People
Aileen Alfandary, tenacious ‘force multiplier’ for journalism, retires
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As co-director of news at Pacifica’s KPFA, Alfandary has endured “utter chaos” at the station while training generations of reporters.
People
Documentary ‘ode’ to Steve Post’s many talents leaves out key verses
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“Playing in the FM Band: The Steve Post Story,” a feature-length documentary about a pioneer of freeform radio, zooms in on some odd stuff.
People
Pacifica Foundation announces new leadership
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Stephanie D. Wells previously worked as director of development for the Michelson Found Animals Foundation.
Obituaries
Neal Conan, journalist who covered wars and anchored live broadcasts for NPR, dies at 71
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“Neal did every job you could do in radio,” said Robert Siegel, former “All Things Considered” host, of his longtime colleague. “He was terrifically gifted at everything.”
Programs/Content
NPR story on ‘Alice’s Restaurant’ namesake inspires listeners to give back on Thanksgiving
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A crowdfunding campaign benefiting Alice Brock, who needed help with living expenses, raised more than $125,000 in 24 hours.
System/Policy
Pacifica considers appeal of decision that restored WBAI to the air
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A New York state judge ruled last week that local hosts and producers could resume their shows.
System/Policy
Battle to regain control of Pacifica’s WBAI continues in court
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Supporters of the iconic left-wing station are rallying to turn back layoffs and programming changes that Pacifica leadership says were necessary to end financial losses.
System/Policy
Restraining order seeks to block Pacifica’s overhaul of WBAI
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The order prevents Pacifica from firing WBAI’s staff or interfering with the station’s programming and “orderly administration.”
System/Policy
Pacifica lays off WBAI staff, changes programming in move to end financial losses
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Covering WBAI’s persistent shortfalls was “endangering the entire Foundation,” according to a board member.
People
Maxie Jackson resigns as Pacifica executive director
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Pacifica’s board has selected an interim executive director.
A DJ looks back on 50 years on jazz radio in the nation’s capital
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Rusty Hassan has seen shows and stations come and go during his long career on Washington, D.C., airwaves, and he’s still at it.
People
Radio pioneer Larry Josephson turns to creative community for support
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“I have to ask my friends for help so I can keep on working and … producing,” says the man known as the “sage of independent producers.”
System/Policy
New Pacifica ED looks to grow audience, shore up finances
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“Instead of looking at the obstacles, I’m focusing more on the opportunity.”
People
Pacifica names Maxie Jackson executive director
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Jackson is station manager at ideastream in Cleveland and has headed the National Federation of Community Broadcasters.
Tech
Satellite companies propose repacking C-band spectrum to enable sales
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NPR has urged the FCC to protect public broadcasters using the spectrum to distribute programming.
Quick Takes
Pacifica settles debts with Empire State Realty Trust
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The foundation is also in the “final stages” of relocating the transmitter for WBAI in New York City.
Pacifica agrees to loan for paying Empire State debt
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The loan was financed by a group of KPFK supporters.
System/Policy
Pacifica seeks loan to avoid bankruptcy
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The network is also continuing to explore the possibility of raising funds through a frequency swap.
System/Policy
Judge rules against Pacifica, WBAI in $1.8M lawsuit
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The Empire State Realty Trust sued Pacifica and WBAI over unpaid transmitter rent.