I am Sally Gellert. I joined Eco-Logic as a coproducer and cohost, working with Ken Gale and Donna Stein, in November 2020. I am an active member of Radical Elders and Democracy Watch News, cochairperson of Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community, and a long-time environmentalist. I work with New York’s United 4 Clean Energy, the National Radioactive Waste Coalition, and the National Decommissioning Working Group. I see myself as a connector of groups working on diverse issues. Coproducing Eco-Logic on WBAI is the perfect home for my activism, and representing the staff of our 5 sibling stations is a natural continuation of my current role on the Pacifica National Board (PNB).
We need to act creatively to address our financial issues and to bring new listeners to all programs. Listener-sponsored broadcast radio needs to stay relevant and fresh to attract new audiences, at the same time acknowledging the amazing long-time programming that made this network a staple around its listening areas. Pacifica has a rich history of being in the forefront of many movements: civil rights; social and environmental justice; anti-war efforts; women’s, LGBTQI, and disability rights; and political resistance. We must continue to represent those denied a voice on mainstream commercial media. That is our strength; that is what is needed to meet this moment in our nation’s history.
We have amplified the voices of so many who would not otherwise have a media outlet, but the Internet can overshadow radio. Finding new ways of engaging listeners is imperative in this time that is saturated with podcasts, videos, and blogs. Government repression and censorship also means that we are needed more than ever.
It’s time to reinvigorate our audience—and potential audience, joining new technologies with the reach of broadcast radio: bringing radio to all generations. After years of endless Zoom meetings, everyone is looking for more in-person contact, opening up new opportunities for community engagement and fund-raising.
During the attempted coup in October 2019, I was shocked to hear days of dead air and repeater programming on WBAI. I attended the court hearings that got our station back. I also did volunteer data work for WBAI Fightback. The attack on the station from within Pacifica itself was eye-opening, and I was inspired to get involved. I was first elected as a member of our Local Station Board and later to the PNB.
The PNB needs people who will fight for fairness and democracy, who will be active participants in guiding the foundation into the future. Where are our listeners of yesterday and where are our listeners of tomorrow? Let’s get to our roots and show old and new listeners what our stations have been and can be. We are an important force. Our audience needs us, but not the bureaucracy and infighting that is paralyzing our network. It is time to establish and stick to democratic procedures. With mutual respect and hard work we can help Pacifica stabilize and flourish. Please cast your vote for me.