Here’s a sampling of the emails flooding into KPFK after “Safe Harbor” replaced the first three hours of “Something’s Happening”

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From: James Hober

Sent: Friday, January 01, 2016 10:17 AM

Subject: Something Happening Less

“Beginning Monday Night Jan 11, “Something’s Happening!” will be on 3 hours a night, from 3-6am. The 12-3 slot will feature new programmers with music and comedy programs for a 13 week trial.”

WHAT?!! Please tell us whom we can contact to oppose this new policy.

Thank you,

**

From: Idelle Steinberg

Sent: Friday, January 01, 2016 5:15 PM

Subject: RE: Program Guide Jan. 4-8

Dear Roy,

I am extremely saddened and almost sickened to read in your email that Something’s Happening will soon be reduced in air time. To pathetically replace your fantastic programming with music and

comedy is a horrible slap in the face. The Something’s Happening Show is the one, and only, dependable source of sanity and truth that I know I can tune into. I’ve been a fan since the 1980’s.

I know your programming has had a positive effect on countless lives. I am one of them. Could you please direct to all the addresses where I can lodge my complaint about this pathetic programming change?

I have donated to the station mainly to support Something’s Happening. Maybe it doesn’t matter, but I donated approx. $500 in 2015 and I am not a rich person by any means. I am willing to pay to keep this

valuable, one-of-a -kind programming on the air. Thank you! I wish you and yours the best new year.

Idelle Steinberg

*

From: Yahoo!

Sent: Friday, January 01, 2016 6:28 PM

Subject: Re: Program Guide Jan. 4-8

No wonder KPFK has trouble! Something’s Happening has most of KPFK’s best programming and even with its late schedule, it has KPFK’s largest number of listeners. If KPFK’s goal is to kill off the station, the evening changes ought to do it. I for one have no desire to spend any late hours listening to new comedy and music shows. They already have a number of these shows in daytime. and I imagine that even in daytime their listening audience is sparse.Hopefully, KPFK can survive 13 weeks of what probably consists of more reasons to yawn programming. At least we will have a few hours of Something’s Happening. I do have one request, please keep Hartman to a minimum. For me, daily early morning political controversy is hard on the psyche. (Periodic Gary Null was awesome. Too bad he gave up on KPFK. Null did’t skew his presentations to fit a particular political view and instead provided factual, researched presentations. This was empowering.) Meanwhile, thank you Roy for the great programming you have presented all these years.

Best,

Diana Dilling

**

Sent: Saturday, January 02, 2016 1:06 AM

Subject: sad, sad

12am to three won’t last long; radio is harder work than they think.

Doug

**

From: Linda Krausen

Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2016 7:32 PM

Subject: Talk about a Coup! Roy Tuckman cut off air til 3 am

I am sick to my stomach; I feel my home has been taken from me and I have nowhere to go. Roy’s program was my home, with them taking Roy’s program away, I feel like I’m on the streets, with nowhere to moor myself. I want to do something – Storm the Bastille… I wish there were a way to get all his fans and listeners together and protest at the station. I’ve always been a nighttime radio listener and Something’s Happening with Roy Tuckman has been a an intimate part of my life forever. How much have I given to the station for his show. I turn it on at midnight and it’s on all night on my night stand.I listen til I fall asleep and then I seem to always wake up to hear some of Thom Hartman, til Amy comes on.It has been essential part of my life and private routine for decades; I truly feel dispossessed. Please Please tell me what to do about this vicious, vindictive counterproductive blow to the vitality of KPFK.

Linda Krausen.

**

From: Michael Schnoebelen

Sent: Monday, January 04, 2016 8:14 PM

Subject: Your Show

I was saddened to read (at https://pacificainexile.org/archives/1593#more-1593) that your show has been cut back. I’m sure I speak for many listeners in saying that many of the brilliant people I have hear on Something’s Happening over the last many years have had a very very profound effect on my life and thinking, and I thank you for providing that opportunity. I have just cast my vote(s) in the election and I optimistically look forward to better times at KPFK and Pacifica. Thank you again for your very valuable work. May your show be returned to normalcy in short order. Be well.

Michael Schnoebelen

*

From: Tracie McClain

Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2016 5:49 AM

Subject: life

Words fail me.. I love what you have brought to my life. Thank you so for your programming. I want more of your programming in my life not less. I voted. I helped one other person vote that was uncomfortable with the computer. I would so like to do more.

My very best wishes

**

Subject: Letter from Listener

Wayne Eusanio

Thank you for adding me to the group. I know some people were lusting after Roy of Hollywood’s time slot, and it looks like they got half of it. Only Roy treats the time like it belongs to the listener, not to him, and I can’t imagine anyone delivering content with less ego involved than Roy. When I first started tuning in decades ago, I had to listen a long time before ever hearing his name. I’ve learned a lot from his programming. The radio from midnight to 6 was also my companion for many years…I’ve been trying to write this description for hours now, I’ll just erase it…but I can’t tell you the emotion I have tied-up in KPFK, Pacifica and Roy of Hollywood’s programming. I still have to turn-off the radio before I hear the show sign-off theme – it’s too much – it’s like thinking of a long lost friend you can’t reach. Anyway, better get going. I’ll fight for Something’s Happening, just as in the past, fighting for DN and Paifica. Paying dearly, but worth it all.

**

From: Jane Galloway

Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2016 2:32 PM

Subject: Re: Program Guide Dec. 21-24

I tried every way I could to cast my vote and it was not possible. I heard in a moment of waking up last night that your time slot has been cut…again…and can only imagine that this means the quorum was not achieved? I am so sorry…for all of us, and most especially for you. Your show is brilliant, and your contribution to the world immeasurable. If past experiences are any indication of future potential, this coup won’t last either, but it is horrible in the meantime.

