Aura Bogado Speaks Out Against Staff Purges at KPFA

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to you as a former staffer from KPFK and FSRN. Over my years at Pacifica, I had the pleasure of working on news that was relevant to our listeners -- from daily headlines to political conventions. I loved my job, but sometimes feared the multiple threats that come with Pacifica territory. Since my departure, I've moved to freelance, and have also returned to school at Yale University.

It is my understanding that several KPFA programmers (Aimee Allison, Brian Edwards-Tiekert, Laura Prives, Sasha Lilley, John Hamilton, Christopher Martinez, Max Pringle and Rose Ketabchi) are now subject to termination. By what might appear to be sheer coincidence, each of these programmers signed a statement stating their convictions about the board's actions. For the board to even create the semblance of political retaliation is absurd at best and unethical at worst. I have worked to one degree or another with each and every single one of these people in the past, and can stand by their work. I worked with Rose Ketabchi in particular over several years, and can vouch for her professionalism and dedication. Targeting the broadcasts these programmers work on demonstrates poor fiscal judgement, since they all do an incredible job of fundraising; the Morning Show specifically is KPFA’s prime source of cash.

KPFA management, which is responsible managing personnel issues, has signed a contract with these workers through their union, and as such, has a responsibility to honor that contract. For the board to ignore that agreement and circumvent the management’s duty would be shameful. It is time the board honor the values they so constantly peddle and do the right thing: do not persecute these programmers. They are no less than the station's backbone.

Sincerely,
Aura Bogado