KPFT Notes

Radio La Benevolencija / Humanitarian Tools Foundation is a Dutch humanitarian multi-media production NGO that uses broadcast campaigns, events and grassroots activities to encourage people to become active bystanders in the face of incitement to violence. Its campaigns endeavor to use the accumulated experience of victims of ethnocentric violence who have empowered themselves and reached a peace with their former tormentors.

Using academically researched methodologies, the organization strives to develop knowledge tools – guides on how to deal with an array of manipulative pressures that move individuals and whole societies to cause physical and mental harm. These tools are presented in media campaigns that use entertainment and education methods to reach audiences that have experienced, or are in danger of experiencing violence. A prototype of such a campaign is its African operation, “Great Lakes Reconciliation Radio,” a regional project that has been in operation in Rwanda , the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi since 2003.

We are looking for an experienced media professionals to manage a mixed media project for promoting reconciliation, trauma healing and peace building in the DRC. This is an ambitious scheme centered around radio broadcasts and backed up by community-based activities.

Essential Skills
1. Proven experience (five years) in developing, managing and supervising educational radio drama and other radio production work including feature making and live studio work.
2. Evidence of sound editorial judgment.
3. Experience of media reconciliation.
4. Fluency in French (preferably a native speaker). Working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Kiswahili a definite plus.
5. Proven experience in NGO project management, especially financial, administrative and logistic management.
6. Good communication and team-building skills.
7. Experience in managing media related grass roots activities.

Desirable
1. Knowledge of digital radio production.
2. Experience in working in Africa (preferably five years), especially the Great Lakes Region and by preference in (post) conflict zones.
3. Experience in social action broadcasting/campaigning.
4. Strong computing skills – Word/Excel.
5. Experience in local capacity building.
6. Abilities to work long hours in an unstable, complex and sensitive political environment.

Must be self-motivating and able to relocate to Eastern DRC. The post will be based in Goma or Bukavu and will require extensive travel between both towns. This is a non family duty station.

Contracts will initially be offered for one year with likely extension as the project progresses. Likely start: around April 2008.

Candidates should e-mail a CV and cover letter to George Weiss at info@labenevolencija.org.

Radio La Benevolencija
PO Box 15838
1001 NH Amsterdam
The Netherlands

The following statement by the Pacifica National Board (PNB) regarding foundation leadership was just issued:

Dan Siegel is presently serving as interim Executive Director of the Pacifica Foundation. The Pacifica National Board is in discussion with Nicole Sawaya.

This evening’s 6 p.m. rebroadcast of Democracy Now! will be preempted for BBC World Briefing’s coverage of the Benazir Bhutto assassination.

This morning’s DN! is recorded, and mentions the bombing (with remarks that Bhutto is okay), then reports with live coverage from Pakistan after live announcing Bhutto’s death. Thus, KPFT will provide updated coverage around this breaking story during the 6 p.m. hour. Thanks for your listenership.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a suicide blast that killed at least 20 at a rally today. In addition to breaking in to the morning program and BBC Newshour coverage, KPFT will air a special edition of BBC World Have Your Say at noon for ongoing reporting.

In Atlanta, Georgia, June 27-July 1, 2007, the USSF provided a self organized, democratically driven space for those opposed to the neo-liberal global drive for capital. This space connected those attending, helping build relationships and networks, provided space for participants to from each other’s experiences; shared our analysis of the problems our communities face through workshops, panels and discussions; were renewed by our shared insights and struggled shared through multiple plenary; and inspired by the arts and self organized sessions. At least 12,000 participants registered for the Forum, and up to 15,000 participated throughout the five days. Over 1,000 organizations mobilized their constituents. We filled over 2,000 four-hour volunteer shifts. We were joined with representatives from every single state in the U.S. as well as delegations from Guam, Puerto Rico, Kenya, and 64 other countries.

Description of position:

This part-time (20 hrs/wk) position will provide the necessary support for technological needs of the US Social Forum processes. Must be able to work without supervision, follow a tech plan and report progress, manage daily and monthly updates, and must be prepared for the unexpected. Movement background appreciated. This position is under the direct supervision of the Lead Staff Organizer of the USSF. Your application must include a resume, and a letter that provides your background and contact information, job experience and your qualifications. You may submit via email by January 2, 2008 to Alice Lovelace at alovelace@ussocialforum.org. A decision will be made within 10 days of January 2, 2008

Job Details:
Length of term: 6 months
Location: virtual office
Expected hours/week: 20 hrs. wk.
Application closing date: January 2, 2008
Salary: based on experience, pay period is bi-monthly
Job Begins: 2nd week of January 2008

US Social Forum Staff Tech Manager

Qualifications:

· Should have knowledge of the following programs:
· Drupal content management
· MySQL database system
· PHP language for web sites
· Experience in leading collaborative planning and implementation processes
· Experience in website maintenance and development
· Ability to handle multiple jobs or projects at once
· Ability to share roles with teams of diverse people and under a variety of working conditions
· Values should be in alignment with those of the United States Social Forum.
· Experience working with grassroots, movement-oriented organizations and communities

Job Functions:

· Writing and editing for web site content
· Work with others to create and implement a database development plan.
· Works with others to create and implement a web site development plan
· Create and help maintain email listserves.
· Provide technology advice and support to USSF staff and the NPC.

