WPFW TODAY -

COMMENT BY LESTER RADKE

Many of us feel the need to be involved in the creation of a national movement to rebuild the progressive mission of Pacifica. To do this it's helpful to know the history of different stations on our network, as well as what their status is today.

WPFW started as a university station owned by the Catholic church, which broadcast some progressive programs as well as pro-abortion slots, and therefore was dumped by the church. It evolved into a jazz station, many folks in DC struggled to develop it into a community and progressive station as a part of Pacifica, with some success, and devolved into a station that has limited progressive content (they still run Democracy Now - see below comment) but no local coverage. This station is one we need badly, given its strategic location. Comrades are going to demand that they be allowed to do live coverage of anti-IMF and World bank demonstrations.

We'll have further coverage when they refuse to allow this, even though the comrades are long-time broadcasters who are well known in the movement. (Of course we'll be pleased when they agree to do live coverage, demand the resignation of the National Governing board, led by Bessie Wash, and declare that Arbitron ratings be damned, our main mission is to oppose the transnational corporations that are crushing the international working class.)

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