Jane Galloway

**

From: Mark Kusler

Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2016 5:48 AM

Subject: Fw: Roy of Hollywood – Character set not allowed

I have been listening and supporting KPFK since I discovered Roy of Hollywood back in 1977. I worked the graveyard shift at Stater Brothers grocery stores for nearly 30 years and his middle of the night programs were and continue to enrich me.. Now I understand you are cutting the first 3 hours of the “Somethings Happening” program. BAD MOVE KPFK. Someone needs to understand that when you cut some of most qualitative programming on the radio today, your ratings will suffer hand in hand with your vital financial donations from loyal listeners. You have underestimated the huge following Roy has and what a vital asset he is to KPFK and the listeners that you depend on to keep KPFK on the air.

Sincerely, a very upset fan of Roy and KPFK,

Mark Kusler

**

From: Patrick Ritter

Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2016 6:32 AM

Subject: Overnight Weekday Programming

Hello Program Director,

I’m one of the station’s “sustainers”. I have heard a couple of announcements that the Something’s Happening program with Roy Tuckman is going to be cut in length by half, and begin at 3 in the morning. What programming is scheduled to begin Monday through Thursday from midnight to 3 AM? What is the specific thinking behind these changes? Are the changes going to be explicitly exposed to the KPFK listeners in general and be discussed with them?

Patrick Ritter

**

From: Victoria Best

Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2016 2:21 PM

To: G M

Subject: Roy of Hollywood’s program

What the fuck are you doing???!!! How dare you make this unilateral decision to cut one of the best and most important programs on KPFK, with no explanation or apparent justification! Many of us are awake past midnight. Far fewer listeners are awake between 3 and 6 a.m. This is a tremendously destructive move and a punch in the gut to our treasured Roy. Why?

Yours truly,

Victoria Best, extremely disturbed and concerned listener/supporter

**

From: Charles Fredricks

Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2016 2:43 PM

To: G M; pd

Cc: Roy Tuckman

Subject: re: cutting back Roy T’s hours

Dear Leslie and Alan,

I think you should reconsider cutting back Roy Tuckman’s hours. We have some excellent programmers, of which Roy is one, and this is the most difficult time slot to fill with something of interest. I can think of many other shows which don’t have nearly the following of Roy’s in far better time slots, that could be replaced with more interesting fare.. I also question the idea of expanding music programming, though in this time slot that is of lesser concern. Long story short, I don’t think it is possible to improve on what Roy is doing with these hours, and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who could fill them as well. Many is the listener who claims to have first heard of KPFK through Roy’s program, and have since become loyal supporters of the station. In addition cutting back the hours of a stable dedicated programmer like Roy sends the wrong message, if that is meant to be that we are turning the corner financially. I’d sooner see Ian Masters’ hours cut, if better programming was available. I don’t believe the station can be run solely on volunteer effort and viably fulfill its mission to the public in the robust fashion our times require. The moral of the staff needs to be considered. Hopefully this is is short term and will be reversed. I hope you will revisit this programming decision.

sincerely,

Charles Fredricks

**

Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2016 4:27 PM

To: GM–[email protected]–and

Cc: kpfk alan minsky

Subject: Keep Roy of Hollywood Hours Intact!!!!!!!

Dear Leslie Radford:

As very long time listeners and supporters of KPFK, we feel overwhelmingly compelled to passionately implore you (insist) that the station keep the important Roy of Hollywood program hours intact from midnight to 6am!

Peace & gratitude,

Jerry and Marissa Rubin

**

From: Jane Galloway

Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2016 4:41 PM

To: [email protected]

Subject: Roy of Hollywood Programming Decision

Dear Whoever is receiving this,

Roy of Hollywood is the reason I have listened to KPFK for the past 25 years. He is a class act, brilliant, diverse in his wide array of interests and has educated many of us who have other degrees from actual institutions of “higher” learning.

Listening to the gloat on this afternoon’s programs about this decision to “give some other voices a chance” makes me sick. It is a horrible decision, and heartbreaking to me personally.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jane Galloway.

**

From: Roy E.

Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 6:45 AM

I am so sorry to hear what they’ve done

**

From: Virginia Gregg

Sent: Fri, 08 Jan 2016 03:18:38 -0500 (EST)

Subject: I am so sorry to hear what they’ve done

I am so grateful for all that you have done. thank you,

Ginnie Gregg, Tehachapi

**

From: TANYA MORADIANS

Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 8:56 AM

Subject: Re: Program Guide Jan. 12-15

This is horrible! What happened?? Is this somehow a result of the election? Please send out an memo with an explanation of why the cuts are happening. Also, tried to find out if we met Quorum. No feedback on the web. Please advise how to find out. Thank you for all the wonderful work you have done over the many years. I want you to continue as I’m sure so many others of us feel the same.

Tanya Moradians, Ph.D.

**

From: martyandrade

Date:01/08/2016 9:11 AM (GMT-08:00)

To: [email protected]

Subject: Feedback on new 3 hour format for Something’s Happening

BOO!!! Please please please restore Roy’s 6 hours, ESPECIALLY THURSDAY NIGHTS! (One Thursday of the month was always designated as WOMEN’S NIGHT, FYI, not to mention the GREAT ALAN WATTS on Thursdays.)

