This is being sent out by a group I am part of. The struggle is ugly and convoluted, but the bottom line is: no money, no station. So I am going to go on the air on December 15 and ask my listeners for money, and I am asking you now for your support. If there is no money, there is nothing left to fight over. My commitment as a Local Station Board member is to put RADIO FIRST and to ensure the survival and health of the station. Once we get it stabilized and back under local control, we can argue the fine points and get back to work taking our planet back from the corporations.
Dear Friend of KPFA –
We’re sending this urgent email alert today because KPFA is really in dire financial straits, to the point of possibly not being able to meet a coming payroll and current operating expenses.
As many of you are aware, the SaveKPFA group launched a pledge drive on November 29th on our website (www.savekpfa.org), with the goal of very soon presenting a large and tempting amount to Pacifica executives along with the specific demand that our Morning Show and its staff be restored to October 2010 status. So far we’ve received close to $25,000, made up of pledges ranging from $25 to $2000. This effort is ongoing, and we are thankful for folks who can see their way clear to participate.
Today we’re asking that you, please, immediately send checks, in any amount, made payable to KPFA, and mail them to SaveKPFA, P.O. Box 3263, Berkeley, CA 94703, to help alleviate this imminent funding crisis. The SaveKPFA group will submit the checks (and this will be outside of on-air fundraising) drawing special attention to listener support by this group-oriented effort.
Yes, we’re asking you to set aside the distaste you probably have for the current mess at KPFA. We understand the hesitance by those who don’t want to contribute until KPFA gets its house in order. Believe us that we, also, are distressed by the situation; but if we don’t all support the station now, there may not be a station when the dust settles. Please help now, while we continue to work on more long-range solutions.
SaveKPFA is essentially offering those of you who have contacted us two ways to help:
1. Send a check now for immediate expenses, payable to KPFA, and mail it to SaveKPFA, P.O. Box 3263, Berkeley, CA 94703. We will deliver these to the station while we continue to work toward the restoration of our Morning Show.
2. If you haven’t already, you can participate in the Pledge to Pressure Pacifica with $80,000 (the amount we’re trying to raise in this particular effort) to Restore Our Morning Show. See the website for particulars.
There is, of course, a third way to donate to the station, and that is during the next on-air fundraising period, just the old fashioned way. We understand there will be one coming-up and that many folks feel there has not been sufficient crisis-free planning time and that the hard working staff (paid and volunteer) are worried about asking listeners for donations during this time of extreme turmoil. Some of you may want to donate during this time, specifically to show your appreciation for these hard working programmers,
In any case, the SaveKPFA group advises all listeners to search their hearts and their wallets and contribute to KPFA one or more of these ways. We hope to hear from you soon. We need to save KPFA.
Sincerely –
SaveKPFA