Mail one copy of application to:
U. S. Social Forum 2010 Site Committee
c/o AFSC, 92 Piedmont Avenue, NE
Atlanta, GA 30303

Sorry about missing this one.

Montreal, December 18, 2007. The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters AMARC saluted today as an important specific contribution to the recognition of community media the Joint Declaration on Diversity of Broadcasting signed by the four special mandates on freedom of expression — the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Ambeyi Ligabo; Miklos Haraszti, the Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe OSCE, Miklos Haraszti; Ignacio Alvarez, The OAS Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Faith Pansy Tlakula, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression African Commission for Human and People’s Rights, ACHPR. Read the Declaration here.

The Joint Declaration stresses the fundamental importance of diversity in the media to the free flow of information and ideas in society, in terms of both giving voice to and satisfying the information needs and other interests of all, as protected by international guarantees of the right to freedom of expression. The Declaration recognises “the varied contributions that different types of broadcasters — commercial, public service and community — as well as broadcasters of different reach — local, national, regional and international – make to diversity.

This last annual meeting of the special mandates on freedom of expression with NGOs, academics and other experts was held in Amsterdam on 7-8 December under the auspices of ARTICLE 19, Global Campaign for Free Expression, assisted by the Institute for Information Law, University of Amsterdam.

AMARC shares the concern of the Joint Declaration on Diversity of Broadcasting on the failure of many countries to recognise community broadcasting as a distinct type of broadcasting and salutes its call promoting that “Community broadcasting should be explicitly recognised in law as a distinct form of broadcasting, should benefit from fair and simple licensing procedures, should not meet stringent technological or other licensing criteria, should benefit from concessionary licence fees and should have access to advertising.

The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters is an international non-governmental organisation serving the community radio movement. AMARC links in a worldwide network more than 3000 community radios in over 110 countries through direct membership and national federations. As a network for exchange and solidarity, AMARC advocates, defends and promotes the recognition of the community radio sector worldwide.

WPFW Celebrates 30 Spirited Years on the Dial

By Hamil R. Harris
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, December 20, 2007

Three decades after WPFW (89.3 FM) went on the air, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center was packed with people and significance Saturday night for a celebration of the legacy of the station as an outlet for community activists, world issues and progressive thought juxtaposed with pure jazz.

WPFW, one of five stations in the Pacifica Radio Network, for 30 years has mixed the volatile with the peaceful, whether covering an anti-apartheid protest outside the South African Embassy or playing the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and the other jazz masters.

More than 17,000 people attended the station’s 30th anniversary gala at the Convention Center, where Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), District Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray and others talked about the importance of the station in the city’s history.

The anniversary was also an opportunity to honor civil rights activists, entertainers, a member of Congress and a journalist with Peace and Justice Awards, given by station officials and the Pacifica Foundation.

Among the honorees were Dorothy Height, president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women; singer-actor Harry Belafonte; Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.); jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins; and comedian-activist Dick Gregory, who joked that the station is even important to God, who kept it from snowing Saturday night.

“WPFW, we thank you, I never thought I would see the day when things would change so fast in 30 years,” Gregory said during a serious moment in his humorous acceptance speech.

The other honorees were Howard Zinn, a former World War II pilot who became a Spelman College professor and civil rights activist in the 1960s with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee; Ron Clark, co-founder of the Regional Addiction Prevention program and the station’s first programmer; and Amy Goodman, producer of the Pacifica show “Democracy Now!”

Reflecting on May 12, 1970, when members of the Ku Klux Klan blew up the transmitter of the Pacifica radio station in Houston, Goodman said that WPFW and other Pacifica stations have paid a price for being a forum for independent and progressive thought.

“The Ku Klux Klan strapped dynamite to the base of a transmitter. They understood how dangerous Pacifica is,” Goodman said. “Dangerous because it allows people to speak for themselves.”

Goodman’s words came between music by the a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Gloria Lynne, a Harlem-born jazz diva whose steamy ballads stirred up old passions in the crowd.

“WPFW is a direct voice into the community,” said Acie Byrd, chairman of the gala committee. “It would be a great spiritual hole in the ground not to have WPFW liven up the citizens of Washington, D.C., and the metropolitan area. It has been a public radio station that speaks truth to power.”

