Embattled Calif. ``free speech'' radio back on air 02:36 p.m Aug 05, 1999 Eastern BERKELEY, Calif., Aug 5 (Reuters) - Free speech redoubt KPFA-FM in Berkeley went back on the air Thursday after a lengthy lock-out sparked by debate over the future of America's oldest listener-supported radio station. As regular programming resumed, however, community activists vowed to continue their struggle against KPFA's corporate parent, the nonprofit Pacifica Foundation, which has angered many KPFA supporters by attempting to exert more control over the station's eclectic local mix of alternative programming. ``Going back on the air to serve our community is an important step, but the struggle against Pacifica is far from over,'' CS. Soong, a KPFA producer, said. ``Although we retook the station unconditionally, Pacifica could still pull the plug on us at any time,'' Soong said. The Pacifica Foundation found itself at loggerheads with the staff at KPFA, the flagship of Pacifica radio, earlier this year after it announced a new ``strategic vision'' for its radio stations that include KPFK in Los Angeles, KPFT in Houston, New York's WBAI and WPFW in Washington. The disruptions have been isolated to KPFA. Pacifica said the changes were aimed at giving the stations broader appeal and a higher national profile. But KPFA stalwarts said it was simply an attempt to muffle the station's progressive voice to attract more advertising. A series of staff firings led to street protests outside KPFA's Berkeley headquarters, prompting dozens of arrests and a 17-day lockout as Pacifica circled its wagons. After several mediation attempts, Pacifica this week relented and turned the keys to the station back to regular staffers. On Thursday, programming resumed with a moderated discussion of the station's recent problems. KPFA supporters say they are pleased to be back at work, but voice fears that Pacifica may simply sell the station in order to resolve the dispute. Pacifica has denied any plan to put KPFA on the market. Meanwhile, state Representative Scott Wildman announced that a state assembly panel will hold hearings later this month to examine the conduct of the Pacifica Foundation during the recent conflict. At issue, Wildman said, would be the governance and accountability of the nonprofit foundation. Pacifica Foundation officials have promised to keep their hands off managing KPFA for the next six months to one year, though they will continue to monitor the station's audience share. The foundation's national headquarters, currently situated next door to KPFA in Berkeley, will be moved shortly to Washington D.C. Copyright 1999 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
