Pat Logan, candidate questionnaire
1. Why do you wish to serve on the Local Station Board?
I would like to serve on the Local Station Board to repay a small part of the debt I owe WBAI for being my single most important source of information and education during most of my life. For example, I could not have developed feminist consciousness without the women's programming so prevalent during the 1970's and in such short supply today. As a blind person I had almost no access to print material written from a progressive perspective until the advent of screen reading computer software and the wide availability of the Internet.
I also hope to be a very imperfect stand in for Susan Blake, an energetic, wise and well loved Long Island activist who died on October 2nd. In our last conversation she told me that if she were in better health she would have been an independent candidate. Considering her perseverance and her wide circle of supporters from various struggles I have no doubt that she would have won a Board seat and played a very positive role.
2. What skills, qualifications and experience would you bring to the board?
I will bring to the Board well developed listening skills and the ability to remain calm during stressful situations. Having listened to the station since 1966 and having been active, though not a leader, during the 1977 crisis and during the formative stages--precoup--of our present problems I have a long term perspective which I have no doubt will be valuable. Shouldn't we try to revive what was best about WBAI during its various periods and learn what we can from past mistakes? I bring a strong conpulsion to convince others to open themselves to experience the unique power and wonder of learning from and being mezmarized by audio material, whether it be dramas or documentaries.
3. What can be done to improve the dynamics and effectiveness of the Local Station Board?
MTo improve the effectiveness of the LSB we must elect delegates who are willing to fully utilize the powers granted to the Board by both the Bylaws and the California Code, which has jurisdiction because Pacifica is a California corporation. These include oversight of finances and consideration of the relivence of programming to the listeners we serve.
The Board has to recognize that it must not be a rubber stamp for WBAI Management or for the proposals of the Pacifica National Office. Along with staff and management, it is part of a system of checks and balances. Constructive criticism and even resistance are as important in this case as they are for good citizens and residents of the US when considering government policies. We love our station and our country but must serve neither uncritically.
4. What LSB committees would you like to join? What Pacifica National Board committees?
For several years I have been a member of the LSB program Committee. This year I joined the Radio Committee which prepares the LSB reports to the listener. The national committees I would like to join are the Affiliates Committee, The Pacifica Archives (PRA) Task Force and perhaps the Technology Committee. I have no special legal or financial expertese.
5. Would you be interested in serving on the Pacifica National Board, and why?
If elected by the LSB I would give serious consideration to serving on the National Board. However, I wonder how anyone has sufficient stamina for 15 hour meetings. I am also extremely reluctant to commit to such frequent air travel.
6. How do you view the dynamics between the Pacifica network and local station autonomy?
There must be a balance between Pacifica Network mandates and responsibilities and the maintenance of a good deal of station autonomy. For example, in the area of programming, some high quality National programs should be produced with Pacifica having the authority to mandate that they be aired. However, the National Board should place a cap on how much air time must be allotted for such programs.
8. What can be done to preserve and share the treasures of the Pacifica Archives?
The question was recently asked (and I'm paraphrasing): should the Pacifica Archive be a library or should it be a bookstore?
In order to achieve its maximum potential, why can't it be both? I suggest that a certain amount of material be free to individuals while institutions, such as University libraries could be approached and be asked to purchase material. A sliding scale could be instituted such as exists in the Affiliates program. If organizations have the capacity to provide us with needed services, such as band width or publicity expertese, these could be accepted in lieu of cash. In this way PRA could gain, income, assistance and a wider audience of individuals interested in learning and research.
9. Do you have any ideas for new approaches to fundraising for Pacifica?
The idea of novel sources of fund-raising for Pacifica is in the main a mirage. Certainly Pacifica can organize bigger and better events; send out larger or better targeted mailings. But as is the case with longer fund drives the results diminish until they reach a point of counterproductivity.
Like it or not, when it comes to Pacifica fund-raising there are two essential variables: listeners and programming. The size of the first is dependent upon the quality and availability of the second. The reverse is also true. The size of the listenership, as reflected in their contributions, allows stations to put more or less resources into production. So Pacifica must improve and diversify programming and create more outlets to reach a broader audience in order to raise more money. Period.
