KALW 91.7 FM's topics - tribe.net

Bush Moves to slash funding for public broadcasting again.........

2007-02-08T21:43:39Z

An alert from MoveOn:

George W. Bush is trying—yet again—to slash funding for NPR and PBS. This week, Bush proposed a new budget with devastating cuts to public broadcasting.1 "Sesame Street" and other ad-free kids' shows are under the knife. So is the independent journalism our country needs.

Enough is enough. We've fought this fight before and won—but we can't afford the risk anymore. With the new Congress, we can make sure this never happens again. We need Congress to insulate NPR and PBS from the political winds.

We can make it happen if enough of us sign this petition: "Congress must save NPR and PBS once and for all. Congress should guarantee permanent funding and independence from partisan meddling." Clicking here will add your name to the petition:

http://civ.moveon.org/c4/publicbroadcasting/?referring_id=9851-3689128-8ZDa_H0dJg.OXcJv35KMog

After you sign, please forward this to your friends, family, and co-workers to keep this campaign going. We'll deliver the petition to members of Congress as they consider Bush's budget—offering a public counterpoint to this dangerous attack.

Congress can protect NPR and PBS from future cuts. The long-term solution to save public radio and TV is to:

fully restore this year's funding
guarantee a permanent funding stream free from political pressure
reform how the money is spent and keep partisan appointees from pushing a political bias
Bush's budget would cut federal funds for public broadcasting by nearly 25%.1 According to PBS, the cuts "could mean the end of our ability to support some of the most treasured educational children's series" like "Sesame Street," "Reading Rainbow," and "Arthur."2

As telecommunications chair Rep. Ed Markey said, "In a 24-7 television world with content often inappropriate for young children, the public broadcasting system represents an oasis of quality, child-oriented educational programming. We owe America's children and their parents this free, over-the-air resource."1

The cuts could also decimate one of the last remaining sources of watchdog reporting on TV—continuing the partisan war on journalism led by the ex-chair of public broadcasting, Ken Tomlinson.3 More people trust public broadcasting than any corporate news media.4 President Bush would rather undermine our free press than face reporters who are asking tough questions.

Let's put an end to the constant threats to NPR and PBS. Let's ask Congress to guarantee funding and stop partisan meddling.

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 0 replies

signal problems

2006-11-21T17:03:43Z

apparently weve been broadcasting with a diminished power of 100 watts as opposed to our normal 1900 since yesterday. It's being worked on.

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 2 replies

Mark Pincus on KALW

2006-11-14T05:10:45Z

I totally spaced about posting this but Mark Pincus (Tribe Co-Founder, just in case you didn't know) was a guest on City Visions this evening.
The topic was social networking websites and their impact on the Bay Area. I was engineering the show last week when I heard about the topic and I told the producers you have to have Tribe on the show.

If you missed it you can listen to an archived recording at http://www.cityvisionsradio.com

I'm making Mark a dub as well and he's going to post it on his blog.

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 0 replies

KALW Website

2006-10-30T11:53:24Z

I’m very glad to say we’re moving forward on getting a
brand new website for KALW, with the help of Public
Radio Interactive, an outfit that has set up sites for
more than a hundred other public radio stations.

The first step is to tell them what we have in mind,
so I’d like to hear your ideas about what should be on
the site and how it should be organized. How can we
best use our website to serve you our listeners? How can we best present the good work we’re already doing? We’re
also looking for clever graphic ideas – for instance, a picture or icon to go along with the words “Support
KALW.”

Our first conversation with PR Interactive is
scheduled for Wednesday, so please send me any ideas
you may have (quick notes & fragmentary thoughts
welcome) by the end of the business day next Monday,
July 17th.

You can email them to me at bobsommer@pobox.com or post them here in this thread and I'll pass them along.

Thanks!

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 4 replies

New General Manager

2006-07-14T17:59:11Z

Trish Bascom
Chief of Support Operations
Phone 241-6121 / Fax 522-6792 / tbascom@muse.sfusd.edu
San Francisco Unified School District · 555 Franklin Street · San Francisco, California 94102-5299

June 28, 2006

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that SFUSD announces the appointment of Mr. Matt Martin as Interim General Manager of KALW effective 7/3/06.

Mr. Martin has been an employee of KALW for several years. He has demonstrated dedication, vision and enthusiasm and we believe he brings great energy to the role.

We look forward to successful growth of KALW and increased integration into the districts academic mission.

Thank you for your patience during this time of transition—we look forward to a bright future.

Trish Bascom, Chief of Support and Operations

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 0 replies

Hot off the wire from the FCC

2006-04-16T18:31:10Z

San Francisco) - The San Francisco Unified School District is pleased to announce that its license for SFUSD radio station, KALW FM (91.7), has been renewed pursuant to a decision released Friday, April 7, 2006 by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for the Federal Communications Commission.

