the training. Additionally important for KPFK is to do more work in building relationships with under-represented communities in concrete ways: establishing ISDN or equivalent lines so programming can come directly from community spaces; holding events, film showing, panel discussions etc in a cross-section of communities on topics proposed by those communities and in collaboration with communities; announcing ICE raids and roadblocks, a motion that I worked with KPFK immigrants’ rights activists to take to the national board that mandated the Pacifica management to move on these proposals; making sure that when there is a major anti-racist struggle like Jenna La, Benton Harbor Michigan or right here in Socal that KPFK is there bringing live coverage if possible or at least extended coverage; ensuring support for Spanish language programming. Practical working relationships and input from activists from under-represented communities must be a priority and those communities reflected on governance bodies, on the air, etc, not in a token way but with those who have a track record of being accountable to dis-enfranchised communities. It is not just the color of your skin, or your economic background or sexual preference etc, but what you stand for and with whom you stand that are vital.

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Steve Pride

Some of our current “community” programmed shows are run by self appointed individuals more intent keeping control of their broadcast slot, than increasing community participation. I would require all such shows be run by community collectives that continually outreach to their demographic for new members and feedback. Executive Producers would be elected by the cognizant community collective.

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