10. How do you view Pacifica’s potential in providing internet content?
I am deeply interested in this question of Internet content and Pacifica's role, but as yet I do not possess sufficient knowledge to offer a valuable contribution to the discussion. I will merely say that I am greatly impressed with the open source model of creation and distribution and feel that it accords well with the Pacifica mission.
12. What can be done to improve our signal strength?
Our signal strength is one of WBAI's greatest assets. We must hold onto our commercial frequency at almost any cost. To become a smaller 'community" radio station--whose community?--is not my vision for the future of WBAI and is not a palatable option.
13. Should the station consider relocating the studio to other facilities? Where and Why?
Everyone reading this recognizes that WBAI not only should but must relocate to a less expensive space, ideally one that Pacifica and/or WBAI owns. If I am on the LSB when options are discussed I will, as a woman, demand that it be located in a neighborhood which is relatively safe at all hours and, as a blind person, do all I can to make sure that it is, if anything, closer to public transportation than our current space. To accommodate staff and volunteers it must remain within the five boroughs.
14. How can our station better serve under-represented communities?
Better programming!! The station serves its listenership, both actual and potential, by providing the best programming possible. To better serve specific under-represented communities, under-representation needs to be assessed, and specific outreach done towards members of communities under-represented on WBAI.
I strongly believe that shows aimed a specific community need to have some appeal for the wider audience. Several of the "community" shows on WBAI meet this standard, which is a good thing.
15. How can our station better serve the many linguistic communities of the signal area?
Obviously It is not possible for Pacifica or WBAI to accommodate the language of all our immigrant communities. Since in New York City Spanish is virtually a second language WBAI should endeavor to create bilingual programming which will inform non-English speakers and accomplish the mission by increasing understanding of Latino issues.
Should HD become a reality a portion of o our second stream should be given over to public affairs and arts programs in several languages.
16. What do you see as our station’s strong and weak points?
At present WBAI's greatest strength is our arts programming, most of which is intellectually challenging and/or stimulates the imagination. The news is good and has the potential to improve significantly given more financial resources. "Wakeup Call" under the stewardship of Deepa Fernandez, has been excellent. We must not lose our tradition of free form radio still exemplified by "Radio Unnameable" and several other overnight shows.
I will mention two of the station's significant weaknesses. One is a divergence from the 'mission" exemplified by a non-welcoming and (usually covertly) hostile attitude toward listeners on the part of too many program hosts, a tone which has driven many listeners away. There are gaps in the range of programs WBAI provides. We lack in house production of documentaries. The tradition of broadcasting lectures/teach ins and poetry readings as well as concerts must be restored.
17. Have you ever been party to, or provided support for, a lawsuit involving Pacifica or its employees? When and Why?
I have never been involved in a law suit concerning Pacifica or WBAI.
18. How do you think the election process for Local Station Board can be improved?
The local election process can be improved in several essential ways. First, membership records must be audited for accuracy, after which better procedures and training must be implemented in all phases of the process, pledge taking to data entry, to ensure that never again will eligible voters be deprived of a ballot as has happened in the past. Second, somewhat more air time must be allocated to candidates so that voters have greater familiarity with them. Third, the ballot amendment which would move the process to earlier in election years must be defeated since it would put the actual voting period in midsummer when more people are away on vacation than at any other time.
19. What are your hobbies, interests, and other organizational affiliations?
I am a member of the NYC chapters of School of The Americas Watch and the National Federation of the Blind as well as The NYC labor chorus and the Juanita Young Support Committee. I maintain a longstanding commitment to learn as much as I can, considering my inability to speak Spanish, about the popular movements and cultures of Latin America. I support justice for Palestine and for all immigrants.
I am passionate about breaking the stranglehold of conventional, drug and surgery driven medicine on this society. In particular, I speak with women daily about our ability to avoid menopause and hysterectomies..
I most enjoy reading hard and sociological science fiction and biographies of revolutionary and progressive people such as Edward Said and Elizabeth Girley Flyn. My musical tastes include folk music, doo wop, rhythm and blues of the '50's through early '70's, nueva cancion, Irish vocal music, some top 40 and classic and current country music.
20. What question(s) would you pose to your fellow candidates?
I would direct the following question to each of the candidates for the LSB: The Pacifica Bylaws and the California Corporate Code grant to Local Station Boards several important powers which were not available to LAB's when these Boards were merely advisory in nature. In simple terms list at least two of these and explain your interpretation of how and when they should be used.