[grc] WBAI press release

[Ann Garrison]

Here's the temporary restraining order and stay that stopped the closure of
WBAI.
https://www.mediafire.com/file/16di2749vx3jrzq/TRO_and_Stay.pdf/file

On Tue, Oct 8, 2019 at 7:09 AM Jim Giddings via grc <grc at maillist.peak.org>
wrote:

> 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.
>
>
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>


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Independent Journalist,
SKYPE: Ann Garrison, Oakland
415-503-7487