Houston KPFT Management Responds To Charges Of Anti-Semitism By Putting On Show From Israe

Houston KPFT Management Responds To Charges Of Anti-Semitism By Putting On Show From Apartheid Israeli Government
http://kpft.org/index.php?option=com_idoblog&task=viewpost&id=216&Itemid=143
KPFT Responds to Concerns about The Voice of Peace Program with the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest
2010.12.22 02:57:53
On December 14, KPFT launched a new series of programs led by the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest. The Voice of Peace is a biweekly program aimed at sharing a perspective not heard enough on KPFT: that of people speaking on Israel's diverse society.
KPFT has received concerns about The Voice of Peace program, mostly related to the Middle East conflict.
The catalyst for The Voice of Peace was a recent KPFT call-in program, during which callers forwarded anti-Jewish conspiracy theories. Out of the comments began a conversation between the station and Consulate staff about addressing prejudices, and the need for broadcasting from a community speaking about the many facets of Israel to an audience that may primarily mischaracterize it solely with conflict.
The Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest is a natural choice to produce The Voice of Peace. It has undoubtedly the broadest and most diverse connections with the Jewish community in our region. It has the resources to offer with authority a glimpse of Israeli life as few legitimately can. With a constituency spanning five U.S. states, the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest organizes scores of cultural, interfaith, media and community events annually.
KPFT and Consulate staff envisioned The Voice of Peace as a program that can convey Israel's heterogeneous society, from historical items to cultural performances, events and more.
One can expect The Voice of Peace will take on Middle East conflicts from an Israeli perspective, just as other KPFT programs present opposition voices. All parties are not averse to debate, and believe in an exchange of ideas. KPFT is hopeful such an exercise builds understanding and helps everyone to see how conflict impacts all communities.
For years, KPFT has been a place where many individuals and groups, sometimes with differing ideas, could come and be provided a space on the radio dial to convey a message. As a radio station with an educational license, our objective is to give listeners the tools to make informed decisions. More communication, not less, makes informed decisionmaking possible.
KPFT management believes the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest and voices from the community of which it is engaged have a right to be on the air. Their programming makes us a stronger radio station. Excluding, marginalizing or silencing communities from the airwaves sets a dangerous precedent. KPFT believes censoring or banning Israeli voices does not serve our listeners, even those who may disagree with particular policies.
KPFT is committed to the run for the program, and we look forward to a lasting relationship.
Duane Bradley, general manager
Ernesto Aguilar, program director