WBAI/New York Shuts Down Local Programming, Airs National Pacifica Feed

No Local

PACIFICA noncommercial Variety WBAI/NEW YORK, beset by long-term financial problems, has pulled the plug on local programming and has switched to carrying a national PACIFICA feed.

In a message sent to producers and posted on TWITTER by show producer/host JEFF SIMMONS, PACIFICA FOUNDATION said, "Due to ongoing and continued projections of further financial losses at WBAI, local station operations are being discontinued as of OCTOBER 7, 2019. We realize this news will come as a deep and painful shock, but we can no longer jeopardize the survival of the entire network.... We will relaunch WBAI once we are able to create a sustainable financial structure for the station. We will be airing a network source called PACIFICA ACROSS AMERICA until then."

In a press release sent out later on MONDAY, PACIFICA Board Vice Chair SABRINA JACOBS said, "This is a painful moment for us, especially for the WBAI staff and volunteers who have done their best to keep it going. As soon as financially and logistically possible, a plan will be drawn up to address how we can rebuild our NY station into a vibrant local going operation."

PACIFICA Board Member JAN GOODMAN was quoted as saying, WBAI has had to repeatedly call on other PACIFICA stations to help fund its payroll and other operating expenses. We can no longer keep taking money for essential services from our stations in LA, SF BAY, HOUSTON, and DC communities to cover WBAI's continued shortfalls. This practice is endangering the entire FOUNDATION."

Consulting programmer QUINCY MCCOY said, "We want to be a bigger and stronger network. PAA (PACIFICA ACROSS AMERICA) is a progressive, independent radio network whose mission is to provide a platform for independent voices, unfiltered news and analysis and diverse cultural programming that entertains and targets issues concerning our communities. The variety of programming on PAA will help WBAI grow new listeners and fulfill PACIFICA's mission at lower costs, with some of the best programming our network offers, including local content, while providing listeners with under-reported news, in-depth public affairs, and cultural shows that New Yorkers can't hear anywhere else."

PACIFICA Interim Exec. Dir. JOHN VERNILE said, "PACIFICA's mission of providing a space for peaceful, informed dialogue has never been more needed -- from the unfolding climate catastrophe, to the mounting immigration tragedy, the rise of fascism and white nationalism, and the very real threat to democracy, there has never been a greater need for an effective progressive radio network. As a native New Yorker I know that the people of NY want, need and will support an intelligent and compelling local PACIFICA voice. I am eager to see us begin our loval rebuilding efforts as quickly as possible."

WBAI has been battling severe financial difficulties for several years, including legal wrangling over its former transmitter space lease at the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING which led to the station's move to 4 TIMES SQUARE.

WOW. WBAI has been shut down - after 60 years. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the station. This is a big loss for NYC. pic.twitter.com/WqbS22cfEF

— Jeff Simmons (@JackHites) October 7, 2019

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