Thank you, and Happy New Year,

Aloha,

Marty Andrade

**

From: David Hamrell

Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 9:44 AM

Subject: RE: Program Guide Jan. 12-15

I’m so sorry to hear the news on last night’s broadcast, Roy. I hope at least your most unique programs survive the cut. Keep yer chin up — SH listeners love you,

David Hamrell

**

From: John Johnson

Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 10:51 AM

Subject: New Schedule for SoHap

Sorry to hear about Something’s Happening’s reduction in airtime. I am a longtime “time-shift” listener – beginning with 120 minute cassettes, and then a dual-deck cassette recorder. Today I capture the stream to mp3 with TotalRecorder and listen to the shows on my iPhone.. I also record Folk Scene, Roots Music and Ian Masters… and barely listen to anything else. I’ll drop a note to management to remind them that they risk listener burn-out when they fail to balance revolutionary politics with other content. I just want to say thanks for “curating” hours and hours of interesting content over the years. I’m a big fan of Monday and Thursday programming – and Old Time Radio. Best wishes for the new schedule.

John Johnson

Ventura CA

**

From: Wally Kalinowski

Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 11:05 AM

Subject: Your program: content, atmosphere

Just a note to say thanks – your program is very important to me for … well never mind why; I know why, it just IS!. I miss Gary Null ( the only left wing wacko I know of – yet I seem to agree with most of what he says ) Thom Hartman is a super addition to KPFK he ranks with Amy Goodman Ion Masters, and a few other truly greats. I may have to start going to Thom’s website if you cut it too much; please mention what program you extract your presentation from so I know what to look for if I want to download the whole thing. I will miss old time radio —– ( hope I don’t start watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills or something as a replacement or I might end up voting for a Republican )

btw I hope Buzz comes back Put someone in charge of getting the paper-work for the million (that’s Million with two Ls) dollar grant. Also, listeners should get updates regarding the progress on that matter! all power to Beethoven.

**

rFom: Jonny Kent [Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 12:14 PM

Subject: Thanks

Thanks so much for your programs over all these years. Really appreciated. Of course if I was rich I’d vote with beaucoup of my ‘free speech’ $ to restore your time slot, but sadly it ain’t the case. Otoh i will over the next year increase our contributions to kpfk for your show to 3x what it was even though that sends perhaps a wrong message in some ways :). Haven’t yet seen the election results but hopefully there the outcome may restore some sanity as well. I have been a listener on and off since 1989 when I came across your program in the wee hours when visiting from New Zealand. I suspect that part of “managements” reasoning is the lack of funding in the wee hours. It’s my prognostication that they are about to find out that poor funding from the wee hours is far more due to the lack of listeners. Your new 3-6 time slot will likely gain much more funding than the new 12-3 slot. Hang in there.

All the best!

Jonny

**

From: Kristin Glover

Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 2:16 PM

Subject: Devastated

We spoke yesterday morning – just after the close of your show.. I am shocked and devastated by their (whoever “they” are) cutting your show in half – to just 3 hours. Also, starting your show at 3 AM nearly guarantees a huge loss of listeners. It’s one thing to begin listening at midnight – quite another at 3 AM. Who ARE these people? Have they gained complete power over KPFK? It’s a horror. What can be done??? As I mentioned when we spoke briefly, your show has been a source of inspiration, amazing information, education, and spiritual sustenance to me for years!! I first learned about the Bioneers on your show – and Vendana Shiva on KPFK. Then I heard – on your show – that in the fall of 2010, she would be present at the 1st International Conference of the Bioneers held at Findhorn, Scotland. When I got this news, I turned to my husband and said, “there’s a trip I’ve got to take” – and I did. As it turned out Ms Shiva couldn’t attend, but I got to Findhorn – which had been a dream of mine since the 70’s. And I got to meet with amazing environmental activists from all over the world – BECAUSE OF YOUR SHOW!!!! I’ve been a staunch supporter of KPFK for years – even through our own financially thin times. Sadly, right now, Pacifica is taking money from one of my accounts – without my permission. Guess I must find a way to get down to the bottom of it. Further, I made a pledge in one of the recent numerous drives – this one is October – and asked that my account be charged monthly. Instead they took the full $250 and when I called about it, I was told the person in charge was ill – so I had to just deal with it. The “premium” that I asked for has still not arrived. I know these are minor issues at this time – and believe me, I don’t ask or expect you to address them. Just thought you might want to know. Meanwhile, I will write to the current manager and express my dismay at the cutting of your brilliant show. WHAT are these people thinking? I’d so love to be clued in to the “real” story. With Kindest Regards and Admiration and Gratitude For All Your Years of Giving and Creating Top Notch Radio!!

Love,

Kristin Glover

**

From: Lorraine Carpinelli

Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 6:51 PM

After reading the gm’s email response to me I realize she is not the sharpest tack in the drawer. Very sad. I extolled the virtue of those putting in full time despite pay cut and it did not seem to phase her. Gary Null is making noise at initiating some lawsuit against Pacifica. Curious. If I had a vote I’d say more of your spiritual/political/health programming over the ever wonderful Hartmann. But I trust your judgment. That’s how it works, the relationship between programmer and audience. Gm misses that completely.

Peace,

Lorraine

**

From: Richard Ingram

Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 6:53 PM

Subject: Re: roy of hollywood

and thank you for so many things roy. the least i could do. leslie and i had a couple of email exchanges … civil but at odds and unlikely to change the course in the short run. i’m so far out of the loop and the management process is well hidden even if supposedly out in the open …. resulting in few directly known facts for refutation and detailed argument. i think we make a mistake actually by not having air time for looking at the governance. i’m hopeful that a new lsb might change some things but not holding my breath.

best wishes always,

From: Richard Ingram
Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 10:26 AM
To: G M
Cc: pd;
Subject: roy of hollywood

Ms Radford,

Please restore Roy to the previous hours of programming. This decision to reduce his hours seems contemptuous. The decision is also emblematic of many decisions over the last few years.   intelligent and vital voices have been suppressed and lost …. and that may legitimately reflect some of your own motivations and frustrations. I understand the difficulties of the ‘pacifica mission’.  However your tenure and the previous few year’s ‘leadership’ locally and nationally must share culpability for such antagonisms, shallowness, shortsightedness and ultimately, incompetence..Your collective process, direction and myopic zeal … margy wilkinson et al. ….  has specifically cost pacifica my support. I’ ve been a
supporter for 50 years through thick and thin. I have sadly disinherited the foundation from my estate and only maintain a minimum membership so i can vote.

