Support for KPFK

Thanks for your fair-minded account of the conflict between Pacifica Radio and a few unhappy ex-programmers, but readers of that article missed some key information (Sept. 17). Recent changes--including adding shows like “Up for Air,” “Democracy Now,” Jerry Brown and “Radio Nation”--provoked a very different response from listeners.

In just 12 months, a key measure of the average number of people listening actually doubled and listener contributions jumped 37% to an all-time high for KPFK. Despite the distortions of those quoted in the article, KPFK is a truly diverse radio station, where people of color make up more than half the staff, the majority of management and almost half the on-air program- mers.

Also counter to their rhetoric, our commitment to fiercely independent programming is stronger than ever. KPFK is not seeking or accepting corporate underwriting; 90.7 FM is the only station left in Southern California that is truly noncommercial and listener-spon- sored.

MARK SCHUBB

General Manager, KPFK