L.A.’S OLDEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS STATION SETS JUNE FUND-RAISER
KPFK-FM (90.7), Los Angeles’ oldest public affairs radio station, approaches its 27th year of broadcasting with a June fund-raiser that station management hopes will put the station solidly in the black.
The station, owned and operated by the Pacifica Foundation, recently emerged from a sea of red ink following two fiscally critical years, according to Pacifica chief executive officer Sharon Maeda.
During that time, listener subscriptions plummeted from about 14,000 to 10,000. The station depends almost exclusively on listener support to continue operating.
Station management switched four times in two years, most recently in April. Maeda is currently acting station manager in addition to holding her Pacifica post.
As of the beginning of April, KPFK had a $12,041 surplus of income over expenses, “but there’s no cash flow,” Maeda said. “We’re at zero all the time.”
On Sunday, KPFK begins its latest two-week fund drive. According to Maeda, $140,000 must be raised to keep KPFK functioning.
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