Statement: |
Over ten years ago, I was a young, liberal-minded
college student who was desperately searching for alternative news
and fresh perspectives to feed my hungry mind. By chance during
a commute, I stumbled upon KPFK radio, and have been listening ever
since. However, over the years, I have found that some of station’s
content has become less interesting and less relevant.
Nevertheless, I still rely heavily on KPFK's programs like Democracy
Now for information and analysis. The station’s diverse programming
has enabled me to become a community activist in the struggle against
imperialism, racism, and sexism with various community groups.
In the past, I was an organizer for the Orange Coast College Peace
Project which rallied support against the impending American invasion
and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. As a community activist,
I have utilized KPFK to publicize various protests, and have relied
upon KPFK’s terrific on-air radio personalities as guest speakers.
Currently, I volunteer for Ian Masters on his two shows, “Background
Briefing,” and “Live from the Left Coast.” This
has helped me gain an insider’s perspective on the inner workings
and mechanics of running a community radio station. Also, it has
helped me understand the internal politics and rivalries plaguing
the station. Ian Masters has generously given me his endorsement
for my candidacy to KPFK’s Local Station Board.
I am running for the Local Station Board because I strongly feel
that KPFK is losing touch with its listenership. Over the last the
few years, internal turmoil and a lack of direction have created
a negative situation for all in the KPFK family--especially the
listener! As a delegate to the Local Station Board, I hope to help
build bridges and mend the structural problems that have hurt our
great radio station and community treasure. I plan on using my vast
experience of coalition building to bring about unity at the station.
As your delegate to KPFK, I hope to initiate progressive changes
at KPFK. I want to diversify the programming to offer listeners
more options like how rival public radio stations are doing. I want
to see KPFK “catch up” with other radio stations in
offering HD Radio service. I hope to make the station more appealing
to younger listeners as well, in order to build the next generation
of KPFK listenership and leadership.
|
