MORE PRESS
Here's what the LA Weekly's
March 21, 2014 edition has to say.
It's a long article, but a must read—the writer has good insight. —Chris
And this piece, considerably tamer, offers further proof that, if the Pacifica audience has stopped listening, the press hasn't. Author Jesse Walker, whose 2001 book on radio's alternative history, Rebels On the Air, included a somewhat distorted segment on WBAI, pretty much has his facts straight this time, but one might wish that he had dug deeper.
Here's yet another piece, this one, from The Villager, is by Paul DeRienzo. As with all these linked-to write-ups, be sure to read the readers' comments. This particular one drew response from former WBAI Program Director, Bernard White, who is currently a member of WBAI's LSB.
This one, from the March 21, 2014 issue of American Thinker, was written by Thomas Lifso. He calls it Death Throes at a Pillar of the American Left. Remember how LSB member Frank LeFever used to creep around with his repetitive, clueless call for WBAI promotion? Nobody's heard about the station, he used to complain, ignoring the fact that most of the program content he wanted people to know about had become unlistenable. Well, all this proves the old adage that one has to be careful when wishing for things—they just might come true.
And this piece, considerably tamer, offers further proof that, if the Pacifica audience has stopped listening, the press hasn't. Author Jesse Walker, whose 2001 book on radio's alternative history, Rebels On the Air, included a somewhat distorted segment on WBAI, pretty much has his facts straight this time, but one might wish that he had dug deeper.
Chaos at Pacifica
A very solid, very impressive piece, in my opinion.
ReplyDelete~ 'indigopirate'
I think it is an excellent piece, the best we have see, so far. I am glad the author used self-appointed Pacifica historian," Matthew Lasar sparingly, because he is not at all a reliable source.
DeleteIan Master's call for "adult supervision" is wonderful. I have been hard on Summer Reese, but, while I still believe she made some terrible mistakes, I think she looks quite good compared to the Wilkinson thugs. This whole thing is farcical beyond belief. I hope this piece is read by some of the bozos who still hang in there ans see a halo atop Null's head.
You made me aware of this article, Indigo....a cannot thank you enough.
You're very welcome, Chris :)
Delete~ 'Indigo'
Meanwhile...24x7..."Hi everyone. I'm Gary Null..."
ReplyDeleteThe article is indeed insightful and, as Chris said, Ian Masters' call for "adult supervision" is great. Sometimes I think Geoff Brady believes he's Masters.
ReplyDeleteOne thing the article makes clear, at least to me, is just how much contempt Pacifica and local Pacifica station boards and managers seem to have for their listeners. Perhaps even worse, they see no need to cultivate a new generation of listeners.
The author of the article sounds the death knell for Pacifica (and, by extension, BAI) about as clearly as anyone has. And blame is laid squarely on individual greed, pride and ambition--and on out-and-out mendacity. That Summer Reese actually comes off less badly than some other people--and Null doesn't seem particularly unusual--in the author's portrayals shows just what an absurd situation pertains at Pacifica and its stations.
Yes, there are many indications of the contempt Pacifica has for its listener-supporters, but perhaps none more obvious than the low-caliber programming.
DeleteI've finally figured out what qualifies Michael G. Haskins for his position.
ReplyDeleteYou see, during the last years I was a regular listener, there was this producer named Will K. Wilkins. He seemed to be interested in everything from world music to educational psychology and was engaging in a learned kind of way. Everyone called him "Will K".
"Will K...Hmm..." A light bulb went off in Haskin's head. "That's the key to good radio," he concludes. "A catchy name with a middle initial.
Will K, Michael G. And the rest is history.
Shades of Mary Kay. A lightbulb makes sense—there's plenty of room in there—but I could have sworn the batteries were dead. :)
ReplyDeleteSo far today there is one comment on the LA Weekly site -- from Ann Garrison, self-described producer. Now, the entire article goes into the nasty infighting within Pacifica...the politics, the greed and perhaps outright fraud. But on what subject does Ms. Garrison choose to comment? The "right wing" NPR! This, after the article excoriates Pacifica for being out of touch and a bit too "lefty". So, now, Ms. Garrison believes that NPR is a tool of the state -- keeping the consipracy fires burning. She ends her comment with "Irony is a casualty of empire, and NPR is empire's outlet. That's one reason the Pacifica Network is still important." Now, THAT is irony.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was shocked that Null is accused of getting monetary kickbacks from his premiums (aside from free advertising). I'm sure that is a violation of Federal non-profit tax laws. Isn't this rather serious?
The claims that Null is profiting directly from sales of his products through the WBAI marketplace do not at all surprise me. Pay close attention to his WBAI sales pitches and I think you might agree that he protests too much. Lately, he has even gone so far as to say that he gives the station such a price break that he actually loses money. It's all because he believes so strongly in the station whose mission he, in fact, has been instrumental in re-routing.
DeleteI sold a classy NYC bridge to some tourists the other day, just as a half dozen pigs flew over it.
BTW, I didn't make a penny on the deal. :)
Chris-- y'all there on the Right Coast are pretty confused about the identity of the "thugs" in this matter, the source of the problems, and the true colors and credibility quotient of Tracy Rosenberg. No surprise there-- she has always favored making alliances with those at a distance-- they have to take her word for things-- over trying to earn it by fair and honest dealing in her home district.
ReplyDeleteAs to universally crap programming-- speak for your own station. KPFA has a quorum of good programming that has kept me listening for decades. And it is THIS programming that is besieged, very particularly, by Ms. Rosenberg and her various cadres.
ReplyDeleteIt is entirely reasonable to think this is not inadvertent, but by design: the ship is not sinking because it has always had holes, but because of the team involved in drilling as many holes into the hull as possible.
Chris, Your comments about Ms. Wilkinson are totally uncalled for. She's highly respected in the bay area and beyond. If you have been taken in by Summer Reese, that's very disappointing. She's dishonest and most likely, mentally ill. Too bad to have to put your writings in to the "completely clueless" column.
ReplyDeleteI might give credence to your comment if I knew who you were, but "anon" could be anyone, including Ms. Wilkinson herself.
DeleteAs for having been "taken in" by Summer Reese, if you had read my comments on her, you would know that she is not someone whose association with Pacifica I see in a favorable light. The recent behavior of the Siegel/Wilkinson faction has, however, somewhat brightened that light.
There is looniness and unprofessional, questionable behavior on both sides and think Pacifica can only survive if the slate is wiped clean, which, of course, it won't be.
Like I've said before - it's a fight between bad and worse!
ReplyDelete(JustAListener)
ReplyDelete"dishonest and most likely, mentally ill."
That seems to be the primary criteria for a Pacifica management position in this century.