Business
transactions or donations? Are these clever word-plays to hide the
realities behind non-transparent financial shenanigans?
The implicit story always was that the merchandisers were providing free of charge contributions of their thingies - in return for all the on-air-advertising they receive, way beyond whatever their contributions could get anywhere else.
Now
it is revealed that 'premiums' are traded in return for money ? that
the overpriced gifties for station donation support are also PAID for ?
so the seller of stuff gets lots of free-on-air-&-website promos and then also charges for the stuff ?
The
statement above quoted as "Plenty of authors featured during pledge
drive donate copies of their books to support the station."
This
sounds like what is the only-on-air claim made - so dumbed down donors
assume this does happen with merchandising of all the KPFK
pretend-'gifts' - which are offered [sold] - and sometimes sent in
exchange for $ donations.
[ while many complain of never receiving their gifts after many FU inquiries too]
Bad
business for KPFK. Other than Pacifica radio stations do reveal their
advertising for what it is, but here stations deny, hide, dissimulate
and pretend they are not advertising and promoting selective merchandise
- all the while doing just that ?
What
is NEVER mentioned anywhere for radio audiences is that the 'premium'
merchandisers' promotions, & PR, & advertising & radio
programmers' repeated lauding this merchandise and their authors is a
big gift to the Merchandisers ! Their gain from this on-air exposure --
the promos are obviously worth much more than whatever the stuff
'donated' [and their donations being tax-deductible too ?] made in
EXCHANGE ... for money exchanges to stations. Sounds like a set up,, not
clean nor honest after all.
Thus
the so-called-'premiums' hawked for money is a financial
business-trade, and not a free-will gift - from merchandiser to station
and from station to $ donor - but a business sale to and from any
station that promotes the stuff = all are just falsified, dissimulated
business transactions.
The
continual concealment and misrepresentation of who pays for what and
at what prices are the stuff exchanged, is a fraudulent act....as if
the stuff were not 'sold' but gifted is a big LIE that is never admitted
nor addressed, even when such practices have been questioned openly at
many LSB meetings.
Until
the $ amount owed for 'premiums' aka merchandise-exchanges for station
sponsors' donations was acknowledged here, the long-paying sponsors of
KPFK had no idea that they were simultaneously PAYING for the stuff thru
their donations, instead of all their donations being used to maintain
the failing radio station essential costs.
Lack
of any transparency and the secretive silence repeatedly hides the
money realities played within station finances and their
business-dealings ....and has done so, for decades thru to now. So, why
would anyone be willing to pay more for being so boringly harangued with
continual dissimulated ads and promotions ?
(c) 2015
[this is a repost from a comment found elsewhere- story remains the same though ]
Friday, June 12, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Musings and wonderings continue :
That
there is no further discussion heard now about Summer Reese nor has an
actual legitimate replacement been put in place to oversee and properly
run Pacifica and it's local stations is a blank space that breeds
suspicions. Especially in those who have loyally for decades Paid up
every time the same plea for desperate funding is incessantly broadcast
on air, instead of the regular programming. The silence might seem all
is in order and is nice but provides actual Valid Information - what is
going on anyhow
It seems that there is no hope, no positive
improvements. no possibility ever for KPFK input, and no transparency
of what occurs in those dark secretive halls & rooms - so that
leaves us just writing, worried, commenting to the ether , tho recorded
here and very few online sites taking extreme sides. The writing is
for us from us...few...of us.
no
info on Summer Reese events can be found on Google. Is it elsewhere
hidden away from the biggest NSA participant too ? If so how do we
stakeholders of both KPFK & Pacifica find out ? Is there a lawsuit
pending ? for what amount ? how much is this going to cost 'us' all from
what $$$ would otherwise be spent on station 'needs'..as Eva won her
suit that was less obviously a contract denied and retracted than
Reese's was ?
Why
do we, the radio station sustainers, pay out their hard-earned cash $$$
for the hideous infighting and neglect that occurs in administration
or staff interactions?
Why
so much malfeasance and bad behavior in stations that Claim To Be
Above the fray of other corporations, government, and everyone else but
themselves ?
Anyone
who doest like the malicious only info Ian Masters posted everywhere
about Reese - that is no longer needed as he no longer sees his job
earnings in danger now - has not heard nor read about all the others at
KPFK or Pacifica PNB, iED, etc. All those who have not been so
'exposed' or maligned openly - but who also have weird views, strange
alliances, odd experiences and collusions and are not just the
ordinary-normal-hard-working-joe's or jill's they present on air....
G
forbid their past connections and present lives were to be so exposed,
including sweet-sounding-white-haired-men who sound so rational on
image-air but then act out in fear and anger. No angels exist anywhere
near any Pacifica studios, which is why they are also sometimes varied,
interesting and present unusual topics that different than other radios
do.
If there is more info revealing Who these
on-air hosts or staff are, including those in the current celebrity
lites, this is one place too to link or share....not the old hateful
spews - but actual realities of who are their influences, what are the
stories that relate to their work-life, and how they affect the -if
any-future of KPFK or Pacifica stations existence.
When
silence prevails, --like in censorship, self-created or out of knowing
others do same to counter-attack as one has done too --then decay and
death has already set it.
And
the continual angry nagging for more $$$ and more $$$ for months
insures that many flee that station to one that is at least tolerable.
Some are not of the same extreme persuasion as they were in 1960-70's
tho much of the very same programing, voices, and themes are forever
recreated endlessly, loopily at all Pacifica stations.
enough
of the same outrage and hate already. Nothing else to offer? then it is
ok to be gone, for many who formerly paid up constantly. gone .
still wondering what is happening to all the monies we have given many times each year and why what occurs inside the radio station's hollowed halls are main only inside while the Wizard of Oz's presentations on-air continue to leave us musing and wondering...if...only....
