Answers to Candidate Questionnaire |
1. |
What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station's mission? |
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As a journalist, as writer, editor, and publisher, I am familiar with the goals and needs of a successful media company. As an engaged political activist, I am familiar with the importance of building community and consensus. |
2. |
What do you appreciate and value in the station's current operations? |
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I appreciate that KPFA has the only full news department in the Pacifica Network. I appreciate and adamantly support the diversity of views and the in-depth programing we offer our varied communities. I am hopefully we are bringing those communities together, not just serving them individually. I believe KPFA helps to expand our world-view and increase our understanding of the world we currently inhabit. |
3. |
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station's current operations? |
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I think it is imperative that we get our financial house in order. In the midst of these turbulent times, politically and financially, we must insure that all our stations and our network are managed with transparency and complete accountability. There are NO EXCUSES for the numerous unforced errors that currently threaten our station and our network. Audience goals must be set and achieved with rational performance schedules. Stations cannot run a negative financial balance, nor can individual broadcast programs. There is room for all voices, but low audience programing, and low supporter investment, needs to be moved to broadcast times where low listener numbers are expected, whereas high listener numbers should be located in time slots that increase our supporter base. |
4. |
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board. |
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The most important role I would play is to listen. I would be blustering if I suggested I had answers to the problems of an organization with which I have not been actively involved in managing. Increasing listen audience share is important but KPFA’s listeners are not the same as Christian Radio or Modern Jazz listeners. We are not trying to serve just any listeners, we’re trying to best serve and grow the numbers of OUR listeners. By hearing from management, staff, listeners and the other board members I can inform myself best, and best serve the KPFA community. When I have a better grasp of the structural issues holding KPFA back, or making KPFA stronger, then I’ll know what to suggest. |
5. |
Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station's financial footing? |
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Fiscal accountability is not mysterious. Income and expense sheets aren’t a secret art. We are only here now because we failed to do the minimal that any organization must do if it is to survive. Instituting, locally and nationally, standard fiscal practices will keep us alive. KPFA, with 15,000 listeners can sustain itself. Other regional broadcasters in our network must hew to the same standards and practices at all organizations abide by. To do elsewise is folly and the road to ruin. There are many in this nation who would love to see us disappear, and there are many who would love to pick our bones and take our assets. We are solemnly charged with stopping that from happening. That we are here today speaks volumes. |
6. |
Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know? |
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KPFA (Pacifica) is a great foundation upon which we can build a better world, locally and nationally, but that foundation has been undermined by in-fighting and unproductive practices. We are, once again, at a crossroads. If we fail to address our issues the station and the network will cease to exist. This is not the first time we’ve been here, but our current situation is dire. The network is indebt for millions of dollars and is currently past due on its commitments. If we proceed as we have we will be driven to liquidate the assets and the community that has taken us more than 80 years to build. These are difficult times and fighting the old wars is a sure path to failure. It’s time for new blood, new voices, and new eyes. Together we can build back this great station and put it on its best foundation. With all of us pulling in the same direction, success is inevitable. With your vote and your support we can make a difference in this world, we can actually and successfully address the many problems our world faces. I'm a busy retired fellow. I’m not looking for social events or a social circle. I am only interested in using my skillsets to leave behind a better world. |