Last revised: January 24, 1997

Doug Dowd Speaks Out on Mama O'Shea

September 29, 1995

TO THE MANAGEMENT OF KPFA:

Some of you know my name, some know me and others know neither. So I provide a little background. I began to work with KPFA as it began, that is, 1949-50. I was an intermittent guest in the early 1950s until I went to New York to teach. I returned in the 1970s and became a monthly guest on Mama O'Shea's show, until her program was cut. It is that which I write about here, as I prepare to depart for Italy for six months.

By now you do not need to hear from me to know that not only are many of your regular listeners and financial contributors upset about the various changes that have been made, but that there is a subgroup that is especially upset about the cancellation of Mama's show. Most of those so upset do not know Mama personally, but they have been fans of her effectively unique program: unique in the diverse voices over the years to which that program has opened itself, including the unique voice of Mama herself. It should be noted that she and her guests have never cost the station one cent--and indeed some, including myself, have given to, rather than taken money from KPFA. Many are now withholding their contributions (and even changing their wills) because of recent changes and, again, perhaps most angrily because of the loss of Mama's show. This cannot be news to most of you.

I agree with Mama and with many others that changes in KPFA are needed, as changes in any institution are needed over time. I do not speak for my own participation in the program when I point out that the cancellation of Mama's program is likely to be counterproductive--to lose listeners and contributions, rather than to increase either, let alone both. For some years now I have been teaching what are called "the KPFA classes", in Berkeley, San Francisco and Petaluma. When the changes were announced I asked the students in all the classes if they listened to the Mama O'Shea program and easily 90% said yes. Many of the members of those classes (averaging 50-60 students apiece) are among those attending meetings to try to have you reconsider one aspect or another of your decisions. At least two I know of have changed their wills, which had been in KPFA's favor.

As you know, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The cancellation of Mama's program (among others) must be counted as a paving block on that road. I hope and trust you will reconsider in her show's favor.

Doug Dowd
San Francisco