[another KPFK article reposted from laindymedia.com to update what is happening to our Los Angeles Pacifica radio station]
KPFK FUND DRIVE drives on and on and on .....Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015 at 11:51 AM
no end in sounds of repeat programming, desperate guilt ploys, and asking for money to save what may be a dying old radio station. sad. but may be time for real changes, any how, any time, on air time especially.found this info at a recent KPFK staffer site:
"FUND DRIVE CONTINUES
Our goal remains at $850,000, reduced from regular goal but definitely definite. As of early Friday [ Feb 20 2015] AM we are at $342,750, with our most successful day being today with $28,700, so at least things appear to be going upward toward the end. No word as to whether we go into March or not. If you want to end it sooner, you know the number (818) 985-5735 and the website: http://www.kpfk.org"
- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Yes, sad that what was so vital and educational for most of it's years on air, the same earnest and vehement voices have become shoutings and demands.... and none of the ancient holder-on-forever to 'so-called' volunteer programer slots have given open space to more innovative nor
diversified opportunities for any changes.
No changes ? it is not because there is no money. It is because the old timers hold on to their precious on-air slots refusing to allow different voices or opinions in. Not in their payola territory. No Way !
But outside the station, there are few who will pay to keep hearing same angry messages, mostly accusing 'everyone else' [all Others than the ones who keep paying a % of their livelihood ] of bad faith, poor judgements, and now deemed to lack all that is of value to a civilized political person.
Wrong assessment, but one continually heard on KPFK and those from the superiorly-assumed at Pacifica stations ... all the while claiming to be 'for the people, the poor' with the emphasis repeatedly being limited to a small slice of the USA or even LA population.
What is claimed as "mission" is misconstrued for KPFK insiders' convenience and cronies.
Census says 9% of LA [and about 14% in USA nationally ] are identified as black self-described persons, yet all the while KPFK demands 77% of it's alliances to be with this one group.
A few others of all colors, religions, persuasions also struggle for a limited voice on this station.....but listen in ....and find how much is solely devoted to pity-sympathy-identification with their chosen 'underdog' worlds - mostly Blacks. Why this continued exclusive alliance and dedication to one racial-cultural group ?
How limited are the same "free radio" expressions opened for poor-underdoged Latinos, Vietnamese, Egyptians, Chinese, Peruvians, Burmese, Venezuelans, Aboriginals, Inuit, Mongolians or even others like Indonesians ....plus any others also seen daily on news programs who are also suffering from droughts, ebola, malarias, food lack, poverty in all forms and no toilets.
Those who do not reside in USA are not so worthy of attention or being revealed ? So ? Why the selective emphasis and selective ignorance? Wonder why KPFK doesn't get more $$$ funds ? Could part of their pity-party story be the lack of inclusion and slanted version of their worlds as the worst- of worst-scenarios and the only-righteous one ? Doubt that view.
While it's administration, program director and staff stay so continually limited and slanted to one group to support, emulate and adulate...and given with a bit of saleswomanships of expensive 'alternative' [or unknown and understudied maybe ?] remedies ...and then the repeated demands for $$$ for those old-new-age conference e-tie-ins to-promote-confidence promoting salesmen ?
Note how little of the "you are soooo wonderful"- salesmen of these 'motivational talk' tie-ins have to put out =[emails ? stream some more promos along with affirmative words found in any self-help book in every public library ? & also easily saved in audio books iin libraries too ] ..
so why are these sales jobs so prominent and prevalent on this listener-sponsored radio station?
Is it because they are cheap to give to $100-$250+ payees and cheap to advertise as valuable, when they are old and known self-help messages [from before 1970's and on and on, the very same ideas in varied speakers promoting their own stuff yet again..] and not so valuable, not even actually very useful, but is it all KPFK has ?
Could that be the problem - KPFK people programmers are stuck in a rut...again ? and in so many ways, stuck in the old, done, repeats, again ?
And then the radio staff keeps asking strangers to pay them to continue their same limited views and advertising pitches ? And also threaten that they will be off-air if all listeners dont send in their earned incomes to save the same-old from their same-old ways ?
Surprised ? no. dismayed ? yes. Ready to change ? yep.
A loss of what once was - helpful, innovative, educational and expansive and has now become repetitive, repetitive, repetitive and limited, slanted and boring.
So those who like to keep the ruins intact for a bit longer, may pay up and never give up the hope for a return of what once was and no longer is a valued place to listen and learn.
Too bad. This world has expanded, opened in so many ways to get to what KPFK before had more exclusive access and now so much more can be found, dis-covered, revealed and gained...everywhere else. Pay to whom for what ? That question is never asked openly on 90.7FM radio exhortations. What is fresh and not a repeat of same blames, same accusations, same hypocrisies since internal factionalizations are not different than any other organizations are at KPFK even more so.
sad.
[this is reposted from laindymedia.org that relates to KPFK local LA Pacifica stn]
KPFK and Pacifica still in moras, chaos, financial turmoil....why ?
posted on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 at 12:07 PM
KPFK is still losing money, begging daily and irritating all who have pledged $$$$ and are stakeholders who turn away from what seems endless fractionalized disorder. Some info from available sources about how the problems also emanate from 'the above' organziation's sludging on without any honest improvements or doing real elections to show the way....or stop requiring payments to this nat'l office that is killing off any local gains or attempts to reduce, never stop, the infighting.
excerpts from http://www.unitedforcommunityradio.org/?p=2042
as of Feb 17 2015...
attempting to give our local KPFK readers/listeners/stakeholders some reporting of what is occurring behind the secret doors, halls, elections, and maneuverings of it's umbrella parent: Pacifica....
these are partial excerpts here, more relevant to LA's own, vs all the other 4 stations with their own separate but allied and conflated problems and people who create problems for their own needs for power & control...
as of Feb 17 2015...
attempting to give our local KPFK readers/listeners/stakeholders some reporting of what is occurring behind the secret doors, halls, elections, and maneuverings of it's umbrella parent: Pacifica....
these are partial excerpts here, more relevant to LA's own, vs all the other 4 stations with their own separate but allied and conflated problems and people who create problems for their own needs for power & control...
there can be no other explanation for what has continued destructing, distressing, and ruining KPFK as well .... as the parent and siblings are dragging down the only station that may have a chance at survival...maybe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"'Pacifica has been trying to fill the position with no success for almost a year, after ousting the last executive director in March of 2014. The current chair of the board, Margy Wilkinson, a retired clerical worker, has been doing the job for most of the year on a part-time basis. She was briefly interrupted by former KPFK manager Bernard Duncan, who submitted a letter of resignation soon after taking the job citing a pre-existing plan to relocate to his native New Zealand. When the board finally selected a new executive director in January of 2015, the candidate, now identified as labor writer Bill Fletcher Jr, declined the position.....
