Problems at KBOO

KBOO would do a wonderful service for its listners if it subscribed to WIN, the Workers Independent News. The cost is reasonable and the daily productions are top shelf. WIN is now the largest national labor-media outlet for working people and deserves a good look at their outstanding format.

The following information comes from the WIN webpage. But first, go to their website (right now) and listen to today's headline newscast and imagine how this would be a wonderful addition for KBOO!

 http://www.laborradio.org/
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WIN: Airing the issues and concerns of America's working families

WIN producers gather news from labor unions and activists from across the country. WIN then packages the material for distribution to radio stations and for print publication.

Our producers and reporters come from a diverse background encompassing all fields of media journalism, from print to radio, video to the Web. We share one common goal: to create media that puts people over profits and empowers citizens to become journalists in their own right.

WIN's mission is to bring balance to radio news coverage by providing stations with news and features focusing on:

Organizing and bargaining for workplace democracy
Workplace issues: safety, privacy, discrimination
Coalition campaigns for a living wage and other goals
Unions in communities and the political arena
Workforce issues: undocumented workers, contingent and part time workers, immigrant workers

I think KBOO works, and I love the shows I hear. I mean, it's good to point out that community radio, like public access television, is far too limited a resource. But I do not think the solution is to unplug successful shows that have been on the air for a long time. Those happen to be some great shows, and I think suggesting that the passage of time makes them less "worthy" is akin to ageism. I also worry very much about your "criteria," particularly the one asking whether the show is "financially supported." The reason we need alternative sources of information is that the conventional sources have been sold off and sold out, and the truth has been sold out with them.

If your concern is really about allowing other voices to chime in, which is a concern I would agree with, then why not get a little more radical in your approach? The problem is not that good people have taken over the meager pickings in public airwaves, rather the problem is that there are not enough places for people to air their voices. Why not put your energy into the creation of another non-commercial radio station?

If you don't like what the current board is doing why not run for the board yourself? I seem to recall they elect every year and send out the info to members to vote on the board for that year. Just a thought...

Like Portland Indymedia, KBOO is a community based non profit that has a mission of inclusiveness but can't help but fall into the insular groupings of committed cliques of activist volunteers. I had illusions that KBOO was a community resource, after the intense propaganda campaign for the War on Terror I was disillusioned to watch as KBOO did not take on the challenge of becoming more political and sacrificing its entertainment and infotainment programming for straight news feeds and important "teach-in" recordings of lectures that we still need in high rotation so badly today. KBOO is not public access it is a media ALTERNATIVE. And like the commercialized alternative rock of the 90's was to the working class angst that inspired its punk rock originators, Alternative media remains a cheap imitation of any real grass roots communication and community building. I urge you to continue to imagine ways to promote the dialogue KBOO claims it fosters without counting on alternative self-centered media like KBOO and Portland Indymedia.

Don't forget Web streaming & podcasting. In the near future, DJs & schedules can be multiplied times (n) when there's more than one frequency assigned & allocated to the same Station ID.

For example:

90.7FM can translate to:
90.701FM for a (x) block radius somewhere other than 20 SE 8th Avenue & Burnside in Portland.
90.703FM for a (x) block radius somewhere other than 90.701FM's broadcast area.
100.742FM for a (x) block radius in the Willamette Valley, piggybacking off of 100.7FM.

A multi-station design incorporating a central broadcasting uplink is trivial!

Those that can't create, critique.

Though I like that Brian put forward a proposal to deal with the problem he perceives, which is better than just complaining, I think we need to look at radical solutions. The root of the problem is not that KBOO isn't doing a good job managing shows but that there aren't enough outlets for the content. So, people can argue about how to best manage the limited resources or they can create resources so that such arguments become moot. I think the latter will be a much more rewarding experience for all.

SUGGESTION:

Pick up a KBOO program guide. Look at all the time slots for ALL programming. Tally how much music programming there is versus talk/new/public affairs.

In times in which our country finds itself, there should be MORE talk/news/public affairs. The topics are limitless. There are many worthy people waiting to volunteer in this NEW programming. This is NOT against music, but for KBOO's programming to adjust with the challenges our cities, counties, state & nation face. Music may feed the soul,
but more talk/news/public affairs will feed our minds in troubled times and times of change. KBOO is a catalyst for change. Change comes from ideas. More air time in favor of T/N/PA, and a little less music will be an expanded source of those ideas.