With more solidarity than seems due,

Richard Ingram

**

From: Michael Schnoebelen [

Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2016 1:02 PM

To: G M

Cc: pd;

Subject: The Pacifica Foundation Mission and Roy Tuckman

Dear Ms. Radford:

I have been a KPFK supporter and listener for decades. I was saddened to read that Something’s Happening has been cut back. The brilliant and innovative thinkers I have heard on Something’s Happening over the last many, many years have had an immeasurably profound effect on my life and thinking. I am confident I speak for countless listeners. Through Roy Tuckman’s broadcasts, I learned how to meditate, how to write better, about alternative health and healing methods, about Buddhism and other ways of thought and being, about little-known political ideas and about Marxism and Capitalism, about the environment and science and how to make the planet healthier and safer, among so many other important lessons. All in the true interest of the Pacifica Foundation Mission to educate. This is not to diminish the valuable contributions from Sonali Kolhatkar, Ian Masters, Margaret Prescod, Lila Garrett, John Wiener, Brad Friedman, and others too numerous to mention. I know of nowhere else one can receive an education of this breadth and magnitude. Please reinstate Mr. Tuckman’s invaluable broadcast so this education can continue to be available to anyone willing to listen.

Very truly yours,

Michael Schnoebelen

**

From: SuZie

Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2016 4:49 PM

Subject: Cutting the Hours on What’s Happening

I sent emails to both parties in your last email. I can’t imagine life without the full program content in What’s happening. It has been a mainstay in my life since you began the show so many years ago.Copy of the emails I sent:

I am devestated to hear that the hours will be cut to only 3 hours each night. I have listened to Roy and what’s Happening since the very beginning. It is a lifeline for me in the wee hours of the mornings. I suffer from insomnia and his wonderful and informative programming is what keeps this old gal going. I can’t imagine what you could possible replace this unique and rare type of program with. Nothing could compare and you will lose this listener if this is a permanent move. Please reconsider for the folks like me that are night owls and have grown to love and depend on Roy and his quality programs.. Thank you, Susan Hughes, VERY long time listener.. I sure hope these people come to their senses and return your show to it’s original 6 hours..

**

From: Billjac

Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2016 7:53 PM

To: G M

Cc: pd;

Subject: Please Reconsider Your Decision to Cut Something’s Happening From 6 to 3 Hours

Dear GM,

I wish to request you reconsider this decision, as it adversely affects many of KPFK’s most ardent listener/supporters, It seems ill-advised to take such a drastic step and I am certain many will stop listening, including me. You may recall in a recent fund drive you made a similar preemption substituting so called “with it” music and talk replacing Something’s Happening for 2 hours per broadcast day (replacing the first and last hour). The results were that it generated few pledges and no excitement or audience. Such a move has failed already, so why repeat that mistake? Also, what has happened to the monthly Report to the Listener and the associated Q&A hosted by the GM? Many have comments and questions for you regarding this and other unexplained changes affecting the station that we love and support.

Regards,

William (Bill) Jack

**

From: michael woodson

Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2016 6:44 AM

To: G M

Cc: pd;

Subject: Restore Roy’s Something’s Happening

I find it deeply disturbing to hear that roy tuckman’s show has been truncated. P ease restore his hours. Something’s Happening brings to the air invaluable ‘mission’ programmings, and it informs as well as strengthens us listeners in our continual need to brace ourselves against the dull, sick, and erosive voices we are otherwise given in mainstream programming.Roy’s pacifica influence in a cultural hub such as los angeles is inestimable. Roy is capable of continuing his programming, wants to do it, and should have earned your loyalty and respect to continue doing it. He is needed. he probably deserves a pay raise rather than a program reduction. Ihave donated to roy’s show in the past. Again, please turnabout, and restore Roy.

Michael Woodson,

kpft and (elsewise) kpfk

**

From: craigbhill

To:

Sent: Sat, 09 Jan 2016 12:12:29 -0500 (EST)

Subject: Re: AW listeners need to overwhelm kpfk

Who are they giving 12am-3am to? Music? Whatever, they won’t be playing Watts at midnight and they won’t be running the range of programs you do, which can be found nowhere during the daytime. I will be calling the station outraged a little after midnight Monday.Is this person who made these changes one of the old guard who hates the funds Watts raises? This is an abrogation of the spirit in which we have been giving money, to give and then be rewarded by being cut off from our precious informative program establishments everywhere crusade to squelch. How did the election go? I hope a quorum was raised and the old guard deposed. I fear the quorum was not raised and these acts taken against you are the result and that possibly they’ve decided to gut the contents of the station and sell it by getting all the contributors angry enough to stop listening and giving. In which case an alternative plan to my own needs be figured out. At least the archives are up. I noticed Something’s Happening has no list of contents. I imagine you may be depressed and didn’t care to fill it in. Or the person(s) responsible for cutting the show in half and giving you the less-listened half don’t want you to list the contents any more either. Is this revenge on their part for you trying to steer listeners against the current occupants during the election? You need to send out emails to YOUR listeners on your own email, not kpfk’s where station administration can read it. We need to threaten to withdraw our funds and threaten to never give money again unless this travesty is righted IMMEDIATELY. I won’t go off half-cocked when i call in Monday to speak with your temp replacement, nor will i scream and shout when i call the administration Tuesday. I will engage in conversation with these louts and lower the boom professionally. None of this can be laid at your doorstep. You need to reel in any umbrage and let your listeners do the talking, each with threats to never listen again and retract and not renew our funds unless either you are given the 12a-3a slot back or the whole night as usual. I need direction from you on that point.

