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PACIFICA AND FSRN SIGN AGREEMENT
Stage set for integration in one year
October 20, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BERKELEY, CA -- The Pacifica Foundation,
the leading listener-supported radio network in the U.S., is pleased to announce
the signing of a one-year agreement with Pacifica Reporters Against Censorship
(PRAC), producers of Free Speech Radio News
(FSRN). The deal covers the production of PRAC's half-hour daily newscast and
distribution by Pacifica Radio to its network of affiliate
and sister
stations.
In addition, both Pacifica and FSRN have affirmed in writing their commitment
"to establish terms that will allow for the integration of
Free Speech Radio News within Pacifica," and outlined a series
of steps to make this possible within the next year.
Free Speech Radio News, a popular, progressive half-hour daily news show, features
stories produced by hundreds of reporters, working in more than 50 nations.
It is currently carried on over 90 radio stations nationwide. Free Speech Radio
News began broadcasting in January 2000, and actively recruits and trains journalists
throughout the U.S. and around the world, resulting in a diverse and unique
correspondent network.
"We are very happy to be entering into this new and closer
relationship with Free Speech Radio News," said Pacifica Executive
Director Greg Guma, who led the negotiations that produced the deal. "Pacifica
Radio looks forward to increased collaboration, both locally and nationally,
and ongoing talks that will make it possible for FSRN to be a key part of the
Pacifica family in the years ahead."
Launched in 1949, the Pacifica Foundation created the first listener-sponsored
radio station in the United States. Today it owns and operates stations in New
York, Washington D.C., Houston,
Los Angeles and Berkeley,
CA, and has a network of over 100 affiliate community radio stations across
the country.
The agreement with FSRN covers the development of closer cooperation on programming
and joint fundraising strategies, as well as relations with current and new
affiliate stations. In addition, as part of the new relationship with Pacifica,
FSRN will add a statement about its support from the network to its newscasts.
The agreement was approved by the Pacifica National Board at its annual meeting,
held in Walnut Creek, CA Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2006, and signed by Guma and PRAC
representatives last week.
For more information, contact Greg Guma (510-849-2590) |
