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An Open Letter to Pacifica Radio's KPFA Management - by Stephen Lendman
Subject: A "truth emergency" over censorship at Pacifica's flagship station
By implementing early December budget and staff cuts, KPFA's management targeted its award-winning Flashpoints Radio for extinction, sullied the name of its founder, Lew Hill, and defiled fundamental First Amendment freedoms without which no others are possible.
On April 15, 1949, Hill went on the air saying: "This is KPFA, listener-sponsored radio in Berkeley" and launched America's first independent, listener-supported, "people's radio" as a sanctuary for free speech, dissent, alternative voices, social justice, and human dignity unlike anything previously heard.
Unless reversed, management's decision will deprive listeners in 30 US cities, and online globally, of some of the most vital and respected programming anywhere - thanks to the heroic work of Dennis Bernstein, Nora Barrows-Friedman, and the entire Flashpoints team, dedicated to providing accurate, in-depth coverage of the most-cutting edge issues with an array of distinguished guests.
Bernstein calls cutting 30% of its annual budget "a political battle. Management has pumped up (their internal supporters') budgets, and at the same time tried to kill Flashpoints through intimidation and attrition, and outright disrespect. (Now management) is about to deal the show a final blow," one as well to Pacifica's founding purpose and stated mission to:
-- "to gather and disseminate information on the causes of conflict between any and all....nations, races, creeds and colors;"
-- "promote the study of political and economic problems and of the causes of religious, philosophical and racial antagonisms;" and
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