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It's January and WBAI will once again be appealing for
funds. Pleas, promises and promotional items will be
the order of the day as show hosts and station personnel
attempt to to get into their listener's pockets. How can we
ignore the fact that the present regime at Pacifica
and WBAI has broken the promises that they made in their
fight against the old board? Are listeners expected to
overlook
the cronyism, paternalism, racism and exclusion of the
larger audience as ultra-radical ideologies supercede the
good of the station and network itself?
Ten Reasons to Boycott WBAI/Pacifica
There are many reasons to boycott WBAI
during the upcoming fund drive and to withhold money until
changes are made. Here are ten.
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The current regime is illegitimate, having come to
power through intimidation and threats against members of
the former Board.
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People at WBAI hold hidden intents and goals, which
should be divulged, acknowledged, and then scrutinized
before money is committed in support of their agendas.
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The lack of real institutional and consistent
financial transparency at WBAI and Pacifica could allow
funds to disappear into an unaccountable morass.
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WBAI managers continue to use veiled threats and
intimidation against employees and volunteers.
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There is no public accounting of funds provided for
Democracy Now and Amy Goodman’s contract with Pacifica.
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Long-time staffers and newly “fired and banned”
producers have not been given an opportunity to return as
provided under the agreement signed by current management.
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WBAI and Pacifica managers refuse to take a clear and
unequivocal stand against on-air racism and anti-Semitism at
WBAI and other Pacifica stations.
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There is a climate of fear at WBAI, instead of one of
cooperation, respect and collegiality.
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The current regime led by Bernard White refuses to
take responsibility for its actions.
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WBAI continues to ignore or
to patronize the thousands
of listeners who question the removal of Gary Null's
Wednesday broadcast.
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