Namaste ~~~ Craig

PS — If you must cut in the meantime, please stop running Thom Hartman. His oftentimes naivete toward how great the (corporate) Democrats are vis-a-vis the Nazi Republicans is how the entire ugly system is maintained, by everyone holding up one end of it, when both need to be dumped. It’s the only way the people of this country can start to overthrow the occupants of our government, by stopping the support of both ends and running and electing independents refusing to take corporate money OR in Bernie’s case, going along with the corporate system by participating in it and working with his fellow Quislings, which only serves to perpetuate it. Hartman’s naive spiel for the system sickens me and i refuse to listen to it. Temporarily, at least, cut there. Thanks ~ Craig

**

From: J Ellison

Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2016 7:15 AM

To: G M; pd

Subject: Newsflash: Brain-Free Radio Comes to KPFK!

In an effort to further reduce the lingering relevance of KPFK to its remaining listeners, Program Director Alan Minsky and General Manager Leslie Redford have cut Roy Tuchman’s 6 hour night time show down to 3 hours per night. Best available evidence indicates that his “Something’s Happening” program maintained the largest after midnight audience in the Los Angeles region, beating out music stations and right-wing screed. Roy gave his listeners cutting edge health info, current progressive politics, deep and accurate political analysis, and access to an incredible array of voices from the left, environmental issues, and much, much more. Recognizing that such a venue keeps its listeners up at night, Minsky and Redford have replaced its midnight-to-3 a.m. programming with true Brain-Free programming, designed to draw early adolescents who have just started looking up four-letter words on-line. In a single bold stroke, KPFK seeks to capture its next generation of listeners before they’re old enough to think. Will the experiment succeed? We won’t know for another 10 or 20 years. What we do know is, with Brain-Free improvements like this, Fiercely Independent KPFK will soon become Fiercely Listener-Free!

Sustaining listener-subscriber and decades long contributor,

James Ellison

P. S. Recommend: Reverse this mistake immediately, before you’ve lost your night time audience – which took decades to build – forever!

**

From: Kevin

Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2016 12:17 PM

Subject: Re: KPFK ballot

I was so sorry to learn your show’s hours had been truncated. I guess the wrong people won the election. Is there anything I can do to try and get your regular hours back (i.e. if your willing?) I donated to KPFK specifically because of your interesting program. I endured the termination of some of my favorite music shows years ago and I tried not to take umbrage at being referred to and dismissed as “an old white man” because I guess I am. But being called “Goy of Hollywood” like you were is just plain weird! Have you considered moving your show to a webcast if your up for it? In any Case, Keep on Truckin’

Kevin of Oregon

**

From: Mitch Markowitz

Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2016 4:16

Subject: somethings happening –

To say I am a long-time listener would be something of an understatement; I recently turned 60, and I have been listening to you since I was 15 years old, in junior high school– I guess that was when you were hosting Alan Watts, and I have been listening to Somethings Happening ever since it’s inception. I cannot sufficiently explain my outrage over what has happened. Several fund drives ago, you had mentioned that something like this might be in the offing, and I just refused to believe it. Now one of my worst nigthmares has come true. If you remember, a few years ago (15 0r 16 years maybe) we KPFK people were worried that “corporate hi-jackers” were out to take over KPFK and Pacifica in general, and we mounted a campaign of vigorous protests, that, in the end actually seemed to work. It was back when a guy named Mark something-or-other was manager (Mark Schuub, I think, or something like that). I myself participated in one particular protest outside the station, with your friend Lloyd presiding, with a girl named Tracy Larkin and her friends “billionares for bush” and quite a few others; this and other forms of protest seemed to be effective at the time.

I strongly urge that we immediately should begin to try to organize a similar campaign of protest — I would even like to organze a sort of “occupy movement” type sit down strike at the station to draw attention to this crisis. Unfortunately,

I am on social security, and on my limited income, I do not have home access to the internet (today I am at the library) in order to network with some of the old KPFK people who I know would help with this effort. I have already contacted a few of my old KPFK friends, for instance, Jolie Mason, from Access Unlimited show– she has mentioned that that she would try to contact some of her friends in the news media to draw attention to this crisis. I was wondering if you have e-mail or other contact info for Lloyd, and Tracy Larkin and some of the other oldtime KPFK people so I can try network and organize with them. In addition, I have already begun (as of last night) to try to organize as many phone calls as possible during midnight to three AM to vocally protest these changes — we need to ring their phones off the hook to show that we do not accept these unprecedented changes to the schedule. You have been an institution on Los Angeles airwaves for three decades or more and are an invaluable resource for information we just can”t get anywhere else and we cannot just give up without a fight. I have decades of real experience as a grass-roots organizer, and despite my limitations I intend to mount a nonstop campaign to get your hours reinstated — I will not quit until we win! It is not useful to try and reach me by e-mail as I only make it to the library a couple of times per month – A few fund drives back I called and spoke to “Buzz” about trying to organize such a campaign should something like this occur, and., I guess, now here we are. Buzz gave me his phone number and I will try to call him this week to see if he is willing to help me to network and organize with as many other people as possible. When I have occasionally appeared on KPFK I usually use my stage-name which is Jay Mitchell. please contact me as soon as possible

Jay Mitchell

**

From: john case

Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2016 5:27 PM

Subject: Somethings Happening changes

Listened last night to the three hour replacement programs. UNBELIEVEABLE! The worst radio I have heard in decades. George Carlin comedy records in hour one.. What is that? And it only went down hill from there. Sounded like college kids hanging out in their dorm room playing CDs and pretending to be cool. Who’s idea was this anyway? Plan to send email to GM and PD. Let us know what we can do to get you back to the regular schedule – six hours.