'Instead of then turning to the second place candidate, who received strong support from many members of the board, the board of directors embarked on a brand new election, apparently unwilling to abide by the results of the first. .......
'......opens the question of whether the board of directors as currently constituted is capable of performing the functions of a nonprofit board or if things have deteriorated beyond that point......
"Winter fund drives underway or recently completed at all of the stations were disappointing, with KPFT reporting $207,000 on a $280,000 goal and KPFA reporting $542,000 on a $630,000. Partway through their fund drives, the other three stations were reporting 10-30% shortfalls to date.
"The shortfalls will exacerbate the cash crunch of the past fall when $500,000 in expense reductions were mandated for the network’s two large California stations, KPFK and KPFA, both of which are now fundraising from dawn to dusk for more than 90 days per year or 25% of their total daytime airtime....
"Pacifica in Exile readers may write to the board at pnb@pacifica.org. They may want to suggest a year without an executive director is enough and it is time to make a legitimate job offer to a candidate who has now been through three hiring processes between 2013 and 2015 and cease the shenanigans.
"In other news, Pacifica’s large pile of documents is due to the Attorney General of California in the correspondence audit launched by the Registry of Charitable Trusts on December 17, 2014. Among those documents will not be the long-delayed audit of the year ended 9-30-2013, which remains undone after 17 months. Auditor Armanino has declined to sign an engagement letter with Pacifica for the next fiscal year, which ended on 9-30-2014.....
also see article from Truthout here : http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/28824-crises-at-pacifica-
"Started in 1946 by conscientious objector Lew Hill, Pacifica’s storied history includes impounded program tapes for a 1954 on-air discussion of marijuana, broadcasting the Seymour Hersh revelations of the My Lai massacre, bombings by the Ku Klux Klan, going to jail rather than turning over the Patty Hearst tapes to the FBI, and Supreme Court cases including the 1984 decision that noncommercial broadcasters have the constitutional right to editorialize, and the Seven Dirty Words ruling following George Carlin’s incendiary performances on WBAI. Pacifica Foundation Radio operates noncommercial radio stations in New York, Washington, Houston, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area, and syndicates content to over 180 affiliates. It invented listener-supported radio."
- - - - - - - --- - - - - - - - - - - --
so?
anyone who cares about KPFK's decent into money grubbing for over 25% of it's airtime and alienating any newer listeners and mostly it's already-paid-up-to-the-hilt stakeholders should get a phone call, an email, a visit even or some words not of comfort but of confrontation for why KPFK is allowing even this small 1//5th part of what once was valuable unique LA Radio to fall into nagging routines that alienate all, reducing any possibility of this station's getting it together...ever..at all.
sad story but what can be heard on 90.7 FM.
kpfk.org
tel 818 985 2711
dont just send in your last pennies, tell KPFK adm & staff how you feel about being bombarded by money guilt-trips to give even more and more and ask why they accede to what ails Pacifica without fighting back those who may want to sell KPFK or another station to pretend to save the failing ailing ones that will fall faster right afterwards.
or ignore it all and let another LA institution dis-appear, die off, and be done with all the trouble this non-conforming-to-laws non-profit org. has become. a skeleton of it's original prior self.
how sad.
anyone who cares about KPFK's decent into money grubbing for over 25% of it's airtime and alienating any newer listeners and mostly it's already-paid-up-to-the-hilt stakeholders should get a phone call, an email, a visit even or some words not of comfort but of confrontation for why KPFK is allowing even this small 1//5th part of what once was valuable unique LA Radio to fall into nagging routines that alienate all, reducing any possibility of this station's getting it together...ever..at all.
sad story but what can be heard on 90.7 FM.
kpfk.org
tel 818 985 2711
dont just send in your last pennies, tell KPFK adm & staff how you feel about being bombarded by money guilt-trips to give even more and more and ask why they accede to what ails Pacifica without fighting back those who may want to sell KPFK or another station to pretend to save the failing ailing ones that will fall faster right afterwards.
or ignore it all and let another LA institution dis-appear, die off, and be done with all the trouble this non-conforming-to-laws non-profit org. has become. a skeleton of it's original prior self.
how sad.
Monday, July 7, 2014
KPFK, Pacifica, more info to share is here :
More information about the ways PACIFICA and it's components - KPFK KPFA and other's less functional ones that still remain on-air with various limping and crippling sections is also revealed in these writings.
These are reposts to provide a non-maligning, not insulting any person or even a side.
More can be read as updates appear on this site.
And there are others with different wants, different views, other interpretations or stories of their own.
These writings at least are readable, clear, reporter-styled and yes, they are pro-Summer Reese and her work.
These are written by a prior PNB treasurer and member who remains vitally interested, informed and involved and this at least is 'information' that is less angry, less defensive, less maligning and thus more readable for anyone, including us. Her name is Tracy Rosenberg and we thank her for what we have learned, that is not available elsewhere.
*****************************************
WPFW (Washington DC) station manager Michelle Price reported in a printed report distributed to her local board that Pacifica’s interim executive director Bernard Duncan demanded $50 thousand dollars from her station, telling her the money would be removed from WPFW’s bank account, if necessary. He said the money was needed for “payroll.” It isn’t clear which Pacifica station(s) needed payroll subsidized nor why the network would be unable to meet an approximately $250,000 semi-monthly payroll obligation weeks after reporting $2.4 million dollars in new member pledges from the May telethons.
(c) kc 2014
These are reposts to provide a non-maligning, not insulting any person or even a side.
More can be read as updates appear on this site.
And there are others with different wants, different views, other interpretations or stories of their own.
