KPFT Notes

The Pacifica Radio Archives and Brian DeShazor, its Director, will be honored by the National Federation of Community Broadcasters with the 2010 Bader Award.

The Pacifica Radio Archives assess, preserve and make available to the widest possible public, historic radio programs of the highest social, cultural and artistic value in its collection of approximately 40,500 original audio tapes. These programs, mostly dating from the 1950s through the 1980s, document the essential movements, experiments and musings of the latter half of the 20th century, as broadcast on one or more of the Pacifica Radio Stations: KPFA in Berkeley, California; KPFK in Los Angeles, California; KPFT in Houston, Texas; WBAI in New York City; and WPFW in Washington, DC. The Archives project began was commenced in 1973.

Mr. DeShazor began his work with Pacifica in 1998 when he came to the Archives as a temporary worker. In 1999 the Foundation was in turmoil with a takeover and lockout, and he was one of the few people in the Foundation who saw the intrinsic value in these Archives, materials worthy of being protected and preserved. He immediately began his work with his mentor, Adi Gevins, on preserving the tapes. In 2002 Pacifica Radio embarked on a long-term preservation & access project. They were granted small sums from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Grammy Foundation. With these grants, DeShazor and the staff were able to bring in consultants and shape the Archives into what they are today. The Archives can be accessed at www.Pacificaradioarchives.org.

Much of the success of these Archives is due to Mr. DeShazor’s sheer passion for the project. He described his connection this way: “These recorded histories have never been accessible to the general public. These recordings document civil rights and liberties which are not taught in schools. I am so privileged to have access to this education and I am humbled to be able to share it. Community radio possesses so much that is worthy of preservation and legacy.”

NFCB is honored to present this award to the Pacific Radio Archives and its Director, Brian DeShazor. Debbie Benedict, NFCB Board Chair and General Manager of WTIP in Grand Marais, Minnesota said, “The Pacifica Archives represent an extraordinary asset not only for Community Radio, but for the American people. The NFCB Board places high value on the preservation of our history. We are grateful to Brian and his staff for the loving care they have given to these precious resources.”

The Bader Award is given annually for a single stunning innovation or a lifetime of vital contributions to Community Radio. This award honors individuals or groups whose work has advanced the vision and values of Community Radio, whether in programming, management, infrastructure development, technology or development of the field. The winner is chosen by the Board of Directors of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters.

Mr. DeShazor will be presented with the award at the 2010 Community Radio Conference, June 9-12 in St Paul, Minnesota. Previous Bader Award Recipients include: John Crigler (2009) of Garvey Schubert Barer, Hugo Morales (2008) of Radio Bilingüe, and Ellin O’Leary (2007) of Youth Radio.

The National Federation of Community Broadcasters is an alliance of stations, producers, and others committed to Community Radio. NFCB advocates for national public policy, funding, recognition, and resources on behalf of its membership, while providing services to empower and strengthen community broadcasters through the core values of localism, diversity and public service.