Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 20:26:25 -0500 (CDT) From: jf noonan <jfn1 at msc.com> To: lbo-talk at lists.panix.com Subject: LAB members challenge Pacifica by-laws changes (fwd) Message-ID: <Pine.BSI.4.10.9906212020461.8324-100000 at pcjfn.msc.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
There's been interest on the list about the goings on at Pacifica. I've been a mostly lurker and sometime flamer on the FreePacifica list for a couple of years and David Adelson is very serious person. This is a promising development and adds additional pressure to a dictatorial Board that has got to be feeling somewhat embattled at this point. Along with the recent campout in Berkeley and with the Board having to face the public in DC soon, there may be hope for Pacifica yet.
--
Joseph Noonan jfn1 at msc.com
If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution.
-Emma Goldman
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 11:03:04 -0700 (PDT) From: David Adelson <davidadelson at yahoo.com> Reply-To: freepacifica at penguin.josephson.com To: freepac at recordist.com Subject: LAB members challenge Pacifica by-laws changes Resent-Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 15:33:40 -0500 (CDT) Resent-From: "J.F. Noonan" <jfn at msc.com> Resent-To: jfn1 at msc.com Resent-Subject: LAB members challenge Pacifica by-laws changes
Contacts: David Adelson (Los Angeles) ph: 310-392-0459 email:davidadelson at yahoo.com Sherry Gendelman (SF Bay Area) ph: 415-392-6965 Dan Siegel, Esq. ph: 510-839-1200
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Monday June 21, 1999
COMMUNITY MEMBERS POISED TO FILE SUIT TO REVERSE TAKEOVER BY PACIFICA FOUNDATION DIRECTORS
Legal counsel for community members from Local Advisory Boards of FM radio stations KPFK (Los Angeles), KPFA (Berkeley) and WBAI (New York), has informed the Pacifica Foundation, which owns the non-commercial stations, that they will take legal action unless Pacifica's Board of Directors reverses recently enacted changes in Foundation by-laws that give the Pacifica Governing Board exclusive right to nominate and elect its entire membership.
Attorney Dan Siegel, of the Oakland firm Siegel and Yee, in a letter dated June 14, informed Pacifica Chair Mary F. Berry and Pacifica Governing Board members of the complaint on behalf of sixteen members from Local Advisory Boards (LABs) at Pacifica's three largest stations.
The letter charges that the by-laws changes approved by the Governing Board in September 1997 and February 1999 violate provisions of the California Corporations Code. Further, Siegel wrote, "Pacifica, when faced with the question of changing its method of choosing its leadership, opted for the least democratic option imaginable. It is time to revisit this issue, and it should be unnecessary to require a court order to do so." Prior to the contested changes, LABs elected a majority of the Pacifica Governing Board. Station staff representatives on LABs have also seen their voting rights removed, along with their ability to serve on the Governing Board.
This is the latest development in a nearly 5-year long conflict over the issue of governance, democracy and community control at Pacifica, the largest non-commercial radio broadcaster in the United States. The Pacifica Foundation is a network of listener-supported radio stations founded 50 years ago to provide a venue for the open discussion of ideas that would lead to peace and social justice.
Prior to the most recent vote to change Pacifica By-Laws, prominent progressive authors Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and Edward Herman, wrote Pacifica urging it to respect the democratic principles it broadcasts and noted, "As long-time admirers and supporters of Pacifica, we are troubled by apparent tendencies toward increased centralization of power and decision-making that bring Pacifica closer to the private corporate model." Nonetheless, the Governing Board approved the changes unanimously.
Pacifica's Governing Board meets this coming weekend in Washington DC. The agenda includes consideration of new board members according to the provisions of the amended by-laws. Siegel indicates that the sixteen LAB members he represents are prepared to file suit if Pacifica fails to establish contact to enter into negotiations by Friday.
_________________________________________________________
Funds are needed to support this final effort to block the antidemocratic changes recently enacted. Those interested in contributing to the legal effort to reverse these changes are urged to send checks to: Siegel and Yee Trust Account (write "Pacifica suit" in the memo area of your check), 499 14th Street #220, Oakland, CA 94612
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