[grc] WBAI press release

[Jim Giddings]

I received this press release last night:

WBAI-FM Reopens with the Best of   the Pacifica Network
Contact: ny at pacifica.org /510-316-9783 New York , 10/7/2019 –

Beginning today, Monday October 7th, the nearly  60-year-old stalwart of 
New York’s  progressive radio, WBAI 99.5 FM, will be    transformed into 
an outlet for the best of  the nation’s progressive stars, including 
Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman, the    Thom Hartmann Show, Sojourner 
Truth with Margaret Prescott and the top programs from across the 
national Pacifica Radio Network.

The Pacifica Across America network service will provide the best news, 
talk   and music programming gathered from the 4 Pacifica stations, 
affiliate members and independent producers. The program change was n 
ecessitated by    the serious and persistent financial  losses at   WBAI.

The Pacifica Foundation was forced to  lay    off    the staff of   
its    Brooklyn-based station. "This is   a  painful moment for    us, 
especially  for    the   WBAI staff and volunteers who have done their 
best to keep it going.
As   soon as  financially and logistically possible, a  plan will be  
drawn up to address how we can rebuild our NY station into a vibrant 
local going operation” Pacifica Board Vice Chair, Sabrina Jacobs said.

Pacifica Board Member Jan Goodman said "WBAI ha s  had to repeatedly 
call  on other Pacifica stations to   help fund its payroll and other 
operating    expenses. We can no    longer keep taking money for 
essential services from our stations in   LA, SF   Bay, Houston and    
DC    communities to   cover WBAI's continued shortfalls. This practice 
is   endangering the    entire Foundation.”

  “We want   to   be    a  bigger and stronger network” says Quincy 
McCoy, Consulting Programmer of Pacifica Across America. “PAA is a 
progressive, independent radio network whose mission is   to provide a 
platform for independent voices, unfiltered news and analysis and 
diverse cultural programming that  entertains and targets issues 
concerning our communities.” McCoy continues, “the variety of   
programming on PAA will help WBAI grow new listeners and fulfill 
Pacifica’s   mission at   lower costs, with some of   the best 
programming our network offers, including local content, while providing 
listeners with under-reported news, in-depth   public affairs, and 
cultural shows that New Yorkers can't hear anywhere else."

Pacifica Interim Executive Director John Vernile said, “Pacifica’s 
mission of providing a space for peaceful, informed dialogue has never 
been more needed - from the unfolding climate catastrophe, to the 
mounting immigration tragedy, the rise of fascism and white nationalism, 
and the very real threat to democracy, there has never been a greater 
need for an effective progressive radio network.  As a native New Yorker 
I know that the people of NY want, need and will support an intelligent 
and compelling local Pacifica voice. I am eager to see us begin our 
local rebuilding efforts as quickly as possible.”

-------
Democracy Now this morning said that a lawsuit has been filed and that 
local programming has been reinstated for the time being.



On 10/8/19 9:45 AM, Frieda Werden via grc wrote:
> I see an article on Facebook says WBAI will shut down local programming and
> it will be taken over by Pacifica National.  Wondering if that means a
> continuous broadcasting presence, and if so whether local hosts will be
> able to produce shows at home to keep them on the air.