These writings at least are readable, clear, reporter-styled and yes, they are pro-Summer Reese and her work.
These are written by a prior PNB treasurer and member who remains vitally interested, informed and involved and this at least is 'information' that is less angry, less defensive, less maligning and thus more readable for anyone, including us. Her name is Tracy Rosenberg and we thank her for what we have learned, that is not available elsewhere.
*****************************************
http://www.unitedforcommunityradio.org/?tag=summer-reese july 2 last
entry
and
WPFW (Washington DC) station manager Michelle Price reported in a printed report distributed to her local board that Pacifica’s interim executive director Bernard Duncan demanded $50 thousand dollars from her station, telling her the money would be removed from WPFW’s bank account, if necessary. He said the money was needed for “payroll.” It isn’t clear which Pacifica station(s) needed payroll subsidized nor why the network would be unable to meet an approximately $250,000 semi-monthly payroll obligation weeks after reporting $2.4 million dollars in new member pledges from the May telethons.
re tax
The audit of the
fiscal year ended 9/30/2013 has still not begun. The
dwindling number of employees in the national office (two have already quit and
the CFO remains barred from the national office in an accomodation to workplace
complaints) are trying to catch up on the year’s worth of undone bank
reconciliations from KPFA and track down missing data from other stations.
Interim ED Bernard Duncan is reported to plan the rehires of two individuals
let go for cause in the previous year to fill the accounting vacancies:
one who was let go for moonlighting as a tax preparer for H&R Block on
company time, and another, who was let go after the unauthorized release
of dozens of employee’s payroll data and social security number information to
national board member Lydia Brazon via an unsecured email.
The intimidation
of network staffers is continuing. After the month-long suspension of Berkeley news anchor
Anthony Fest for this brief announcement,
popular late night LA host Roy of Hollywood was hit with a warning letter after
interviewing the executive director on his late night program. The warning
letter from interim program director Alan Minsky cited “dirty laundry rules”.
The letter was ironic as Minsky himself participated in an hour-long program
with Background Briefing host Ian Masters in December that discussed Pacifica matters at
length and resulted in a 2-day suspension for Masters, which MInsky, among
others, protested. The LA program director is not known to have issued a
warning letter to himself for violating the dirty laundry rule.
and
Reese’s comments
regarding the 990: “I was deeply concerned and
uncomfortable signing the tax return under penalty of perjury, when I had insufficient
time to review it and could see obvious errors upon my first review. I do
not know how serious each item is, but seeing Central Services listed as
revenue and not seeing Affiliates as revenue and no mention whatsoever of the
CPB grant funds, was alarming to say the least. To go even further, to be
compelled to sign an inaccurate document, in order to avoid serious fines and
penalties against the organization, is extremely distressing. I feel I
was placed in an untenable position, by receiving the return electronically one
day before (but too late to make corrections,) and the actual return the same
day, that it was due
and
Reese’s comments
regarding the 990:“I was deeply concerned and
uncomfortable signing the tax return under penalty of perjury, when I had
insufficient time to review it and could see obvious errors upon my first
review. I do not know how serious each item is, but seeing Central
Services listed as revenue and not seeing Affiliates as revenue and no mention
whatsoever of the CPB grant funds, was alarming to say the least. To go
even further, to be compelled to sign an inaccurate document, in order to avoid
serious fines and penalties against the organization, is extremely
distressing. I feel I was placed in an untenable position, by receiving
the return electronically one day before (but too late to make corrections,)
and the actual return the same day, that it was due.....
The latest tumult
comes only days after an eight week occupation of the foundation’s Berkeley
headquarters ended on May 13th after an illegitimate majority set off chaos by
suddenly firing the executive director only weeks after a permanent hire and
reinstating a CFO who had been let go for poor performance and workplace
complaints. The re-hired CFO has still not been able to enter the headquarters
without being accompanied by a professional mediator and the investigation
report has vanished for months
and
re liability ins
probs
Bernard Duncan - The currently
appointed interim leadership has stated publicly he intends to stay in the job
for “just a few months” and previously announced relocation to New Zealand in July. It is now almost June. No search has been started for a
replacement, meaning there will be 3 interim leaders appointed in six months.
and
last day of S Reexe @ HQ's
***************************************************************
Time for a break.
or a wait.
or watch for what happens more and next. Just STAY INFORMED and share that with the rest of us.
PACIFICA, DOWN AND OUT OR ….?”
Is there a KPFK or Pacifica left ?
Integrated or falling apart fast ?
What happens when each of the 5 Pacifica stations has to grow-up, be self-sufficient, or not be assisted by some central office holding their hands and holding the siblings together somehow ?
The recent months of heavy conflict, that appears to be only- two-opposing factions, but there may be others too [still in hiding and waiting to pounce ? with their Own Interests, Own Benefits to get] and those finally seeing self-serving gains for them too to get more .... there may be more than those 2 groups who online articulate their views and dismiss any other views.
And each side is loaded with prejudice side-acts and writers :
As if...pretend...there are "only 2 versions" of best practices.
As if ...there are obviously "Only 2 ways" to align and support the continuation of the basic policies and philosophies expounded in the past by these stations under the umbrella of Pacifica?
As if each [opposing, reacting, righteous] group knew for sure how to do "The Right Thing" and with the most qualified people to insure that the old version of Pacifica's over-the-edg-leftiness remains free and available - for every dissident voice in the USA - maybe even with a few imports included.
And there is also an righteous assumption that there is only 1 "right" thing-way-view-group et al. that should/ will WIN !
Maybe both sides, plus others hiding till it is safe to come and take or infiltrate the winning 1 side, are "DoubleRight !" and Neither is enough, neither is sharing or cooperating, neither is winning no matter what court judges or online critics proclaim.
