From the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
Thu Jan 4 2018 (Updated 02/07/18)
KPFA Radio at Risk
Pacifica Radio on the Ropes; Could Be Out of Existence by Middle of January
On January 8, Berkeley's KPFA radio may have its money and property seized by the Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT) because of a 1.8 million dollar debt accumulated by sister station WBAI in New York. At that point, KPFA's building and bank account may no longer be under their own control, potentially taking not only WBAI off the air, but the entire Pacifica Network which includes KPFA in Berkeley, KPFK in Los Angeles, KPFT in Houston, and WPFW in Washington D.C.
The imminent danger arose from a judgment against the Pacifica Foundation over transmitter rents owed by WBAI to ESRT. On October 4, 2016, a judge issued a ruling allowing ESRT to file in all states where Pacifica has properties, allowing them to seize money and property across the entire network. In response, the Pacifica National Board authorized the preparation of a bankruptcy petition as a backup plan on December 18. Former KPFA and Pacifica board member Tracy Rosenberg recommends as a possible solution that Pacifica take out a loan to settle WBAI's debt and remove the threat of liens and other legal action by ESRT. Some have suggested that WBAI shut down and sell its broadcast licence to cover the debt and save the greater Pacifica network.
KPFA commenced broadcasting in 1949, but may be forced to cease broadcasting due to financial and legal problems not of its own making. The Pacifica National Board has yet to take decisive action to protect the assets of the foundation, leaving the future of the network uncertain. How aggressive ESRT will be regarding Pacifica's assets on January 8 remains unknown.
Read More: The Fate of KPFA | Pacifica ED's motion to file for bankruptcy to protect its assets, including KPFA | The Imminent Threat to KPFA / Pacifica Radio | What The Dickens Is Going On? (Some Slightly More Accurate Info on KPFA/Pacifica) | Real estate mogul Tony Malkin wants KPFA and Pacifica Foundation properties | Pacifica Radio on the ropes; may be out of existence by middle of January | KPFA radio at risk due to $1.8 million judgment against Pacifica Foundation
The imminent danger arose from a judgment against the Pacifica Foundation over transmitter rents owed by WBAI to ESRT. On October 4, 2016, a judge issued a ruling allowing ESRT to file in all states where Pacifica has properties, allowing them to seize money and property across the entire network. In response, the Pacifica National Board authorized the preparation of a bankruptcy petition as a backup plan on December 18. Former KPFA and Pacifica board member Tracy Rosenberg recommends as a possible solution that Pacifica take out a loan to settle WBAI's debt and remove the threat of liens and other legal action by ESRT. Some have suggested that WBAI shut down and sell its broadcast licence to cover the debt and save the greater Pacifica network.
KPFA commenced broadcasting in 1949, but may be forced to cease broadcasting due to financial and legal problems not of its own making. The Pacifica National Board has yet to take decisive action to protect the assets of the foundation, leaving the future of the network uncertain. How aggressive ESRT will be regarding Pacifica's assets on January 8 remains unknown.
Read More: The Fate of KPFA | Pacifica ED's motion to file for bankruptcy to protect its assets, including KPFA | The Imminent Threat to KPFA / Pacifica Radio | What The Dickens Is Going On? (Some Slightly More Accurate Info on KPFA/Pacifica) | Real estate mogul Tony Malkin wants KPFA and Pacifica Foundation properties | Pacifica Radio on the ropes; may be out of existence by middle of January | KPFA radio at risk due to $1.8 million judgment against Pacifica Foundation
2025-02-22
Musk and Trump Blasted for Attempting Fascist Takeover
Front Page
| Labor & Workers
| Central Valley
| San Francisco
| South Bay
| East Bay
| Peninsula
| North Bay / Marin
| California
| U.S.
| Government & Elections
| Santa Cruz Indymedia2025-01-14
Healthcare Profiteers Encounter Protest at Investors Gathering
Front Page
| Health, Housing & Public Services
| San Francisco
| Palestine2025-01-01
Photography From Gaza By Journalist Ahmed Younis
Front Page
| Anti-War
| Media Activism & Independent Media
| Arts + Action
| East Bay
| Palestine2024-12-31
Launched 25 Years Ago, Riseup.net Continues Providing Vital Infrastructure
Front Page
| Global Justice & Anti-Capitalism
| Media Activism & Independent Media
| U.S.
| International2024-12-30
After Quick "Hiatus" Editors of IGD Continue Publishing
Front Page
| Global Justice & Anti-Capitalism
| Media Activism & Independent Media
| U.S.2024-12-24
A Shifting Landscape for Autonomous Anti-Capitalist Media
Global Justice & Anti-Capitalism
| Media Activism & Independent Media
| U.S.2024-12-23
Daniel Andreas San Diego Wanted for Questioning in Bay Area Bombings
Front Page
| Police State & Prisons
| East Bay
| U.S.
| International
| Animal Liberation2024-06-11
If Passed, Measure J Will Ban "Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations"
North Bay / Marin
| Government & Elections
| Animal Liberation2024-06-11
Activists Stand in Solidarity with Horses Who Lost Their Lives at Race Track
East Bay
| Animal Liberation2024-06-11
Two Years After Shireen Abu Akleh Was Killed, There Still Is No Justice
Media Activism & Independent Media
| San Francisco
| International2024-06-11
Crisis Team Provides Students with Non-Police Response to Mental Health Crises
Police State & Prisons
| Health, Housing & Public Services
| Education & Student Activism
| California
| Santa Cruz Indymedia
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network