James Bryan

I stand for simplicity in the governance of WBAI and Pacifica. WBAI needs to return to the vanguard of progressive media in this country and around the planet.

This needs to translate into all of the aspects one would expect from a first-class media organization.

I am a longtime listener and have, for years, attended Local Station Board meetings to give the Board feedback. I am now ready to take on the responsibilities I have urged on the Board during all those years. I have over 10 years of experience in computer and consumer technology, and can make a substantial contribution to bringing the station well into the 21st century. Our aim should be to come abreast of what the world is using and be positioned to utilize new developments to spread Pacifica’s message.

News: WBAI long had a legacy of covering topics that mainstream outlets minimized or ignored. At a time when self-professed liberals and progressives support endless wars and Republicans and Blue-Dog Democrats dictate what is acceptable economic policy, we need information that relays the actual attitudes and circumstances in the country. The station needs to be a true alternative to corporate media.

Community affairs: WBAI must return to a central mission of being on the ground throughout the tristate region. This needs to go beyond specific projects or initiatives–it has to be a core mission and philosophy of the station. WBAI must commiserate and break bread with current and future listeners where they live, sharing in activities that are of importance to them. Claiming fiscal restraints to this is absurd. There needs to be thoughtful examination of fiscal priorities and the re-development of genuine partnerships. Disconnecting in any way from those who sustain the station is unjustifiable and unintelligent.

Arts and Culture: WBAI needs to once again be an outlet that broadens its listeners’ cultural palates. Using racist capitalist/monopolist-oriented Arbitron data to replicate commercially oriented programming on the station is counterproductive. WBAI cannot successfully outdo commercial radio on its own terms. That can only make it sound mediocre, and ultimately will not advance financial support for the station.

Please rank ALL the Justice and Unity candidates in the following order on your ballot, to maximize the value of your vote (this will ensure that the highest possible number of us will be elected):.

We recommend the Arise slate—Rank them 8, 9, and 10 in whatever order you prefer.:

• What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station’s mission?

  have over 10 years of experience in computer and consumer technology, and am able to explain very technical concepts and features in understandable ways. I will endeavor to use these skills to keep listener members engaged in the day-to-day workings of the station, and I will also be able to work on the national board’s technology taskforce. Our aim should be to come abreast of what the world is using and be positioned to utilize new developments to spread Pacifica’s message.

• What do you appreciate and value in the station’s current operations?

  The current executives of the station seem have done their best to keep WBAI on the air, and I hope that their cooperation with staff and LSB members who truly want to help can lead to a positive way forward for the station.

• What would you like to see improved or changed in the station’s current operations?

  Station leadership must be open to partnerships with regional media entities to share best practices and, more importantly, broaden promotion of the station, ultimately allowing for genuine growth. Planned coverage of high- and low-profile events will allow listeners to hear unique perspectives. Creating working collectives is a way to increase our flexibility and draw in more, and more varied, communities.

• Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.

  In no particular order…

  First, revamp our elections: Rein in the unregulated big-money elections at WBAI and Pacifica, and ensure that members can verify their votes by using paper ballots.

  Second, treat our staff better: WBAI has to be at the forefront of union organization and needs to once again become a truly unionized workplace.

  Third, build trust: The Board must coalesce around some operating principles for the survival and growth of the station and to maximize the station’s usefulness to area communities.

• Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station’s financial footing?

  Following up on the idea of partnerships, the station needs to fully explore joint events and ventures with organizations and enterprises for off-air fundraising.

• Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?

  I enjoy debate, which is to say that I like a thorough discussion of options and practices, and hope the new board will be mature enough to really engage with each other and the membership, rather than continuing with the rubber-stamp domination that has been practiced by the current majority, which has led to the near death spiral we are now facing.

  Everyone is crying out for peace,
  None is crying out for justice
  ... I need equal rights and justice
  -Peter Tosh