What do you think?

The weekday morning talk shows are a mixed bag, with Joanne Bowman and Alan Graf demonstrating the most intelligent, informed format for a discussion of local and national issues. The occasional tension between JB & AG on different issues keeps things from falling into the usual "corporate line" dialogue on KBOO where the hosts and guests tend to think alike.

Fridays are the worst w/ Melanie Silverwolf's comments rarely rising above the level of being embarrassingly juvenile and woefully simplistic. Her incessant attempts at sarcasm only highlight how little she prepares for any show and her lack of intellectual depth regarding topics that are brought up by callers.

Joe's show has become more entertaining since Abe came onboard if for no other reason than that Abe caters to the black-helicopter/conspiracy crowd, always good for a laugh.

Wednesdays w/ Barbara would be better if she abandonded the "Democratic Party is right!" attitude and actual engaged callers who disagree with her instead of simply chiding them that "they need to get educated to the issues".

They get high marks for trying to expand the caller base from the usual suspects who, after all these years, have little to offer new.

There's way too much Hispanic/Spanish-only programming on KBOO. Most afternoons and Sundays are dominated by Spanish-only programming with mostly crappy Mexican pop music. There's no other segment of the population that gets so much without having English. The natives only get a couple hours on Thursdays, and they speak in English. At least there should be more quality Latin music, not crap. Why not give the Russians the same block of time? Africans?

Yes, here we go- KBOO isn't perfect.
SURPRISE!!!!
And, again, that whiny complaint: "the AM talk show hosts have been in their time slots too long".
While I tend to agree about some of the programming not being great*, and a few shows are awful. Let's not forget that KBOO is run by volunteers.
VOLUNTEERS, folks!
What other volunteer run (OK, a few staff people, too) project can you think of that's this successful?
Brian, I agree with another poster that suggested you put your energy into creating more alt/community radio stations. Fleas, maybe?
Or get on KBOO's board and get more active. It ain't easy navigating that many diverse political views, and personalities. In fact, it's a downright struggle. I admire anyone who can do it. So, quit your complaining.
My experience with KBOO is that everytime I've had an issue to talk about, or idea for a one-time show- it has been welcomed. I've been encouraged, trained, & allowed on the air- both in the studio and over the phone. My news releases usually find a place, and I can stop by the station any time to put flyers up on the walls and leave announcements for the programmers. This kind of great access does not exist at any other radio station here in P-town.
We need to value KBOO, & support it ($$$, too). And work hard to make it the best it can be.

That said:
* Melodie's Friday show really needs to get off the air. Her lack of insight and information about social issues (and the lame jokes and guffawing) make me rush to change the dial. And Barbara's shows are always interesting, to me
(she's not on every week, anyway).
The format of having two hosts in the morning radiozine slots (and every other week for others)is a recent improvement. There was a time when those five morning shows were done by only five people- really too few opinions to sustain a interesting discussions for very long.

As I've been an activist longer and longer (yes, I'm only 30, but what a difference in experiences from when I was 20!), I have to say that I truly value commitment and longevity. In ANY organization I've worked with, things often go much smoother when some percentage of the participants have been involved for a long time. ("Long," in our subculture, being well over a year.) Those who have done the same type of thing for a while, like broadcasting, for a time have a valuable skill to contribute. Those who have stayed in the "milleu" have networking and personal contacts to build on. And those who stay with the same organization for the long haul have institutional memory to share with the rest of us: what's worked, what's been tried, what's utterly failed, what the conditions have been during those trials.... get what I mean?

There are also cultural and personality factors at work. Folks who have a dedication to their kids or their long-term job (read: the parents and the working class) may find it easier to maintain a stable commitment to a project, rather than jumping from role to role (or organization to organization) all the time. That may be an indication that they'll stick to their activism longer and have less burnout than some of us. And, hello, isn't the activist crowd always trying to find ways to support moms/dads/the working class?