Even though much of WPFW’s airtime is devoted to issues programs, Harold King of Mitchellville listens to the station for the music. As he and his wife, Ruby, left the convention center, they paused as Lynne crooned a jazz melody they both knew well. King looked at his wife and said, “That’s our song.”

The wonderful Jen Howard at Free Press shares the following regarding yesterday’s FCC issues:

The new media ownership rules passed by a 3-to-2, party-line vote at the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday are far worse for the public interest — and more favorable to Big Media companies — than anything FCC Chairman Kevin Martin previously revealed to the public.

“Martin’s claims that consumer groups approve of these new rules couldn’t be farther from the truth,” said Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press. “What the FCC passed today is significantly worse than indicated in his proposal by press release. The waivers and giant loopholes contained in these new rules could spell disaster for citizens everywhere.”

The majority of the FCC voted to approve more than 40 “waivers” for pre-existing cross-owned combinations in markets large and small. These waivers will shield companies like Tribune, News Corp., Media General and Gannett from even the weak standards of Martin’s new media ownership rules.

Prior to today’s vote, Martin portrayed his proposal as a “moderate compromise” that would allow one company to own both a daily newspaper and a low-rated broadcast TV station in only the
20 largest media markets. But research from Free Press — collected in the Devil in the Details report — exposed how the loose and ambiguous “waiver” standards in the proposal left a giant loophole for Big Media companies to sidestep the ban in any market and for any station.

But the final rule — rewritten in the middle of the night before the hearing — is even worse.

“The new cross-ownership rule retains all of the loopholes — and adds two get-out-of-jail-free cards,” explained S. Derek Turner, research director of Free Press. “And based on the statements made by the commissioners today, it appears these new loopholes will allow cross-ownership mergers in virtually any market.”

StopBigMedia.com and its allies pledged to fight the new rules in Congress and in the courts. Yesterday, a bipartisan group of
26 senators sent a letter to Martin, vowing to “immediately move legislation that will revoke and nullify the proposed rule.” In
2003 — the last time the FCC tried to change media ownership rules — the Republican-controlled Senate passed a similar “resolution of disapproval.” In addition, the new rules must past muster with the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which remanded the previous rule changes back to the FCC.

“It’s time to raise hell,” said Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press. “More than two dozen senators have already vowed to throw out these new rules. And the courts won’t look too kindly on the broken and corrupt process that brought us to today’s vote. The fight is far from over. The growing public outcry is only going to get louder.”

A notice for KPFT volunteers/programmers:

Dear Friends,

You are invited and highly encouraged to set aside some time for a forthcoming HR training to deal with issues of racism and discrimination. As a community of diversity, KPFT and Pacifica are in a unique position relative to the larger community. We are, in many cases, exposed to alternatives not found in our own neighborhoods. We have an opportunity to model possible positive futures and to grow through our work together.

Here is the opportunity. The Center for Healing of Racism will conduct a special workshop for the KPFT staff and board on Friday evening January 4, 2008 and Saturday, January 5, 2008. The Friday session will run from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.The Saturday session will begin with a continental breakfast at 8am, followed by sessions from 9am until around 5pm. Lunch, beverages and snacks will be provided. The location will be Outreach Missionary Baptist Church, 5055 Bellfort at Jutland, near the intersection of Cullen and 610 South Loop. The seats are padded and comfy; you can bring your own pillow or comfort items, if you wish.

Did I mention there will be door prizes? I mean something way beyond a KPFT tee shirt or coffee mug. Details will follow soon.

Did I mention this will count toward your participation in KPFT trainings as outlined in the forthcoming volunteer programmer contracts recently approved by the Program Council?

Did I mention this is an opportunity to stretch your comfort zone and to grow?

Please take your calendar out now and write these dates in – January 4-5, 2008. Friday evening, 6:30 – 8:30. Saturday from 9 to 5.

RSVP’s should be sent to Evelyn Bethune or Susan Young, for LSB members; Eddie Garcia or Duane Bradley for staffers. RSVP by Friday, December 28.

Thanks for your time and dedication to the mission of Pacifica. You make a difference.

Peace,
Duane Bradley

The KPFT staff wants to thank volunteers for contributions to the station in 2007.

Collectively, we experienced a bumpy year with many successes, an attack on the station and several losses. Come join us as we laugh together, welcome new volunteers, hear stories from our veterans, acknowledge our collective efforts and build a tighter KPFT community.

Saturday, December 22
4-6 PM
Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar in the Heights
1031 E. 24th Street
Finger Foods will be served

After the party, invite your friends to rock ‘til 2 AM at Dead Air’s “A Very Jerry Christmas” benefit concert.