On-air forum on Morning Show cuts

Brian Edwards-Tiekert and Aimee Allison Nov 9KPFA’s Morning Show today covered Pacifica’s laying off of the entire program’s staff, live on the air. If you missed it, here is the archived version. Morning Show staff interviewed Pacifica management live, and there were also guest appearances from Pacifica historian Matthew Laser and former Pacifica national affairs correspondence Larry Bensky were featured. Listeners calling in were outraged at the news of the firings. The photo at right is of Brian Edwards-Tiekert and Aimee Allison right before they began the day’s broadcast.

In the discussion, it became clear that under the guise of a budget crisis, Pacifica is targeting staff who have spoken out. Pacifica’s chief financial officer LaVarn Williams was unable to cogently answer questions about the budget she is in charge of, instead focusing attacks on those who have opposed her politically. Pacifica’s Arlene Engelhardt appeared not to understand the KPFA staff union contract, or have any clear understanding of KPFA’s history and listenership. Here’s video of Morning Show producer Esther Manilla putting pointed questions to Engelhardt.

SaveKPFA has called a protest today at Pacifica’s offices next door to KPFA for Tues, Nov 9 at 11am, 1929 Martin Luther King Jr Way in Berkeley. You can also call Engelhardt at (510) 849-2590, ext 208 or cell (510) 402-9880. Or write her here. | UPDATE: Thanks for coming out! Here’s a video by KPFA unpaid staffer Judith Scherr and coverage in the Daily Cal

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PRESS COVERAGE OF TODAY’S DEVELOPMENTS: Bay Citizen | San Francisco Examiner| San Francisco Chronicle blog |