Protests hit New York radio station

Protesters back WBAI, but Pacifica say stations need younger audiences

Listeners have been demonstrating outside WBAI radio in New York City in the latest twist in a long-running struggle at America's oldest independent radio network.

Protestors were supporting three WBAI staff, who were sacked just before Christmas, by WBAI's parent company, the Pacifica network.

Locks were changed at WBAI's Wall Street studios, after the staff - including general manager Valerie Van Isler, who had worked at the station for more than 20 years - were dismissed just before Christmas.

Ms Van Isler had refused to leave WBAI and move to the Pacifica national office in Washington.

Pacifica, established in 1949 and a stalwart champion of left-wing causes, runs five radio stations across the United States.

Unlike the larger public broadcasting networks, National Public Radio and PBS, Pacifica accepts no commercial sponsorship or advertising, and only a small level of funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Almost all its costs are met from listener donations.

Autonomy

Traditionally, Pacifica member stations have had considerable autonomy in matters of staffing and programming.

But the present stand-off mirrors a similar dispute in 1999 at another Pacifica station, KPFA in Berkeley, where staff were dismissed, leading to bitter protests on the air and in the streets.

It is not immediately clear what is behind the dismissals at WBAI.

"It was a complete shock and surprise," Ms Van Isler said.

Critics believe that the Pacifica is trying to dilute the traditional counter-culture message of the stations.

Others think that Pacifica is considering selling one of its frequencies.

In the crowded and competitive New York radio market, the WBAI licence could fetch $150m.

Seeking new listeners

But Pacifica says it is just trying to broaden its audience.

"When they did the demographics of KPFA, the profile that came back from the consultants said that the average listener was in the middle 50s, white and male. You need younger and newer blood coming in," said Pacifica board vice-chairman Kenneth Ford.

But staff have been left feeling uncertain about the future of the station.

"Many people feel like there's a purging going on at this station," said presenter Amy Goodman, "and it is very frightening, between the firings and the banning of people.

"It's a very chilling atmosphere."