John

**

From: weusanio

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 12:13 AM

Subject: Something’s Happening – Character set not allowed

We’re not giving up. I hate what they’ve done to the station and to you. Your programming has seen me through very tough times, including the passing of my wife to ovarian cancer a couple years ago, and my ongoing battle with agent orange. It’s hard for me to look back for long on my days at the station, it felt like such a loss, but I’m still and always a radio guy, and a Something’s Happening true believer. We’ll get it back, Hope you & Diane are ok in the meantime,

Wayne Eusanio

**

From: Jane St. Clair [[email protected]]

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 1:26 AM

To: Talk Back

Subject: Roy of Hollywood Gone? Then so am I.

Thanks to your decision to pull Roy of Hollywood from the midnight shift, I will no longer support KPFK. This, after spending an hour reading the cumbersome resumes of the potential program/board of directors. The only reason I did this was to support Roy’s legacy. Whoever went with this decision took a wrong turn. The left-footed pandering you intend to do with “Talkin’ Poetry” and “In Session” is a pale, plastic attempt at what Roy has authentically been doing for decades through his comprehensive, bone-deep programming. His show was/is a welcome relief from idol worship of twenty somethings that permeates this town. Oh well. You guys are going with the fake grass option in the dry cultural season. So, so disappointed. Don’t you understand? The kids you’re trying to reach have left radio for good. They’re on their phones. Wake up. Please let me know the names of those who decided to pull the plug on Roy’s show so that I can write a proper letter to each of them and cc their bosses — and their bosses above them.

Thanks,

Jane St. Clair

All my pledge money now goes to KCRW.

*

From: [email protected]

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 1:30 AM

To: G M

Subject: Re: Please Reconsider Your Decision to Cut Something’s Happening From 6 to 3 …

Leslie,

The reason KPFK’s most popular programs lost all their audiences is because of the incessant fund drives. People familiar with radio know that it takes a long time to win an audience, For one, no one listens to radio anymore, streaming, podcasts and assorted audio books/news/music available by down loads off the Internet. You follow the model of former KPFKer Ruth Seymore’s conversion of Santa Monica’s KCRW into a public radio monolith, by tapping HPR plus trendy music niche programing, coupled with slick concert promotions/productions often partnering with artists. Morning becomes eclectic, etc. Our current track: Political advocacy, activism and polemical programing will have listeners for only as long as it takes them to change the station. People want information, education and entertainment, just like Lew Hill posited in our Mission Statement. The new programing is risking our Station’s License with bad language, especially with no Introductory Warnings to listeners regarding adult content and potentially offensive content. This omission of intro is totally irresponsible. We’ll have the right wingnuts on the line to the FCC and writing their congressmen at the first opportunity. For years the BB&R, rap show has existed perfectly well in adjusting the language to be suitable for broadcast. It established an air of respect, and is consistent with serving the entire listening audience community. Broadcasting foul language for the novelty of it all, on air, just puts another nail in KPFK’s coffin. Bring back Something’s Happening, which is true to the station’s founding principles, unlike what I’ve been hearing, so far in your new midnight to 3AM programing.

Bill Jack

**

From: Robert Wills

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 2:54 AM

To: pd

Cc: G M

Subject: Roy’s Show –

Are you kidding me? You replaced Roy at 12-3am for this vulgar, adolescent, grade school programing? You think kids are listening at this time? Even George Carlin’s comedy sounds adolescent now. What a shame to lose intellectual programming to this, not to mention you’re setting yourself up to be destroyed by FCC fines. Why would you fall into “someone’s” trap to lose the station. What a devastating decision you have made.

Robert Wills

**

From: Laura Smiley

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 3:13 AM

To: pd

Cc: G M; Roy Tuckman

Subject: Roy’s Show –

I am disappointed in the changes KPFK has done to the Roy of Hollywood Show. The Show from midnight to 3 seems to be interested in shock value only, cussing for no reason and old comedy records that are juvenile at best, They are making a point of “free speech” but I wonder if the FCC will agree with this? Are you setting yourselfup for fines and possible loss of license? The demise of your station? I wonder? Roy had/has interesting and intelligent content and as a swingshift worker I listened nightly. Now I will be unable to hear Roy and I will not waste my time with the replacement.

Sincerely,

Laura Smiley

**

From: Jane Galloway

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 8:47 AM

To: G M

Subject: Midnight to Three a.m. programming

Dear Leslie,

I can only think that the intention was to minimize the impact of Roy’s intelligent, in depth programming, as there was clearly no plan for really replacing three hours with anything of value. I enjoyed my conversation with you, but I will tell you that I am shocked at the mediocrity of the experiment for diversifying from 12-3 q.m.. Please PLEASE consider this one voice pleading with you to restore the anchor of excellence for KPFK- the 12-6 a.m. time slot- Roy of Hollywood /Something’s Happening. In leading organizations, I have learned that if one person expresses an opinion, at least ten others agree but did not express it. In this case I would multiply that number. Really. embarrassing. juvenile. unfocused noise… I am copying Roy on this, but I have not been in touch with him. This is my personal horrified response to what I have heard the past two nights. I trust you will allow wisdom to prevail over whatever is currently influencing your decisions.

Jane

**

From: Jill

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 10:10 AM

To: G M

Subject: RE: suggestions for Somethings Happening

Hi Leslie – thanks for acknowledging my comments. I’m for trying out the new programming on Friday and Saturday nights. I listened to two of the new programs last night (Tuesday). You already have a very loyal audience for Somethings Happening. I vote once more for leaving the proven excellent programming of Something’s Happening where it is and try out the new stuff on Friday and Saturday nights Please do not put the Spanish language programming in the early morning slot (was that a threat?). I vaguely remember it was after Something’s Happening and before Amy Goodman in the past and I don’t think it worked out very well (at least for me anyhow – I was so happy when that was changed).

