NO CONFIDENCE IN PACIFICA MANAGEMENT

Pacifica Affiliates voice concern

 The continuing failure of Pacifica's management to "walk its talk" has put the organization's credibility at an all-time low. Despite 50 years of exceptional work from Pacifica's national news producers and producers at individual Pacifica stations -- work that illuminates the artistic, economic and political currents of our time as no other medium does -- Pacifica is in grave jeopardy.

 Progressive leaders of the caliber of Noam Chomsky, Edward Herman, Howard Zinn and Ben Bagdikian have all called on Pacifica to stop the rush to corporatization and reaffirm democratic principles, but have been ignored. The Pacifica Board at its February meeting voted first to establish a new governance structure eliminating local representation, then "heard" public comment afterward (Chair Mary Frances Berry reportedly left the room). In April CEO Lynn Chadwick fired respected KPFA General Manager Nicole Sawaya, and the KPFA staff revolted. Two firings later (Larry Bensky and Robbie Osman), the staff is still in revolt and the protest is ongoing, widening and intensifying.

 As Pacifica affiliates we are a channel for Pacifica programming, and our credibility, too, is on the line. While we practice an open governance structure and depend on our communities for direct involvement in programming and governance, Pacifica is turning away from its community and its grassroots. While we strive for openness and collaboration, Pacifica is closing decision-making forums and practicing an autocratic style of management.

  The management of Pacifica, including Lynn Chadwick,  the board and whoever else may be involved, have shown a disregard for free speech and a lack of respect for grassroots involvement. Their actions are in direct opposition to the mission of Pacifica to "promote pluralistic community expression... contribute to a lasting understanding between individuals... promote freedom of the press and serve as a forum for various viewpoints."

As Pacifica affiliates, we call on Mary Frances Berry and the Pacifica Board of Directors to establish open, representative, accountable governance and management procedures at Pacifica -- in short, Pacifica should practice what it preaches. Pacifica can never take its rightful place as the leading progressive medium in the United States until its internal affairs reflect and embody its mission.

(signed)
>Cathy Melio, WERU, Maine
>Marty Durlin, KGNU, Colorado
>Wynn Harris, KDUR, Colorado
>Mirranda L. Tarrow, WCBN, Michigan
>Elizabeth Robinson, KCSB, California
>The Board of Directors at WORT, Madison, WI