It seems that perhaps a secret to why KBOO has been around so long is that it fosters long-term commitment. Some KBOO shows aren't to my taste, but I always know a friend who LOVES the show I despise. So what? I'll just sing to myself (or turn on NPR or college radio) for an hour. If you want to get involved in the station, maybe you should get in touch with someone who has a show and support their work for a while. Perhaps you can share the slot with 'em eventually. It's not always about your (or my) desire to do something cool; sometimes, it's about sustainability and loyalty as much as anything else.

How does the "pod" broadcasting work? I wonder how much an AM station would cost to broadcast? I would like hear an all radical anti corporate, all information radio station with speeches running through the night! Radio Free Portland?

KBOO is great, but it's clearly a systemic problem that the board has a strong representation of programmers - as well as programmers' romantic partners, friends, family, etc. That's the fox guarding the chicken coop.

Maybe the by-laws should be changed to force people to give up their programs if they serve on the board? Or maybe we should just vote against any programmer who runs for the board?

And Barbara needs to go! How did she get a show to begin with?

i give KBOO 10 bucks a month. i have not listened for years. while the impact on the progressive and/or radical community cannot be understated, it's got alot of problems. personally, i find it represents the stero-type of middle class liberal radicalism in all it's shrill, angry, and paranoid incompetence.

KBOO does have democratic structures in place. if a group of people wanted to organize a new slate to run as a board of directors, i think they would get a hearing from people such as myself. It would be best if such a slate had a clear plan to reform the station.

realizing that this would be a real fight, and probably a very public one at that, such a move would have to be very well thuoght out. it would be a shame to but KBOO thruogh such a mess unless you are going to bring a qualitative jump to programing.

a single person floating a idea on indymedia will not do much. even a lose knit group of people that are agreeing to disagree with the current KBOO situation would not bring much to the table. A cadre with a plan of action and unified vision is what is needed.

lacking a clear plan with a organized mass behind it, it may be better if it just limps along until it falls apart. i listen to shitty air america (until noon, and only after 10pm), and NPR. i wish that KBOO was more engaging and usefull then it is.

as to the person that complained about spainish language programing. learn spainish. latinos account for 10% of the oregon population. that number will just grow. if you want a radio station that tries build community you need to lok at demographics. and just cause you don't like spainish pop music does not mean other people agree.

p.s.
people, people, Mike Ruppert is a snakeoil salesman. a oppurtunist of the highest order. peak oil? sure, that will come. but not next year, or 2 years from now. but by then you'll have bought the book , video, and gone to the lecture. then peak oil will be forgotten as fast as he dropped 9-11 and contra-crack-LApd dope dealing. nothing sells like hysteria. suckers.

1) There IS way too much hispanic programing even for a region with 10% Latinos, and it is mostly run of the mill Mexican pop.
2) Aside from her Democrats are good/NPR is good leanings and occasional dismissive attitude towards listeners, Barbara is quite knowledgable and a needed resource on the environment.
3) The Friday show is mostly annoying because of the guffawing, coughing, etc. on the show, which is totally wrong on the radio.
4) KBOO is mostly music and I agree that it should evolve to more discussion. Not to make unfair comparisons, but the Pacifica (WBAI) NY of the 60's (also mostly volunteer)had incredible shows and legendary hosts 24/7. I should think that in 2005, KBOO could rise above playing music much of the time and start recruiting people with real thoughts.
5) I haven't listened to Joe Uris in a while. He used to get on my nerves for his dismissing 9/11 conspiracy theories.
6) As far as the last commenter, Air America is not shitty. Have you listened to Janine Garofalo? She's probably the first person I've ever heard admit over the major airways that 9/11 was likely known, allowed and planned by Bush and Co. There are some shows on A.A. that are less desirable but, for the most part, they are doing a good job. I've learned more from them in the past year than from many other alternative media source. NPR, now that's crap!