To note the online scribes, the anti-prior-hired Executive Director of Pacifica, after working for 8 months in the same interim position, Summer Reese is a volatile, unusual choice. Some are for her, having seen or talked to her directly and noted their experiences validating her capabilities, like this one - not the only one visible and voluntarily supportive of her remaining as ED of Pacifica:
http://dissidentvoice.org/2014/04/cutting-the-gordian-lock-at-pacifica
then there are many - mostly at the radio stations that have been long draining funds, mismanaged or not produced the required documents to receive their CBC funding, pay their rent, or produce enough information to comply with required audits. A lot appear to be centered around Berkeley's KPFA and much writing has been maligning Summer Reese in a very personal, vs. her work-job, way has come from there & those.
Even KPFK's Ian Masters has distributed an online distributed petition - clearly attempting to ruin Ms. Reese's reputation and validity - with his having googled and then located some 'questionable' [ also read: unusual] ways. Even tho it appeared that Mr. Masters did not pursue his petition after he saw his salary and position on the radio station in LA was not endangered as he feared when meeting her 1x in person. It was a personal attack on a person, vs. a concern about her work, her policies, her actual actions while on-the-job as ED [for a very few months, compared to the 8 months working same job as an 'interim' vs. permanent position.] No. Not fair. Not cool. But then not everyone who angrily fears losing their position is, apparently.
A person writing on line opposing views on Ms.Reese and wanting to depose her wrote here - one of various on line descriptions given without clearly stating their own benefits or positions in the wild arguments and not giving enough references for credibility, but then most of the on-line rants don't have them either [that helpful validation is more of an academic skill, or a professional reporting requirement, or eve too wikipedia-like anyhow, right ? wrong. ]:
http://thefightback.org/2013/04/pacificas-leadership-crisis-summer-reese-shouldnt-hold-both-of-the-foundations-top-spots/
The KPFK prior Gen'l Mgr, who left "early" claiming he was returning to his own land in New Zealand, giving fake reasons in person, to the KPFK LSB, and in online writings then suddenly appeared to have been elevated up to Summer Reese's prior position = as Executive Director of Pacifica !
Bernard Duncan, who had been noted to be a mediocre KPFK station manager had just been made King over all 5 stations, but for a very short period of time. Why he is not continuing or providing any clear factual and transparent reasons for his moving up and then moving out has not been openly documented. Perhaps it is his visa ? Perhaps it is a set-up temporary and unsatisfactory ? Perhaps he cannot do the job that Reese was not allowed to continue or complete ? Who knows ?
How to find honest transparent information about what is really going on ...at each and all stations ? How to question or ask for a $$$-refund from prior pledges to these non-profit organizations that are not showing their audited books to prove their honesty or their being responsible ?
A letter from Duncan was given to the KPFK LA Local Station Board [only, but it was not made available to the paying- KPFK-subscriber-members-payors] in his last 'manager's report' of June 19, 2014:
"This information was shared about the GM report for June LSB meeting –
"The IGM was a no-show, since he's assisting in the transition to a new GM at KPFA. Instead he submitted a written report
Integrated or falling apart fast ?
What happens when each of the 5 Pacifica stations has to grow-up, be self-sufficient, or not be assisted by some central office holding their hands and holding the siblings together somehow ?
The recent months of heavy conflict, that appears to be only- two-opposing factions, but there may be others too [still in hiding and waiting to pounce ? with their Own Interests, Own Benefits to get] and those finally seeing self-serving gains for them too to get more .... there may be more than those 2 groups who online articulate their views and dismiss any other views.
And each side is loaded with prejudice side-acts and writers :
As if...pretend...there are "only 2 versions" of best practices.
As if ...there are obviously "Only 2 ways" to align and support the continuation of the basic policies and philosophies expounded in the past by these stations under the umbrella of Pacifica?
As if each [opposing, reacting, righteous] group knew for sure how to do "The Right Thing" and with the most qualified people to insure that the old version of Pacifica's over-the-edg-leftiness remains free and available - for every dissident voice in the USA - maybe even with a few imports included.
And there is also an righteous assumption that there is only 1 "right" thing-way-view-group et al. that should/ will WIN !
Maybe both sides, plus others hiding till it is safe to come and take or infiltrate the winning 1 side, are "DoubleRight !" and Neither is enough, neither is sharing or cooperating, neither is winning no matter what court judges or online critics proclaim.
To note the online scribes, the anti-prior-hired Executive Director of Pacifica, after working for 8 months in the same interim position, Summer Reese is a volatile, unusual choice. Some are for her, having seen or talked to her directly and noted their experiences validating her capabilities, like this one - not the only one visible and voluntarily supportive of her remaining as ED of Pacifica:
then there are many - mostly at the radio stations that have been long draining funds, mismanaged or not produced the required documents to receive their CBC funding, pay their rent, or produce enough information to comply with required audits. A lot appear to be centered around Berkeley's KPFA and much writing has been maligning Summer Reese in a very personal, vs. her work-job, way has come from there & those.
Even KPFK's Ian Masters has distributed an online distributed petition - clearly attempting to ruin Ms. Reese's reputation and validity - with his having googled and then located some 'questionable' [ also read: unusual] ways. Even tho it appeared that Mr. Masters did not pursue his petition after he saw his salary and position on the radio station in LA was not endangered as he feared when meeting her 1x in person. It was a personal attack on a person, vs. a concern about her work, her policies, her actual actions while on-the-job as ED [for a very few months, compared to the 8 months working same job as an 'interim' vs. permanent position.] No. Not fair. Not cool. But then not everyone who angrily fears losing their position is, apparently.
A person writing on line opposing views on Ms.Reese and wanting to depose her wrote here - one of various on line descriptions given without clearly stating their own benefits or positions in the wild arguments and not giving enough references for credibility, but then most of the on-line rants don't have them either [that helpful validation is more of an academic skill, or a professional reporting requirement, or eve too wikipedia-like anyhow, right ? wrong. ]:
http://thefightback.org/2013/04/pacificas-leadership-crisis-summer-reese-shouldnt-hold-both-of-the-foundations-top-spots/
The KPFK prior Gen'l Mgr, who left "early" claiming he was returning to his own land in New Zealand, giving fake reasons in person, to the KPFK LSB, and in online writings then suddenly appeared to have been elevated up to Summer Reese's prior position = as Executive Director of Pacifica !
