Wednesday, July 18, 2012


We knew it was coming, but the new firings at WBAI make little sense and do nothing to improve the programming. This has become a radio station that cries out for ethical cleansing, functional management, and fresh voices.

Why, one has to wonder, did they (we still don't know who is calling the shots, but it appears to be Pacifica) fire Indra Hardart, the station's Business Manager, without notice? From what I understand, this is a hard working staffer who spent many years keeping things as stable as possible while GMs passed through and listeners were driven away by bad programming. A part-time receptionist was also summarily dismissed in what some insiders see as the start of a troubling trend. Why, some have asked, were obvious expendables not the first to go? The list of desired candidates is not limited to dross on the payroll, for only a thorough sweep can make the needed difference. Who do you think should be shown the door?

Please also read the comments (below):

5 comments:

  1. Thanks goodness! At last WBAI has a management team that is not afraid to take controversial but necessary steps to improve the station.

    Now that they’ve gotten rid of that irritating business manager and that irresponsible part time receptionist that had done so much to undermine the credibility of the station, I hope they will continue removing the obstacles that keep WBAI from being an important resource. The security guard who checks the ID of visitors to the station and that meddling cleaning lady from Honduras should be the next to go.


    The Pacifica Maven

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    1. Interesting reaction from Frank LeFever, who labels your sarcasm as an example of "ignorance and perversity." I already knew that he was humorless—his repeated attempts at with having demonstrated that. However, another factor also comes into play here, for Frank is very impressed with himself and he evidently sees Reimers and co. as fodder for his ego. This makes it nigh impossible for him to be objective when it comes to WBAI, so rather than tackle the problem where it festers, he comes up with silly ideas like his "fundless drive", an effort to give the appearance of positive activity while actually serving as a distraction. He does not like the mere notion of dismissing his pals, so he protects them by advocating a status quo policy.

      These are amazingly narrow-minded, selfish people.

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  2. Dr. LeFever devotes a lot of his time and energy to WBAI. It is obvious that he cares for the station as much as you and I do. And he puts in a lot more effort than most people to support it. If he's a pompous ass at times, I forgive him. Especially when he's defending the station.

    Firing the business manager, the receptionist, the security guard, the cleaning lady,
    and the elevator operator will not save WBAI. The payroll alone, over $1.5 million according to Mitchel Cohen, requires 20,000 donations of $75.00. Does WBAI have 20,000 listeners? Does it have 20,000 listeners willing to give the station $75.00?

    And then, there is rent, the transmitter, other fixed expenses, and variable expenses.

    WBAI is living way above its means. It cannot continue to pay salaries for the hosts of Wake Up Call, the host of Talk Back, the host of Five O'Clock Shadow, a Public Affairs Director, an Arts Director, or a Chief Engineer. It cannot afford the rent for its current location on Wall Street.

    Even the best GM and PD would have a Herculean task trying to fix the station. Contracts, politics, an entrenched bureaucracy, and the lunacy of the "Pacifica culture" overwhelmed Nicole Sawaya when she tried to solve Pacifa's dilemma. And I don't see anyone of her caliber at WBAI.

    Lefever, Cohen, and some other good people on the LSB and in the station are folks who prefer to light a candle. I must confess that I am among those who curse the darkness. I hope that they persist and they prevail.


    The Pacifica Maven

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    1. Thank you, TPM, you obviously know a great deal more than I do about the current inner workings of WBAI, and I respect your balanced views. I hope Frank does, too. He really gets me frustrated, but I know that he puts a great deal of energy into what he does in connection with the station. I just disagree with his approach and wish he could divorce himself from the personal friendships he has with people who—in my opinion—either hinder progress through inexperience (Reimers) or allow self-interest to stand in the way (Knight and Davis). I agree that Frank's intent is probably honorable—as opposed to Knight and that dreadful woman who worships at his feet—so I hope he soon sees the situation from a better perspective.

      That said, the station is so far gone at this stage that there almost is no hope for it to ever regain its vitality and respect. If it is to go down, if the people who over the years have abused it should end up reaping what they unintentionally sowed, I hope that WBAI can at least end its listener-sponsored broadcast life with head held high.

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  3. Amen. Me too.


    PM

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