KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles (www.kpfk.org), part of the Pacifica Foundation family of radio stations, is holding an election for Local Station Board members. Ballots went out August 15 to nearly 15,000 listener-sponsor members of the station, and over 200 paid and unpaid staff members. The two constituencies will elect delegates to serve for three years on the local board (who in turn will elect 1 staff and 3 listener directors to serve for a year on the Pacifica National Board, overseeing stations in Berkeley (KPFA), Houston (KPFT), DC (WPFW), and NY (WBAI), as well as the Pacifica national office and the Pacifica Radio Archives (housed at KPFK).
These unique democratic media institutions, which take no corporate underwriting, and currently receive no funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, are a bastion of free speech, guided by a mission of providing an outlet for creative expression, uncensored news and public affairs, and resolution of conflicts based on race, creed, nationality or other factors. The station is also, as we went to press, in a fund drive; the budget was balanced last year primarily by reducing hours of paid staff, and as staff has been restored to full time with possible back pay due, the station may be facing layoffs instead. If you are a listener, please donate generously – become a sustainer without a thank-you premium. If you are a member, be sure to complete and return your ballot before the Sept. 30 deadline. Information at https://elections.pacifica.org