Jill

*

From: 99%er

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 10:16 AM

Subject: Re: 3 HR CUT

I haven’t read it all, yet but the trend is about what I have been guessing in my various emails to most of the hosts, including you. And, as I have said, petitions won’t help. Unless a variety of legal action are taken, the Huns, who are in no hurry, will succeed. I expect that when the light is focused on them, with the risk of jail, fine & damages they will scatter like roaches. Actually, they are in the home stretch & it won’t be long. I hate to let them win but it’s about time for the hosts to establish an on line station. If Candidate Slate is not elected & By Laws amended I will no longer donate. Did receive all of my premiums, though.

**

From: – V A N

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 10:42 AM

Subject: – Almost Unbelievable from van Young

Amazing it is that in the throes of change, some sensibilities are assaulted ~ Shock is an understatement at the encroachment on the 12:00 to 5:00 KPFK time slot. As they ( the new folk ) attempt to find their way, is appears to be willy-nilly. There is nothing solid to hang one’s hat on ~ Your programming was and is way more helpful and served the greate good of consciousness for everyone. The variety of Your programming pursued an eclectic truth that is a part of all of us ~ A part of Us did not just die, We have lost a lifelong friend ~ I am one of those who suggested Your return to the Beethoven Series in some of the late 2014 and early 2015 fund drives. Your email reply at the time was the length of the series and possible lack of interest. The last JWN Sullivan presentation and caller response seemed to belie that. Even non musicians loved it ~ In that vein, it may be time for Roy Of Hollywood to venture toward internet radio to keep the world on track ~ Two last things In the Lotus Land of Laudable Entertainment, I am totally knocked out that more actors did not support Your radio show programming; that more musicians did not step up, that more meditation partners did not join Your effort that more politically aware listeners did not see the threat, that someone who is sitting on millions did not step up ~ Know that You are loved for all You do and have done. I, for one, certainly experienced life changing effects taking Your inspired journeys ~ There are many comedians, sex therapists, jokers and smokers. There is only 1 Roy Of Hollywood ! ! ! !

vY

**

From: Lorraine Carpinelli

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 12:01 PM

To: Roy Tuckman

Subject: radicals schedule changes

This is my response to the GM and Alan (the latter who didn’t respond anyhow). It took me awhile to gather my answers to her bogus reasoning. I didn’t copy it to you because it gets so long and lugubrious…A few thoughts:

The percentage of time a program occupies, one that others of quality might avoid, demonstrates clearly the quality, relevance and vibrancy of the work of the programmer. Thus the percentage argument can’t stand alone, unless one can answer to taking half of Something’s Happening away, a rather large chunk of …and I reiterate… successful programming. And “programming changes inevitably involve changes to the audience” assumes there will be an audience for those changes. An incredible assumption given little marketing research let alone via the success of a program already in front of you. Good luck with that. The testing of shows from midnight to 3 a.m. in place of heretofore successful programming, is really playing loose with logic given the stature of a powerful radio station and amazing SoCal market, and may be more viable to someone’s teenage sons and daughters in their bedrooms.. Why not test shows in slots of those that don’t pitch during fund drives, even if programmers may be genuinely interested in pitching given a chance. This makes more sense than blanking a program like S.H. that is successful and diligent in fundraising. I get the bang-for-buck fundraising theory re: consciousness and conspiracy programming which I enjoy, but doing this ad-infinitum is counterproductive to holding an audience and tantamount to a band-aid to the apparent bleeding of such a remarkable entity as KPFK. A good question might be why would anyone listen to the radio from 12 a.m. to 6.m. Either by accident if driving or working nights, they might tune in but also change to music or news. Accidental listeners may comprise only a small amount of donors/supporters. The majority of the listeners/donors of the Something’s Happening audience does so by choice, even if it means staying up late, turning it on due to insomnia or via the archives, and of course… night people.

Sincerely,

Lorraine

________________________________________

From: Mark Kusler

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 12:27 PM

Subject: Re: Roy of Hollywood – PS

Thanks for these Roy. I’m sharing them on Twitter and Facebook, I’m also asking friends to drop a line to Leslie Radford. The numbers speak for themselves, but the ugly scourge of politics has permeated into the best of LA radio. As an atheist I won’t pray for you (I would if I thought for a second it did any good) but I am optimistic that good will overcome garbage and I will hear your familiar theme music at 12:00 AM instead of 3:00 AM. Hang in there Bro.

Sincerely, Mark K.

**

From: Meghrouni Vince

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 2:08 PM

Subject: Re: Change in programming.