It is a sad, sad day when progressives (?) move over to a Clear Channel-owned station (Air America is syndicated, and airs on a CC station in Portland) owwned station to listen to Janine Garofolo and Randy Rhodes because they dislike our home-grown community-owned & volunteer-run radio station.
Yes, there must be alternatives to KBOO- just as there are many conservative stations. Why not?
But, the poster that talked about longevity had it right. We need people who know what they are doing, have some serious skills, have a "memory" about what's been tried- and are coherent about the issues. Why should we re-invent the wheel constantly? That would be a huge waste of time.
But, neighborhood radio broadcasts, or pirate stations could offer a way for other views to get heard. It's happening in countries with limited access to technology, so, we could definitely do it in Portland where we are rich in tech resources.
My own two cents: Barbara B. is intelligent and well-informed, and she is a pro (have you heard her radio documentaries?) She is also someone who is dedicated to social change. KBOO is damn lucky to have her.
Melodie, on the other hand, well, there's just not much good to say about that Friday show. Maybe Ani and Melodie should give up their time slot- that's the one I would miss the least.
Maybe the weekly radiozines need a jolt of fresh energy, I agree, but let's tread delicately- the mainstream media would love to see KBOO go away- and it's happened in other cities, that a station gets trashed over some weird internal squabble, then is soon defunct.
We can't risk losing KBOO.
Compared to other so-called "community radio stations" around the country- KBOO offers more independently produced news, better music programming and wide diversity. Many larger cities have nothing that even comes close. NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!
Protect KBOO, nurture KBOO, get involved!!

I agree that podcasting has a future but there is more fundamental shift at work. Content is more and more often being separated from distribution. And I think that is a good thing. What we need to realize is that we need people who are content producers and those that are content distributors (and those that are enablers as well). So, if what you want is a show you might consider getting a portland indymedia web radio show. If what you want to do is manage and distribute content you could investigate pirate radio, investigate community radio, start a web radio stream (which may perhaps be rebroadcast by another party) and start finding content you like from people already collecting it. There is no shortage of content though there is also a need for people to create new content to keep things fresh. Definitely check out  http://radio.indymedia.org/ as it is a great resource.

so i have been a fairly regular KBOO listener and an occasional volunteer.

However I've wound up listening more and more to KPOJ.

The addition of Tom Hartman as their local morning person has been a plus.

He seems able to get local guests to talk about local issues and I've found it interesting to be able to actually hear local city commissioners, state legislators or the congressional delegation.

The draw back is of course the commercials which limit any extended conversation about an issue, which is a plus for KBOO, provided you have an interviewer that can intelligently guide an interview. My favorite person for this on KBOO is Marlene.

I've also been impressed by Hartman's knowledge of u.s history and that he is also able to draw upon his experiences from his periods of living or working abroad. This week he scored a major coup a I thought by being able to have a 15 minute interview with George Galloway from the UK.

Some of the points above about diversity, experience, etc. have been so well articulated that I have nothing to add to them.

I did want to say that I'm really curious whether the Spanish programming dominates much of the weekend because of the support (monetary and otherwise) of the Hispanic community, or because few people want to DJ on a weekend, or something else. I know that one year during pledge drive I heard it announced that the Grateful Dead show (I'm fairly sure it was "Dawn of the Dead") had amassed the all-time record for pledge contributions, which helps to explain the endurance of Dead programming on Saturdays.

I know there is a lot more Latin music out there, can the pop crap be really what the listeners want? I wouldn't mind the long stretch of Hispanic programming if there was more diversity within it.

Oh, and I love hearing Reggae programming and wouldn't mind seeing the departure of that annoying DJ who keeps turning the music down during songs (over and over and over) to talk over the songs. I'll bet there are five people in this town who would take his place.

The problem with a radio station like KBOO is that it has to deal with a coalition of views. Left wing organizations that have papers print their views and perspective and can be very precise with what they want to say. KBOO has to appeal to a wider audience who want different things.
Ideally, there should be broadcasting on AM and FM. AM for talk and FM for music. There is a need for this, but obviously there are not the resources for this at the moment. With this kind of format you could have Amy Goodman and virtually everything else you want, plus all the different kinds of music you want.
I work during the day, so I don't get to hear the day time presenters very often. The times I did listen to them it seemed they were apologists for Bill Clinton and the democrats.
But all round I think KBOO does put on great shows. I like reggae, blues and rock that you don't get on other stations. I listen to the very early morning shows and they do a great job. Also I listen to Indian world on Thursday afternoons. Where else would you hear it .I has learnt a lot form listening to that show.
You aren't going to please everyone, but it's great to have radio without ads every five minutes or just being a mouth piece for the government like OPB.
I pony up 60 bucks every year to help KBOO, and think it's worthwhile.