WBAI Opens Applications For LMAs, Restricts Bids To Noncommercial, Nonprofit Entities

LMA Process Started

Updating a story ALL ACCESS reported earlier this week (NET NEWS 10/14), PACIFICA FOUNDATION RADIO has started the paperwork seeking proposals from organizations entering into an LMA to operate troubled noncommercial Variety WBAI/NEW YORK, the financial difficulties of which have increased in recent years.  The request for proposals restricts applicants to those who would preserve WBAI's noncommercial status and ability to receive CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING grants.

The RFP, styling the LMA as a "Public Service Operating Agreement," requires proposals, as in all LMAs, to leave the station's programming policies in the licensee's hands, and retail at least two WBAI employees, one as a manager reporting solely to PACIFICA.  The proposals must cover rent at the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING and main studio costs as well as any other operating costs incurred by PACIFICA, and must run less than the eight year license period for the station.   Applicants must be "bona fide nonprofit organizations in good standing" and must "continue to broadcast noncommercial programming that will serve programming interests otherwise unserved in the greater NEW YORK CITY area and to advance the mission set forth in PACIFICA's Articles of Incorporation."

Applications are due by NOVEMBER 6th.

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