Bernard Duncan, who had been noted to be a mediocre KPFK station manager had just been made King over all 5 stations, but for a very short period of time. Why he is not continuing or providing any clear factual and transparent reasons for his moving up and then moving out has not been openly documented. Perhaps it is his visa ? Perhaps it is a set-up temporary and unsatisfactory ? Perhaps he cannot do the job that Reese was not allowed to continue or complete ? Who knows ?
How to find honest transparent information about what is really going on ...at each and all stations ? How to question or ask for a $$$-refund from prior pledges to these non-profit organizations that are not showing their audited books to prove their honesty or their being responsible ?
A letter from Duncan was given to the KPFK LA Local Station Board [only, but it was not made available to the paying- KPFK-subscriber-members-payors] in his last 'manager's report' of June 19, 2014:
"This information was shared about the GM report for June LSB meeting –
"The IGM was a no-show, since he's assisting in the transition to a new GM at KPFA. Instead he submitted a written report
Some LSB Members
sought to postpone discussion of the report until the iGM was present to explain certain sections, while the majority wanted to talk, and then talk some more.
"The controversial sections had to do with using a program's ability to generate revenue during fund drives as part of its evaluation, and it largely mirrored what outgoing IED Bernard Duncan said about both KPFA and KPFK in his June 19th report, available from: [see site below]
"The controversial sections had to do with using a program's ability to generate revenue during fund drives as part of its evaluation, and it largely mirrored what outgoing IED Bernard Duncan said about both KPFA and KPFK in his June 19th report, available from: [see site below]
There is more in another post here - both questioning all we members=subscribers=payers=supporters=non-profit-sustainers of KPFK or any other [still] Pacifica radio station with no where else to get answers, responses or realities.
We lament repeatedly about lack of Transparency, while they keep lamenting about the lack of our $$$$.
We ask questions and find no one who represents us on our Local Station Board [ KPFK members who provide no representation or make themselves accessible, unless they Want Something from the paying audience ] =
Lack of Accessibility to staff, to managements, to programmers, to LSB members, or to anyone who even knows what is happening.
So.... what is happening ? and how do the 'owners' of this non-profit corporation or 5 have a voice....
not one broadcast OUT to us by clinging-to-their-own-for-decades programmers ...but also have a voice IN to those who make decisions, proclaim alliances and malign those others who disagree or question or want anything different than those-now-in-POWER do?
what is wrong with this scene ?
which movie does it remind us of ?
any sci fi or horror movie or B or C or D movie missed before?
is all lost or just being jumbled and re-formed into other entities with some losses, some discards, some throw-aways and some improvements too ? huh ?
maybe ? maybe not ?
only those now in power and in the change-shifting-2-sides would know and they are not easily sharing. Not at all !
[Please - See next post for more]
(c) kc 2014
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Clarifications of what is suppose to- but may not- occur at KPFK board meetings.
Some questions and answers -
obtained from Terry Goodman, a personal parliamentarian to the LSB [local station board] chairperson. He is the main one who knows and resources the PACIFICA bylaws - and he may, if asked, assist all those LSB people who do not know, nor remember, nor attempt to look up, nor care much about following the laws that regiment the actions within the LSB monthly meetings.
1. Are the LSB members talking timed at all ?
Yes, except when the timekeeper is distracted.
The KPFK LSB's standing rule is to limit each speaker to 3 minutes.
If the time on the approved agenda has been exhausted and not extended with a 2/3rds approval, then all currently pending motions should be disposed of immediately by vote without further discussion.
2. Is there a full time timekeeper at LSB meetings possible to do the job responsibilty?
There can be no Timekeeper as a permanent officer position. It is the Chair's responsibility to keep members within the limits of the rules, so she can [if she chooses or remembers to do so ] appoint anyone to assist at each meeting. The appointment is in the nature of a ruling and so subject to objection, but that almost [the naming of a permanent or regular time keeper] never occurs.
Any member may double-check the work of the timekeeper and raise a point of order if an irregularity is observed. Any member may double-check the work of the chair and raise a point of order if an irregularity is observed. The chair serves at the pleasure of the body, as do the chair's appointees.
3. Who helps the LSB and chair in following the Pacifica/LSB bylaws ?
Terry Goodman wrote: ".....I am the personal parliamentarian of the LSB Chair and not the official parliamentarian for the KPFK Local Station Board.
Every LSB Member has a right to a personal parliamentarian, and I've traditionally offered my services to each chair in sequence since completing my two terms in office as a KPFK Delegate
When I speak to the whole LSB it is generally upon the request of a member and the absence of any objection.
As the Chair's personal parliamentarian, I may approach and speak privately to her on my own initiative or when sought; but if I wish on my own initiative to address the body as a whole I do so as a member of the [public only ]..."
4. Do bylaws state who must or can be timer and that a real [loud enough for all to hear] timer be used ?
The bylaws include no mention of timekeepers. The Rules of Order include a single sentence merely authorizing the chair to appoint one.
5. Someone said it may not be legal to have iGM’s [interim General Manager, as there seems to be now at KPFK and KPFA] in 2 stations ? is that so, and after how long ?
The FCC requirement is that each station have a Chief Operator. For most broadcast stations that Chief Operator is actually the Chief Engineer, not the General Manager.
Whenever there is no General Manager, the Chief Engineer is assumed by the FCC to have all the General Manager's authorities and responsibilities. Whenever there is no Chief Engineer, the General Manager must find and assign a license qualified replacement immediately.
KPFK is an attended radio station operating 24/7. If there is no manager or more senior staff member in the building, then the signed-on board operator has delegated authority over the premises, even if this person is an unpaid volunteer.
6. How long before a new GM at KPFK must be hired ?
I know of no time limit. According to the bylaws, a permanent GM hire cannot occur prior to the LSB's recommendation of a candidate pool, but the Executive Director has authority to reject the pool and demand a new search. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the arrangement of shared management between KPFA and KPFK is legal....
