Free Radio KPFA.

October 10, 2001 7:50 PM

Free Radio KPFA. With so much talk about free press, it seems no one here knows about this Pacifica Radio flagship station (which is oddly more independent than it's parent org). Entirely listener supported since 1949.
posted by a_green_man (5 comments total)

Sorry, what's the story here? Aren't there many "entirely listener supported" stations out there? I donate every season to KPFT 90.1 every season and I get a T-shirt for it. Wo0t.
posted by bloggboy at 8:49 PM on October 10, 2001

According to KDXH (St. Louis community radio), only 30 such stations still exist nationally.
posted by skyline at 9:44 PM on October 10, 2001

Is there anything to this that it is "better" than a conglomerate-type station? Any anecdotes or evidence?
posted by owillis at 11:42 PM on October 10, 2001

The evidence consists of alternative POVs broadcast over the air. To some extent NPR stations do have alternative POVs, too. Also, Pacifica, which is the umbrella organization KPFA is under, has recently been homogenized somewhat apparently having kicked out a few of the "stalwarts" from WBAI and KPFA. Haven't followed this too closely.
posted by mmarcos at 6:30 AM on October 11, 2001

Idealism: A Viable Alternative in Today's Media World? by Norman Solomon of Media Beat is a good introduction to the battles between the Pacificia Foundation and its five radio stations.
posted by Carol Anne at 9:20 AM on October 11, 2001