Remember, not so long ago, when the lack of promotion was a common complaint among WBAI supporters? A devastating exodus of the station's listenership began amid calls for a higher level of programming and greater diversity. WBAI was being morphed into a soapbox for afro-centric propaganda and morally bereft scammers. Frivolous fatal factors that, along with extraordinarily inept "management", have brought WBAI to the current point of no return.
Prayers for press were finally answered, but not as desired—if anything favorable was said, it was in the past tense. That ought to have sent a signal to Pacifica's governing bodies, but bad programming got worse, bigotry became more blatant, and certifiably incompetent managers and producers were tenured.
From time to time, you will find a pertinent press clip posted here—this one submitted by a loyal WBAI contibutor and former listener:
Aside from the pesky little detail of saying WBAI was broadcasting from the World Trade Center, which of course it never was, I hadn’t seen the ‘Going Concern’ issue presented to the public before. Did I simply miss it, or is this new information?
ReplyDeleteAlso interesting is that the value of WBAI’s frequency is given here as $10m, no source provided, far less than any figures I’ve seen previously.
All in all, amusing as one would expect.
~ ‘indigopirate’
ps:
DeleteEveryone interested in this shameful debacle ought read the Going Concern issue presented at http://www.pacifica.org/documents/financial/Pacifica_Audit_FY2015.pdf on page 1b, and its corresponding Notes 14, 19, 20, and 21. Note 14 appears on page 16, and the others follow.
Quite a story.
~ ‘indigo’
I just read a New Yorker article about Bob Fass, written a few years ago. The number of sloppy inaccuracies really surprised me, because I have always admired that publication for its diligent fact-checking. Back in the Sixties and Seventies, I frequently received calls from The New Yorker checking minute details, sometimes in connection with interviews I had given them. It was very impressive and obviously no longer a practice. I recall NY magazine's Whitney Ballet covering one of my recording sessions where Jo Jones and Roy Eldridge got into an argument regarding the veracity of Jabbo Smith's death. Whitney's notes were always taken in shorthand and tat certainly had its rewards when the quick-paced argument between Jo and Roy appears in his article verbatim. I had it on the master tape and was able to compare the two word for word.
DeleteSo, even trusted sources should be suspect.
It was actually "as much as $10 million" which means that it is the high end of a range. I have never seen such a low figure. Maybe the reporter was thinking of the proceeds from a swap and not a sale?
DeleteChecking out the source in California, a small community newsletter for two counties. They have there own gripe with over paid management and unpaid on air staff. Pacifica is not alone exploiting the air. Producers on the whole that are interesting and have.something to say go somewhere else or overnights on wbai.
DeleteBAI's frequency is worth $10 million? Yet, NOBODY will touch it. They'll disappear.
ReplyDeleteAfter Pacifica goes, EVERYBODY will want to touch it. That frequency is in commercial airspace
DeleteI thought Randy (Full of) Crapico was going to get WBAI tons of publicity. Oh, well...
ReplyDeleteSDL
Well, Judge Crater and Jimmy Hoffa generated a lot of headlines by disappearing. Credico isn't exactly known for originality, so who knows?
DeleteOf course there's Berthold Reimers, but he wasn't there even when he was.
Just want to say Happy New year to everyone. Don't worry WBAI. On January 6th, Los Tres Reyes will bring you a gift, probably another big bill to pay.
ReplyDeleteHey, Pacifica. Get that ESRT judgement paid off. You'll probably get another lawsuit from them in 2018 for the back rent you owe them since
may.
SDL
I just received this mass email from Berthold, in which he sounds to me like a manipulative, abusive husband. I want a divorce!
ReplyDelete"Subject: Happy New Year
Berthold Reimers
to WBAI
3 hours ago
Details
Dear WBAI family. I want to wish you a Happy New year. Despite all, WBAI is still here. You may not realize it but that is almost like a miracle. We punch a hole in this system. Lets get together, make a real difference and save WBAI and the Network. The National office has given up on the experiment of Pacifica. It is up to us to make it happen and I am counting on you to get it done.
I do not mean to put you on the spot but you have been derelict in your duties. I can’t fake this or hid this fact. However, I do not care about the past. You step up and do your part, new premium every fund drive, contact high value supporters and so on. You do this or just complain and we no longer have WBAI or Pacifica.
It is now 2018, a new year, so there is much room for improvement. Lets make the best of it
Sincerely,
Berthold "
Who is getting paid? Who is in charge? Sign of a true leader, putting the blame on others. Why does he have his job? Who can terminate him or indite him? He needs to go and Bates.
DeleteIndite him?
There is room for improvement, getting a competent General Manager and ethical programmer is a start. How about using brooms as premiums?
ReplyDeleteIt is not almost like a miracle that Berthold is still here.
ReplyDeleteWhy isn't the IED removing Berthold, filled with contradictions, "make a real difference and save WBAI and the Network. The National office has given up on the experiment of Pacifica." Berthold uses his own accounting software, not the Foundation's Great Plains. Grounds enough to for a forensic audit and termination. Let's make the best of it.
Berhold has punched a hole in the system, and valuable assets, it listeners and producers are flowing through the hole. Is a radio station without listeners still a radio station?
ReplyDeleteYes it is, in the same way that a restaurant without patrons is still a restaurant, but not for long.
Delete