KPFA

Van Jones to Pacifica: “take your hands off KPFA”

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In a recent station fundraiser, long-time supporter Van Jones spoke about the role KPFA played in his early life and work, and sent a strong message to Pacifica about its meddling in KPFA’s affairs: “There’s a reason we’re so passionate about this station,” said Jones, “and there’s a reason the people in Pacifica need to listen to the voice of the people and take their hands off this station and let the voice of the people be heard. We can solve these problems here locally.”

If you missed his talk, here’s the next best thing: a 3 minute clip from the presentation. Jones is president and founder of Rebuild the Dream, an initiative to restore good jobs and economic opportunity. He’s also co-founder of three thriving nonprofit organizations (the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Color of Change, and Green For All). You can also get a CD of his talk as a premium with your donation to KPFA.

VICTORY: KPFK board votes against Jackson Lewis

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get out of bed with scott walkerThe elected Local Station Board at Pacifica station KPFK in Los Angeles has just joined KPFA’s board in passing a resolution calling on Pacifica to drop Jackson Lewis. As at KPFA, the resolution passed by an overwhelming majority. This steps up pressure on the Pacifica National Board to act now to cancel Jackson Lewis’ retainer agreement.

Got a minute to make a difference? Last time the national board met, it spent its time discussing how to block messages from listeners. This time, let’s be sure they hear the substance of our message loud and clear: fire Jackson Lewis NOW! Send your message to the Pacifica National Board by clicking here.

FACT CHECK: Tracy Rosenberg’s real record

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As the date of Pacifica treasurer Tracy Rosenberg‘s recall nears, her defenders are hailing her purported financial acumen and leadership at the nonprofit she heads, Media Alliance. So, how’s it actually doing?

We’ve charted the financial data Media Alliance reports on the publicly-available IRS form 990. The numbers begin in 2006, the year before Rosenberg took over the once-vibrant media organization. Since then, revenues at Media Alliance have dropped by a whopping 76%, and the amount of cash in the organization’s bank account has dropped to just over $21,000 — suggesting Rosenberg’s spent down 83% of the organization’s cash.

The backstory: Media Alliance was for many years a strong progressive institution in the San Francisco Bay Area — supporting freelance journalists with a health care plan (since discontinued), running regular skill trainings for media workers (there are none currently posted on its website), and helping to organize public FCC hearings on the effects of de-regulation and consolidation (none lately). Today, pretty much all that’s left is an electronic newsletter sent out by Rosenberg. | SEE BIGGER CHART