PACIFICA RADIO LOSES PROSPECTIVE BOARD MEMBERS AS HUNDREDS FLOOD THEM WITH EMAILS AND FAXES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2001

CONTACT: Steve Freedkin
webweaver@progressiveportal.org

Two people sought as new members of the Pacifica Foundation Board of Directors by the board majority have reportedly withdrawn their names from consideration after receiving hundreds of emails and faxes from Pacifica supporters asking them to step aside.

After it was reported Monday that the dwindling board majority went to court seeking emergency authority to pack the board with five more people, hundreds of people flocked to the activist web site Progressive Portal (www.ProgressivePortal.org) to send letters to Dick Gregory, Susan Estrich, and George Barnstone.

The board majority, viewed as usurpers by thousands of activists, told the court that several of their numbers were considering stepping down, which would turn control of Pacifica over to the five board members who support a democratic structure and more progressive programming at the radio network. But an Alameda County Superior Court judge, whose approval for emergency action was required because of several lawsuits underway against Pacifica, ruled there was no "emergency" and required the board to adhere to a 30-day waiting period.

According to news reports, attorneys for the board majority said that Estrich, a Democratic Party strategist who helped run Michael Dukakis's presidential campaign, has withdrawn her name, and comedian-activist Dick Gregory may also have stepped aside. No information was available about the other nominees, former District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry, real-estate professional George Barnstone, and Rev. James Ferguson.

From 4:30 p.m. Monday through 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, a total of 1,293 letters were sent by email and fax through Progressive Portal, according to Steve Freedkin, who operates the site. "This huge and rapid response from Pacifica's community helped turn aside a desperate effort by the corporate takeover artists to maintain their control over Pacifica," Freedkin said. "Once again, I am amazed at the dedication of the true Pacifica community."

The letter-writing continues at: www.ProgressivePortal.org

However, it's too early to declare a victory, Freedkin added. "It's still possible the board majority will find someone to help shore up their ranks before they lose control, so we must continue to press for the resignations of at least two of them within the next 30 days, before they can add to their ranks." He said the seven targeted board members are Ken Ford, Andrea Cisco, Bertram Lee, Bob Farrell, Wendell Johns, Valrie Chambers, and John Murdock.