At a time when people the world over are struggling for the right to determine their futures through the ballot, and as they fight moneyed or armed forces wanting to silence their voices, we are thrilled to report that the most recent attempt to end member-democracy in Pacifica was just defeated.

• Staff rejected the “New Day” proposal by 58.6% to 41.4%…a 17 point difference
• Listeners supported the “New Day” proposal by a smaller margin of 12 points: 56% to 44%

While levels of knowledge and involvement vary within any group, staff and listeners are clearly distinct from each other, and constitute separate voting “classes”. Under our bylaws, members must approve some amendments including changes that affect one class of members in a way that is adverse and is different from the other class.

There was also a memorandum of agreement between Pacifica Foundation and the Bylaws revision advocates that specified the election would be conducted under the same rules as the previous attempt to replace the Bylaws a year ago which specified the need for separate approval by both listener members and staff members.

Both classes of members, listener-donors and staff (paid and unpaid) would’ve been affected differently, and did not agree to the proposed changes, so the referendum failed.

Neither group can take away the rights of the other.

We will see if this second failed attempt at replacing the bylaws will educate the proponents on their approach, or whether they will, as threatened, sue to strip away staff rights.

These efforts to marginalize or eliminate community-oriented and community-based radio must be stopped. The ongoing attacks starkly illustrate that media freedom indeed requires vigilance. Our strength is in numbers. Spread the word about the amazing experiment that is WBAI. Suggest a favorite program to a friend or colleague! Folks can listen from anywhere: https://www.wbai.org/listen-live/

The National Election Supervisor promises the full referendum report on July 26, 2021.

For updates, visit:

LOCAL STATION BOARD ELECTION UPDATE

As a result of the defeat of the Bylaws replacement, the scheduled Local Station Board election will continue.

Justice & Unity has a great group of of candidates including the “NJ Loves WBAI” crew of John D. Brinkley, and Sarah Klepner. Our other candidates include, alphabetically, Harriet Hines, Errol Maitland, Geoff Munroe (Bounubti Kamenthou), Hazel Pinder, and Cerene Roberts.

Ballots will be sent on August 15, 2021. Please check back for updates and our suggested candidate ranking order, and continue to support WBAI: