I am Zack Kaldveer, running for reelection to the Pacifica National Board as part of the Pacifica Forward team.
America’s corporate media increasingly fail to hold power accountable. Right-wing media openly traffic in propaganda and disinformation, while much of corporate media narrows debate, promotes false equivalencies, and often ignores the structural issues shaping our lives.
That is why independent media remains essential.
For more than 75 years, Pacifica has provided courageous journalism and a platform for voices and movements too often excluded from mainstream discourse. From civil rights and anti-war organizing to climate justice, labor rights, and peace advocacy, Pacifica has helped build a more informed and engaged public.
Today we face another historic inflection point.
At a time when media ownership is increasingly concentrated, disinformation is proliferating, democratic institutions face growing pressure, and authoritarian movements are gaining strength around the world, independent media are not a luxury—they are a necessity.
We need journalism willing to investigate power, challenge dominant narratives, amplify community voices, and connect movements working for justice and democracy.
As your representative on the KPFA and PNB boards, over the past two years, I have helped:
- Restore Good Governance – I helped resolve serious problems affecting the audit process, strengthen oversight, and improve organizational accountability.
- Enact the 2025 Bylaws Reforms – I supported the revised bylaws to bring greater efficiency, accountability, and democratic representation to Pacifica governance.
- Built a More Respectful Culture – I supported (and authored) reforms that encourage civil, productive meetings, reduce disruptive behavior, and create more opportunities for community organizations and listeners to participate meaningfully.
- Protected Editorial Independence – The editorial freedom of staff and programmers and support high-quality programming that reflects KPFA’s mission of independent, community-based journalism and public affairs is paramount, and we protected it.
But much work remains. We must rebuild audience and membership growth, expand local and investigative journalism, strengthen national programming, modernize our digital presence, reach younger audiences, preserve Pacifica’s independence, and ensure every station contributes to a sustainable future.
I will: - Advance Financial Stability and Accountability – Pacifica continues to face significant financial challenges, including debt incurred by other stations. We support responsible financial management, transparency, and long-term sustainability so the network can continue serving listeners for generations to come.
- Ensure Fairness Across the Network – I believe every station should contribute its fair share toward national services and operate in a financially responsible manner. A stronger Pacifica requires accountability at every level.
- Protect Staff, Volunteers, and Community Members – I oppose personal attacks, intimidation, and false accusations that undermine constructive dialogue and distract from Pacifica’s mission.
Pacifica still possesses one of the largest independent radio infrastructures in America. The question is whether we will fully realize its potential.
I am proud of the progress we’ve made and excited about what comes next.
I’m endorsed by Norman Solomon, Jeff Cohen, and Sonali Kolhatkar, as well as KPFA’s Brian Edwards-Tiekert, and Aileen Alfandary.
Vote for Zack Kaldveer and the Pacifica Forward slate.