7. Who has the ‘legal authority’ to hire ‘counsel’ [Pacifica atty] as it seems both factions are represented by different ones,
Ultimate corporate authority belong to the PNB, so it has authority to hire counsel; but Pacifica's Executive Director as CEO has the responsibility to hire attorneys when necessary to protect the Foundation, and the assignment of responsibilities implies delegation of the authority required to carry them out.
The PNB has restricted that ED authority by requiring Board approval of major contracts, including attorney engagements.
The Board has also reserved the right to select a permanent Counsel for the Foundation. The bylaws don't mandate the position, but Pacifica's needs it.
The current situation is complicated because the identity of Pacifica's current Executive Director is in dispute and just about everybody with any national authority in Pacifica is a party in that dispute.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
NOTE : Any public member, sponsor, supporter, listener can attend any LSB meetings that are "open" as most are. Meetings are listed on the KPFK.org website under events monthly. The location, time and if "open" or "closed" is often admitted beforehand.
The bylaws [regulations] require that there be about 30 minutes total of "public comments" for those who are not LSB members [seated in enclosed horseshoe style and speak to themselves whether audibly or not ] -in a meeting which can last 4-5-6 hours each time.
Public members sit separately and cannot speak nor ask nor be part of the meeting except when they 'line up' for their 50 seconds [ in each of 4 separate occasions throughout the meeting]. About 5 people can speak in each of 4 segments of "public comments" so it depends on how many want to speak if one can or cannot.
Each public member may then speak into a microphone briefly, even if what they express is not contained in the agenda or the current issues addressed by LSB members. Some offer suggestions, criticisms, exhort a political opinion or discredit a programer.
No response by any LSB or chair is given to acknowledge if the information was relevant, valued, distracting or worth giving. So even positive recommendations are not acknowledged nor admitted. Occasionally other public members agree and applaud, but LSB members apparently do not give responses, or rarely do.
To sit through the meetings is a dedication and an ordeal, as many LSB members have already previously communicated ONLY amongst themselves via their email group or phone. Thus they have made decisions or learned of problems that are NOT revealed nor admitted in the meeting, then open to the public.
Even if a public person requests repeatedly and politely to have clarified what the discussion is about and why opposing factions are fighting there at their LSB meeting, no such information is given, leaving confusion and frustration as a result.
Some LSB members, knowingly or not, elicit a 'support group' to attend as public members for a cause or themselves to show LSB person's power and ability to elicit visibility. Others appear to ignore and dismiss anyone who is not seated at the LSB tables where only those who are official members talk only to each other.
Often LSB members - knowing who they are speaking to amongst themselves and what their exhortations are about - will refer to what the public visitors have no knowledge of... nor can the public access this vital information relevant to the operations of KPFK. Often the LSB will speak to each other and 'forget' to use a microphone provided to assist the public to being able to at least hear, if not understand or know, 'what is going on'.
Occasionally the Chair may repeatedly request "speak to the chair' to the members and other times that order is not given at all. The lack of adequate timekeeping, except for in the public comments, and the lack of consistency in honoring the rules long ago written for the LSB actions and interruptions, are obvious and frequently noted.
The brittleness and antagonisms of members around many issues leaves the public observing the proceedings with many questions of how this advisory body to KPFK management is valued or helpful. The KPFK management and staff and programmers operations are even more secreted away - and all those are non-responsive to any public even via emails or voice mail messages, so the LSB meetings are the only external branch available. One that anyone who pays or cares for the KPFK continuing on are able to attended regularly - some meetings are repeatedly sprinkled by a few and some others visit occasionally only.
Never is there a large public group until some controversy occurs, or one that is again, NOT stated openly nor clearly defined or described - by anyone present [by precedence or collusion ? ]so the observers can only guess at what is being addressed.
Many questions occur to those who come to learn or share suggestions with the LSB.
There are very few answers ever available, as the LSB during the meeting do not mix with the public - perhaps out of loyalty to their closed circle - or perhaps out of not wanting distracting talk nor opinions inflicted upon their views.
It is an experience that most KPFK listeners should visit at least 1x - to learn or note what occurs - and while the expenses are low [or never mentioned], the value of what the LSB contributes the running of the radio station has been asked and never clearly answered either.
That so many do insist on being [s]elected to be on the LSB must mean there is power, privilege or other unstated benefits to be on the board. Perhaps the secrecy and exclusiveness displayed in the meetings is enough to create the image of a board member being valuable and idealistically contributing to some better good...somehow...sometime...
Being able to withstand the fractional fighting and assuming some good will come of their meetings, motions and discussions may elicit others to be local station board members.
(c) Kc 2014
obtained from Terry Goodman, a personal parliamentarian to the LSB [local station board] chairperson. He is the main one who knows and resources the PACIFICA bylaws - and he may, if asked, assist all those LSB people who do not know, nor remember, nor attempt to look up, nor care much about following the laws that regiment the actions within the LSB monthly meetings.
1. Are the LSB members talking timed at all ?
Yes, except when the timekeeper is distracted.
If the time on the approved agenda has been exhausted and not extended with a 2/3rds approval, then all currently pending motions should be disposed of immediately by vote without further discussion.
2. Is there a full time timekeeper at LSB meetings possible to do the job responsibilty?
There can be no Timekeeper as a permanent officer position. It is the Chair's responsibility to keep members within the limits of the rules, so she can [if she chooses or remembers to do so ] appoint anyone to assist at each meeting. The appointment is in the nature of a ruling and so subject to objection, but that almost [the naming of a permanent or regular time keeper] never occurs.
Any member may double-check the work of the timekeeper and raise a point of order if an irregularity is observed. Any member may double-check the work of the chair and raise a point of order if an irregularity is observed. The chair serves at the pleasure of the body, as do the chair's appointees.
3. Who helps the LSB and chair in following the Pacifica/LSB bylaws ?
Terry Goodman wrote: ".....I am the personal parliamentarian of the LSB Chair and not the official parliamentarian for the KPFK Local Station Board.
Every LSB Member has a right to a personal parliamentarian, and I've traditionally offered my services to each chair in sequence since completing my two terms in office as a KPFK Delegate
When I speak to the whole LSB it is generally upon the request of a member and the absence of any objection.
