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Schubb Replaced as KPFK Manager
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Progressive Portal
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Jan 26, 2002 10:36 PST
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[Thanks to Lyn Gerry and John Sheridan for circulating this.]
In this update:
- Introductory note from Progressive Portal
- News story regarding new KPFK Interim General Manager
- Letter from new KPFK Interim General Manager
NOTE: Previous KPFK General Manager Mark Schubb conducted an on-air and
off-air campaign of attack against the interim Pacifica national board
of directors ever since that body took charge in December as part of the
settlement of several lawsuits against the people who had previously
gained control of the network and were rapidly destroying Pacifica. The
new board has moved quickly to restore Pacifica to its historic mission
as a progressive free-speech medium. Schubb attempted to convince KPFK
listeners that the new board, though in office only a few weeks, was
responsible for the financial and managerial crisis that has shaken the
organization for the past several years.
-- Progressive Portal
Steven Starr Heads KPFK as Interim General Manager
Originally posted at:
http://la.indymedia.org/display.php3?article_id=14390
IndyMedia activist and filmmaker Steven Starr has joined KPFK, the Los
Angeles station in the five-station Pacifica Network, to lead an interim
team designed to build and restore the station to its original mission.
IndyMedia activist and filmmaker Steven Starr has joined KPFK, the Los
Angeles station in the five-station Pacifica Network, to lead an interim
team designed to build and restore the station to its original mission.
Additional Pacifica Networks stations are in Berkeley, New York,
Washington D.C. and Houston.
After a contentious five year local and nationwide struggle to return
the network to its community roots, the thousands of activists involved
in the effort were rewarded with a victory; all four lawsuits against
the Pacifica Network, the first of which originated with members of the
KPFK Local Advisory Board, were settled and the National Board members
attempting to control Pacifica and use it to their own ends were ousted.
"I'd like to honor the incredible efforts of thousands of people who
have been engaged in the struggle to restore Pacifica for so many years.
Recent developments signal the promise of a great new chapter for those
of us who believe in the possibilities of a truly independent and
democratic media," Starr said in an open letter to the Pacifica
listeners. "It's a great privilege. My career started in radio, and I've
spent a great deal of time over the years working with various forms of
media that empower the public."
Starr is one of the architects of the Los Angeles Independent Media
Center and joins KPFK after co-founding leading edge Internet company
Uprizer with Freenet Project creator Ian Clarke. "Through his
involvement with the Freenet Project, Steven has demonstrated his deep
commitment to an honest and unbiased media," said Freenet founder Ian
Clarke. "It's my full expectation that his integrity and skills will be
a great asset to KPFK and it's community of listeners."
Before Uprizer, Starr was the CEO of AntEye.com a netbased community
built around user-generated content. Prior to AntEye, Starr wrote and
directed the award winning film Joey Breaker, produced and created a
variety of film and television projects, and spent 11 years at the
William Morris Agency, heading the motion picture department in the
company's New York office. During his tenure at William Morris, he
developed the early careers of such talents as Ang Lee, Ben Stiller,
Larry David, Tim Robbins, Reinaldo Povod and Ziggy Marley. He started
his career as a high school volunteer at WLIR-FM in New York, eventually
running their internship program before moving on to WSRM, campus radio
in Madison, Wisconsin.
Former KPFK General Manager Mark Schubb was relieved of his post Friday
and placed on leave.
Founded in 1949, Pacifica Radio is the nation's first
listener-supported, community-based radio network. Along with KPFK Los
Angeles (90.7), it includes KPFA Berkeley (94.1), WBAI New York (99.5),
KPFT Houston (90.1), WPFW Washington, D.C. (89.3) and nearly 60
affiliates in 27 states. It features Democracy NOW!, a weekday political
affairs show hosted by Pacifica's award-winning Amy Goodman.
Open Letter to the Pacifica community of listeners from the Interim
General Manager, Steven Starr.
Open Letter To The Pacifica Community
My name is Steven Starr, and I've been asked to serve as the interim
General Manager of KPFK. As today is my first day on the job, I'd very
much like to say a few things to the various constituencies of KPFK and
Pacifica.
First of all, I've been a Pacifica listener for many years, and I care
deeply about the importance and significance of the Pacifica Network in
our society today. It is a great privilege to do this work, and I'm
grateful for the chance.
Second, I'd like to honor the incredible efforts of thousands of people
who have been engaged in the struggle to restore Pacifica for so many
years. Recent developments signal the promise of a great new chapter for
those of us who believe in the possibilities of a truly independent and
democratic media.
Third, I'd like to give respect to all those who have produced great
radio at KPFK over the past few years. There are remarkable talents at
the station, both on and off the air.
Fourth, and most importantly, to the listeners. This is your station. I
value your input, I'm very open to constructive criticism, and my
intention is to make this transitional process as participatory as
possible, as transparent as possible, as reflective of your ideas as
possible.
Finally, my great hope is to have my contribution reflect real progress
toward revitalizing the station as a public resource for the diverse
communities of Southern California.
Thank you,
Steven Starr
Interim General Manager
KPFK
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