Programmers and Listeners
Say NO!

by Mary Moore

On MONDAY, JULY 31 [1995], A LISTENER/PROGRAMMER MEETING was held in Berkeley to air some of the feelings generated by KPFA's programming changes and to plan strategy in response to the changes.

Many long time programmers were present: Mama O'Shea, Bill Mandel, David Meyers, Doug Edwards, Emiliano Echeverria, Mary Berg, Betty Lawson Eugene, Kiilu Nyasha, Avotcja, Janice Leber, Mariah Gilarden, Charles Amirkhanian, Nancy Delaney, Samuel Guia as well as about 250 listener/supporters. Many expressed outrage and disbelief at the way in which these changes were introduced and implemented.

Gutting the heart and soul of the station" was a phrase that was heard alot. There was talk about setting up an alternative escrow account for the October marathon, as well as plans for picketing the front and back doors of the station which would create a situation for the paid staff around issues of solidarity. There was alot of talk about call-ins to Jerry Brown as well as putting pressure on him to give his Friday hour back to Mama. A very ineffectual aide to Brown was present at the meeting to "answer questions". He left unhappy but enlightened.

The thing that impressed me the most, however, was the outpouring of love and respect for Mama and other long time voices who were taken off the air without so much as a thank you. This group more than made up for the rudeness of management. Another listener/programmer meeting is being held in mid August and management is calling their own gathering for the listeners on August 30. Let's hope that by then they will take the management/listener "teamwork" (their term) concept seriously.

For more information on KPFA call Gretchen at (707) 869-0223