In our continuing coverage of the problems facing WBAI in Brooklyn we are told that The Pacifica Foundation has launched a new initiative to save the station. And the goal is to rebuild the station with local programming in a way that the station can sustain itself financially.

Because of WBAI-FM’s severe budget crisis, previously hired staff had to be laid off. The move, according to Pacifica, was necessary due to WBAI’s desperate financial situation, which jeopardized the station and all of Pacifica’s other units and affiliates across the country. They say the only way to prevent the demise of WBAI and Pacifica as a whole was to halt the financial hemorrhaging in New York. The Pacifica Foundation, the parent organization of WBAI, introduced new temporary WBAI programming with the goal of re-introducing locally produced shows as quickly as possible. That service, Pacifica Across America which was launched on October 7th 2019, is a compilation of the network’s current and archived broadcasts.

The new Rebuild WBAI Plan will be a starting point for the station, according to a Pacifica release. “WBAI will produce unique programming of regional, national and international importance. This new and improved programming will include conversations about income and wealth inequality, climate crisis, immigration, white supremacy, racism, corporate power and militarism — WBAI will be fearless in examining some of the most pressing issues of our time. Based on available funding and keeping with best journalistic practices for fairness and accuracy, the station will introduce locally produced content focused on the New York metropolitan area.”

John Vernile, interim Executive Director, will be rebuilding WBAI’s staffing and operations. Jerry Paris, the GM WPFW in Washington, DC, will be temporarily serving as Interim General Manager of WBAI.