As the Chair's personal parliamentarian, I may approach and speak privately to her on my own initiative or when sought; but if I wish on my own initiative to address the body as a whole I do so as a member of the [public only ]..."
4. Do bylaws state who must or can be timer and that a real [loud enough for all to hear] timer be used ?
The bylaws include no mention of timekeepers. The Rules of Order include a single sentence merely authorizing the chair to appoint one.
5. Someone said it may not be legal to have iGM’s [interim General Manager, as there seems to be now at KPFK and KPFA] in 2 stations ? is that so, and after how long ?
The FCC requirement is that each station have a Chief Operator. For most broadcast stations that Chief Operator is actually the Chief Engineer, not the General Manager.
Whenever there is no General Manager, the Chief Engineer is assumed by the FCC to have all the General Manager's authorities and responsibilities. Whenever there is no Chief Engineer, the General Manager must find and assign a license qualified replacement immediately.
KPFK is an attended radio station operating 24/7. If there is no manager or more senior staff member in the building, then the signed-on board operator has delegated authority over the premises, even if this person is an unpaid volunteer.
6. How long before a new GM at KPFK must be hired ?
I know of no time limit. According to the bylaws, a permanent GM hire cannot occur prior to the LSB's recommendation of a candidate pool, but the Executive Director has authority to reject the pool and demand a new search. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the arrangement of shared management between KPFA and KPFK is legal....
7. Who has the ‘legal authority’ to hire ‘counsel’ [Pacifica atty] as it seems both factions are represented by different ones,
Ultimate corporate authority belong to the PNB, so it has authority to hire counsel; but Pacifica's Executive Director as CEO has the responsibility to hire attorneys when necessary to protect the Foundation, and the assignment of responsibilities implies delegation of the authority required to carry them out.
The PNB has restricted that ED authority by requiring Board approval of major contracts, including attorney engagements.
The Board has also reserved the right to select a permanent Counsel for the Foundation. The bylaws don't mandate the position, but Pacifica's needs it.
The current situation is complicated because the identity of Pacifica's current Executive Director is in dispute and just about everybody with any national authority in Pacifica is a party in that dispute.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
NOTE : Any public member, sponsor, supporter, listener can attend any LSB meetings that are "open" as most are. Meetings are listed on the KPFK.org website under events monthly. The location, time and if "open" or "closed" is often admitted beforehand.
The bylaws [regulations] require that there be about 30 minutes total of "public comments" for those who are not LSB members [seated in enclosed horseshoe style and speak to themselves whether audibly or not ] -in a meeting which can last 4-5-6 hours each time.
Public members sit separately and cannot speak nor ask nor be part of the meeting except when they 'line up' for their 50 seconds [ in each of 4 separate occasions throughout the meeting]. About 5 people can speak in each of 4 segments of "public comments" so it depends on how many want to speak if one can or cannot.
Each public member may then speak into a microphone briefly, even if what they express is not contained in the agenda or the current issues addressed by LSB members. Some offer suggestions, criticisms, exhort a political opinion or discredit a programer.
No response by any LSB or chair is given to acknowledge if the information was relevant, valued, distracting or worth giving. So even positive recommendations are not acknowledged nor admitted. Occasionally other public members agree and applaud, but LSB members apparently do not give responses, or rarely do.
To sit through the meetings is a dedication and an ordeal, as many LSB members have already previously communicated ONLY amongst themselves via their email group or phone. Thus they have made decisions or learned of problems that are NOT revealed nor admitted in the meeting, then open to the public.
Even if a public person requests repeatedly and politely to have clarified what the discussion is about and why opposing factions are fighting there at their LSB meeting, no such information is given, leaving confusion and frustration as a result.
Some LSB members, knowingly or not, elicit a 'support group' to attend as public members for a cause or themselves to show LSB person's power and ability to elicit visibility. Others appear to ignore and dismiss anyone who is not seated at the LSB tables where only those who are official members talk only to each other.
Often LSB members - knowing who they are speaking to amongst themselves and what their exhortations are about - will refer to what the public visitors have no knowledge of... nor can the public access this vital information relevant to the operations of KPFK. Often the LSB will speak to each other and 'forget' to use a microphone provided to assist the public to being able to at least hear, if not understand or know, 'what is going on'.
Occasionally the Chair may repeatedly request "speak to the chair' to the members and other times that order is not given at all. The lack of adequate timekeeping, except for in the public comments, and the lack of consistency in honoring the rules long ago written for the LSB actions and interruptions, are obvious and frequently noted.
The brittleness and antagonisms of members around many issues leaves the public observing the proceedings with many questions of how this advisory body to KPFK management is valued or helpful. The KPFK management and staff and programmers operations are even more secreted away - and all those are non-responsive to any public even via emails or voice mail messages, so the LSB meetings are the only external branch available. One that anyone who pays or cares for the KPFK continuing on are able to attended regularly - some meetings are repeatedly sprinkled by a few and some others visit occasionally only.
Never is there a large public group until some controversy occurs, or one that is again, NOT stated openly nor clearly defined or described - by anyone present [by precedence or collusion ? ]so the observers can only guess at what is being addressed.
Many questions occur to those who come to learn or share suggestions with the LSB.
There are very few answers ever available, as the LSB during the meeting do not mix with the public - perhaps out of loyalty to their closed circle - or perhaps out of not wanting distracting talk nor opinions inflicted upon their views.
It is an experience that most KPFK listeners should visit at least 1x - to learn or note what occurs - and while the expenses are low [or never mentioned], the value of what the LSB contributes the running of the radio station has been asked and never clearly answered either.
That so many do insist on being [s]elected to be on the LSB must mean there is power, privilege or other unstated benefits to be on the board. Perhaps the secrecy and exclusiveness displayed in the meetings is enough to create the image of a board member being valuable and idealistically contributing to some better good...somehow...sometime...
Being able to withstand the fractional fighting and assuming some good will come of their meetings, motions and discussions may elicit others to be local station board members.
(c) Kc 2014
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)