When Things Go Wrong At Community Radio

If you're a supporter of independent community radio, this is a story you never want to see:

That's the lead to a story in the trade publication RadioInsight. You can read the full story here. WBAI is one of the stations owned by Pacifica, a network of five independently operated, non-commercial, listener supported radio stations. The network was launched with a single station in Berkeley, California in 1949.  But now, their station in the nation's largest radio market, New York City, is having major financial problems.

The trouble escalated this week when the Corporation for Public Broadcasting held up promised federal funding because of what it called Pacifica accounting problems. And without those federal dollars, WBAI has reportedly begun issuing notices to it's entire staff and management that they will be out of work as of July 15, 2013.  WBAI has also reportedly been unable to issue recent paychecks to employees.  What WBAI puts on the air after it's staff is gone is anybody's guess.  

For years, the show considered the flagship of the Pacifica Network was Democracy Now! with host Amy Goodman.  But in 2002 Democracy Now was spun off from Pacifica and became it's own production company.  As you probably know, Democracy Now is one of the important programs on KSER.  

Thanks in large part to smart financial stewardship by our community-elected KSER Board of Directors, KSER is not in the perilous financial position of WBAI.  But we couldn't be in great shape without you and your support.

That's why this week KSER is conducting one of only three pledge drive campaigns we do each year.  We don't play commercials. We don't get money from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  We continue to operate because of support from our listeners.  

It's easy to contribute during our pledge drive.  You can call 425-303-9070.  You can donate online at the KSER website.  

 Since it's our "Dog Days of Summer" fundraising campaign, you can also visit the station with your pet and get his/her photo taken and posted on our website!  

Zippy, the proprietor of Cafe Zippy, has already stopped by, gotten his photo taken behind the microphone and made a donation!  If Zippy can do it...so can you!  

Help keep KSER out of the headlines!