And that’s why I got so alarmist – it seemed to fit the shock doctrine coup model vis a vis “Pacifica Foundation”, etc. Safe Harbor notwithstanding, it is pushing the limit right out of the gate, isn’t it? And for what-was-once mainstream comedy reruns? Like I said, I love GC, but… Ok, I’ll get more active here. It does piss me off, depress and disappoint me that they’ve so stupidly and disrespectfully cut into your hours – or, as I really feel about, into the grand noble edifice that you have constructed and maintained over the decades. It’s like those temples and more fragile remnants of antiquity that those rubes back way way east are destroying – it may have taken a damn long time to construct them, and they lasted so long they seemed part of the landscape, but some damn fool can come along and blast it out of existence in a second. I know I’m preaching to the choir here, Mr. Tuckman. You’ve got to be the very most saddened by it, but I do trust that you have inculcated much of the wisdom of Alan Watts and the principles of equanimity and so forth. Your even temperament throughout the travails of KPFK & Pacifica and particularly this horrifying round are part of what keep me from being quite as reactionary about this whole thing as I would be otherwise. Thanks for the links – I had read all but one already, and am glad to have gotten the one I didn’t read. Feel free to send anything else to hip me to more backstory. I remember when I first got wind that behind the KPFK that I loved there was turmoil and backbiting and factionalism and on and on – and I mean like twenty years or more ago – it really depressed me because I figured the people that are pulling this great thing off must be all-for-one, one-for-all, full of bonhomie, espirit de corps, etc so on and so forth. But then I realized that was but one more childish vestigal fantasy to shed like santee claus. So sometimes it seems like the less I know the better but in this case it is existential isn’t it and I regard the idea of L.A. without KPFK or hell the world without KPFK and/or without Pacifica et al to be way too depressing, I mean, like seriously depressing. It really is a bastion of thought, a beautiful continuum of rare and absolutely necessary needed essential political thought, culture, inquiry, fun, free spiritedness, feistiness, anti-meciocritization, anti-commodification, on and on and on, it really is all that. So anyway, ok, so I’ll get more active on this shit. It’s not just depressing, it does seem existential. Culture is living and must be preserved in it’s stream. Seriously, though, man, it’s not like I don’t have anything else to do. These long e-mails are after the pot of coffee necessary to start the work up that doesn’t end until early in the a.m. Weird about Ian Masters not realizing his recommendations would lead to a victory for the other side at the national board level, isn’t it? So, Roy, dumb question, but can I pledge/donate during off-fund-drive time and still register that donation in support of your show? Sorry man – I know your responses are the epitome of pith, and you got no time for blather from random typers, I do appreciate your time. You’re a great programmer and a great man. Sorry to abuse that via the trappings of modernity here.

Thanks

Vince Meghrouni

**

From: John Sommers

Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 3:19 PM

Subject: Somethings Happening –

I’m upset by the cutback to your program, but as I recall the station took away the last half-hour of the program once before and then restored it. I’m hoping something similar will happen in the not-distant future.

Best regards,

John Sommers

Eugene, OR

**

From: Admin

Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2016 1:09 AM

Subject: Re: three hour cutting of something’s happening program

I emailed “decision makers” with the following statement. Good luck! Michael mathis

I agree with Roy Tuckman’s articulation of why the cuts in something’s happening is a poor decision. As Roy says, and I quote: “I disagree with the decision to fire a substantial and contributing audience to do so when there are so many hours of the weekdays and weekend nights with no audience and no contributors.” Apparently you are allowing internal issues to undermine your listener’s preferences, certainly you’ve lost us.

**

From: Maryjaniemaria [

Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 7:59

Subject: to roy –

i presume you read even past articles cuz one about your pgm being cut rec’d 11 comments there – noticed yesterday….all supportive of ya… the most comments to any article there . i hope tracy infoms you of these, but in case not…. this is it.

and yes, ‘they’ cut you to worst time of 24 hrs, whereas 12M-3am is more likely to be listened by late nighters- and when noise is loud and raunchy, that may push listeners away for rest of night and day too…. all that you know — but i think about it too. Q; besides tracy’s and indymedia, are there any other websites with info of what all is going on or going off to read ? re KPFK as previously noted: when i google either KPFK or Pacifica for information about station’s functioning, finances, management, turmoils,or any internal workings’ transparency i only see pages and pages of programmers, and a few of their guests bragging they were on KPFK before i find my blog or tracy’s…. are there others ? More ? if there is nowhere else more ? or why not ? do you know ? [besides Save Pacifica, Louis’s and the uninformative KPFA affiliated grp – I found those] here offering my sympathy for your surviving –however – in that now more poisoned environment …not that it has ever been smooth ride there – from what little volunteers can perceive there or at LSB meetings ….ever as even for brief volunteer periods , I encountered conflicts and unwarranted challenges…. that sure surprised me. please share regards to diane and if you ever contact pam burton, as i thought of her when you scheduled steven levine’s talk.. .which is where she and i went to his small retreat and bonded … I looked her up and she may be at a small community radio in Oregon ..maybe. stay resilient

**

From: michael tracey

Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 12:49 PM

To: G M

Subject: Re: What happened to Something’s Happening?

Thank you for responding to my email about the programming changes at late-night KPFK. I must say that I am confused and dismayed at your response because I was in no way comparing the work of a guest on a radio program with food, and to suggest that to me, a concerned listener, is frankly baffling. It feels like there is something here I just don’t get. Let me reiterate: Wednesday night political programming over these many years has been a rare gem in LA radio — even national radio — and to dismantle it in favor of programming about sex is akin to fostering the consumerism that has long compromised the best of the American spirit. It seems to reflect a turning inward. Political discourse and commentary is about all of us and the directions that we as a collective will take in the future. Programming about sex is more of a turning inward, to one’s own intimate experience, the self explored and exposed. In that sense it is like food… and when you spend time and precious energy talking about food and sex you do not spend precious resources engaging the larger body politic. That’s what consumerism does. It ignores the concerns of the larger collective, and as I hope you are aware there seems to be less and less of that in American life. (I’m not counting such corporate media sources as Fox and the like.) I do respect and understand the concerns of different communities marginalized by issues of sexual orientation and gender. But that seems to me a political issue… Maybe I am reading too much into this, but it’s also strange for me to read references to “Peoples under, say, forty…” Is there some age or generation issue at play here? I fear that you do not realize what you are losing with the recent program changes.

Respectfully,

Michael Tracey

**

From: barbara rowe

Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 4:36 PM

Subject: Re: Is there any way….

Please tell me what to do…. w/try to get friends involved too. Do the powers that be “get” the entitlement attitude that goes w/the program change?

babz