Question Six: How do you view the dynamics between the Pacifica network and local station autonomy?

 

 

WBAI Listener-Sponsor candidates

Marian Borenstein

Although the Pacifica bylaws state that the Foundation possesses the authority to manage the constituent stations of the network, I believe that it is in the best interests of the foundation to grant each station the greatest degree of autonomy possible. For example, in the selection and hiring of a station manager, as we are in the process of doing now, our bylaws state that the final choice of that person is decided by the Pacifica Executive Director – but only from a list submitted by the local board or its special subcommittee.

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Rolando Bini

no answer submitted

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Tibby Brooks

I love feeling connected to a nationwide network of progressive voices, but I feel most connected when hearing reports from across the Hudson River from local Pacifica stations, such as the West Coast and Texas. But I and so many others tune in to 99.5 to find out where the local action of the day will be. The autonomy of the local stations is vital for the lifeblood of the interconnectedness of the network. Justice and Unity acknowledges the importance of the national office, while also realizing that local stations must serve their communities, which are too often not served by any other radio station.

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Omowale Clay

Our local station listenership must be the focal point of our work. However, as we have done to this point, we should recognize the importance of national programming in bringing on broad progressive views to inform our local communities. The key is that local stations must be consulted on the development of such national programs.

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Carla Cubit

The Pacifica Foundation is listener sponsored, community, non commercial radio. Pacifica encourages its affiliate network radio stations to broadcast the voice of the people and supports alternative programming for the people and by the people. The foundation supports free speech, and power to the people and encourages its affiliates and independent radio stations to do so as well.

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Lisa Davis

I think these dynamics are extremely important and I know as a Director on the National Board that we are constantly faced with balancing the concerns of the network with the autonomy of the local stations. While I do appreciate and recognize the importance of the Pacifica network, we must never grow away from the importance of local programming. That is what makes radio special. It is a distinctly local medium. Progressive radio has played a vital role in helping to organize communities by providing an outlet for people and issues that might not otherwise get the chance to be heard on a network program.

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Wellington Echegaray

I think that we should have a relationship of mutual respect with the Pacifica network. We should be willing to work harmoniously with them, but at the same time keep our local autonomy.

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Sara Flounders

It is essential that local station autonomy be protected and defended. WBAI is most effective if it draws on the interest and enthusiasm of local organizations and local community activists.

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Robert M. Gold

I think that the PNB has played a constructive role in the survival of WBAI. However, I am concerned that the PNB has had to loan money to WBAI to help keep it going.

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Seth Goldberg

To the extent that the station can become financially self supporting, then it will naturally gain more autonomy. To the extent that it is draining the rest of the network stations, they will naturally be more intrusive in our affairs.

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Jennifer Jager

The situation is such that WBAI has become a drain on Pacifica”s finances., owing something like 130,000 dollars to Pacifica for 2007. The trade off is an increasing loss of autonomy for the station as Pacifica picks up the tab.

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Kenneth Laufer

I think National should allow stations in need to retain more of their revenues and to fully retain all of its revenue from sidebands.

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Pat Logan

There must be a balance between Pacifica Network mandates and responsibilities and the maintenance of a good deal of station autonomy.

For example, in the area of programming, some high quality National programs should be produced with Pacifica having the authority to mandate that they be aired. However, the National Board should place a cap on how much air time must be allotted for such programs.

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Don Mathieson

no answer submitted

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Lee McClure-Come

There should be healthy interaction and accountability.

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Stefan S. Neustadter

Up or down, I plan to be more active in the LSB activities to learn more about this complex relationship.

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Bok-keem Nyerere

I believe that each station should have its own autonomy, and that national programming should only be aired when there is a national story of compelling interest to all our listeners.

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Bernardo Palombo

no answer submitted

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James Ross

Good question. WBAI should make its own decisions. However, we have done such a poor job with our finances that we are now a burden to the rest of the Pacifica network . Pacifica network has begun to stop WBAI from running large annual deficits. This year the network forced WBAI to cut salary. Unfortunately, more such interference from the network can be expected, because the local decision-makers have not been able to get us on stable financial footing for three years or more. We have to expect that the rest of Pacifica will not continue to underwrite our recurrent annual deficits.

I support the idea of national programming. It makes sense that a nationally funded and produced program could be better, since the resources of five stations, not one, are available. There is a strong aversion by local decision-makers to giving up air time to national programs. However, listeners deserve the best radio that Pacifica can produce. I think another show on par with Democracy Now! would do wonders for our listenership.

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Marianella Trioche

I believe that one of the main priorities of the local stations’ managements should be to serve the local communities within their listening area. This is done by implementing programs targeted to local community needs. If the Pacifica network wishes to implement a national program, the local stations should have a very strong input in the decision – after all, it is the contributions of the local listening public which in great part keep the stations on the air.

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