The deep trouble at WBAI is deeply troubling to a lot of people. There are rational and smart folks who understand the problems but not enough (yet) to make a sea change. WBAI is worth working for-- A 50,000 watt station in the middle of the FM dial in the largest metro area in the US during a time of great change. We need this station and we need it to be as powerful as possible.
Don't be put off by all the rhetoric. Part of the reason it is there is to frighten people away. Some very principled people have been demoralized into the cat fight but If you, or people you know, want to help WBAI, I can help you find people to work with in NYC.
There's also good folks on the national level trying to bring WBAI and other Pacifica stations in line with basic non-profit financial and other standards. I encourage anyone who can play a positive role to take a deeper look.
adrienne
The author of the memo, Steve Brown, is deeply involved in the internal battles of the station. It's very hard to take sides in this battle. At its worst, it devolves into a crude black nationalism vs. a crude white ressentiment that does neither side any credit. Gary Null's show was dropped in part because he refused to participate in fundraising, and through his website, was urging listeners not to contribute to the station. In some ways it's amazing he was tolerated as long as he was. Plus he's a health crank with dubious politics.
But there's no denying WBAI is deeply troubled. Listenership is shrinking and the fundraisers are longer than ever. The station spent 91 days fundraising in 2004 - a full quarter of the year. Many people within the station act as if a small listenership is proof of authenticity. It's sad to see a 50,000 watt station in the middle of the FM dial in the largest metro area in the US dwindling away.
Doug