“The District is grateful the Federal Communications Commission renewed the license for KALW which will allow us to expand our programming for both youth and the entire community as it relates to education” said Norman Yee, president of the Board of Education.

In 1997, a license challenge was levied against KALW by an organization called Golden Gate Public Radio. This challenge remained pending with the FCC for several years, and went to hearing before an ALJ in Washington D.C. in June 2005. On Friday, the ALJ released his decision, which provides that the station’s license will be renewed for a period of 2 years. The station’s last renewal application was submitted in 1997.

The hearing focused on allegations that the station failed to comply with FCC regulations requiring maintenance of a public file that documents station ownership reports and contains lists of important public issues addressed by station programs. Additionally, the judge considered whether station staff intentionally misled the FCC regarding the status of the public file.

The ALJ concluded that there were irregularities in how the 1997 license renewal application was completed, and that station employees missed subsequent opportunities to correct these irregularities. Moreover, SFUSD admitted technical deficiencies in the prior maintenance of the public file. However, the ALJ did not find intentional misrepresentation by SFUSD, and the decision acknowledged that there was no question that KALW has provided meritorious service to the community through its programming on significant issues to the public.

The ALJ imposed a $10,000 fine against SFUSD for the technical violations of FCC rules related to the public file, which represents the base forfeiture amount for that type of rule violation.

SFUSD is committed to maintaining its level of public service to the community through KALW programming, and to continued compliance with FCC rules and regulations applicable to a public radio station.

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 2 replies

Up A Creek

2005-12-01T10:41:44Z

You guys are up a creek. I just read the FCC's report on the license revocation hearing. This is serious stuff.

Either our senators Boxer and Feinstein have to get involved to help save the station or it should be given away to a like-minded pubcaster such as KQED or KPOO before the license is yanked.

I have read a lot of FCC hearings, and I have never before read such strong language saying adamantly that a license should be revoked. Unless this case can be tied up in the courts, it's time to petition the SFUSD to give away KALW as soon as possible or else there'll be nothing to give away, and a Jesuscaster will apply and probably get the license.

Jeez...

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 5 replies

podcasting KALW produced content?

2005-12-01T06:15:15Z

I tried to phone in to talk to the GM today but all the slots were full.

Is there any reason KALW isn't podcasting their locally produced content? If it's just a lack of machine/server resources, I might be able to help out (since it's non-profit).

Also, KALW's streams are Windows Media and Real Audio... it sure would be nice to make something standard available like MP3s (or even OGG if you want to be politcally correct).

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 8 replies

Voluntters needed for Story Coprs

2005-11-16T01:00:43Z

Greetings! NPR's StoryCorps' Winnebago has landed in SanFran, and KALW (along with KQED) are sponsoring their visit, now through November 27. If you don't know what StoryCorps is all about, here's the NPR link:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4516989

What that means as far as KALW is concerned is that we get lots of great publicity, we'll air some fascinating local stories, and we'll have a great opportunity to hobnob and network with some terrific radio producers.

We need volunteers to answer questions from the general public who show up at the StoryCorps trailer (you'll be provided with a FAQ sheet). We'll have some KALW program guides, and you will wax philosophic about how wonderful we are. While all the recording slots are filled at this point, that may change as the days wear on; instructions for contributing stories via borrowing StoryCorps equipment will be available on site.

We're looking for people to fill the timeslots listed below (2-3 hour shifts if at all possible). Kindly REPLY to this email (or to david@davidlatulippe.com if this has been forwarded to you)with the date, time, and your name in the SUBJECT line. [e.g.: Subject: 11/15 11:30-3:30 Robert Volunteer}]

The StoryCorps trailer is parked next to the Carousel at the ZEUM at 4th and Howard (www.zeum.org for more detailed info).

THANKS! Here are the shifts we need filled:

Friday, 11/11
11am - 5pm

Saturday, 11/12
10am-2pm, 3-7pm

Sunday, 11/13
10am-2pm
3-7pm

Monday, 11/14
1-7pm

Tuesday, 11/15
11am-5pm

Wednesday, 11/16
11am-7pm

Thursday, 11/17
11am-5pm

Friday, 11/18
11am-5pm

Saturday, 11/19
10am-7pm

Sunday, 11/20
10am-2pm
3-7pm

Monday, 11/21
1-7pm

Tuesday, 11/22
11am-7pm

Wednesday, 11/23
11am-5pm

Saturday, 11/26
10am-7pm

Sunday, 11/27
10am-4pm

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 1 reply

Friends of KALW

2005-10-26T03:36:29Z

Greetings KALW fans. I'd like you to consider joining Friends of KALW, the station's recently revived official support group. I'm Friends' webmaster and currently the designer of the new brochure. Any suggestions about the website (http://www.friendsofkalw.org/) are welcome too. I've just published an announcement about our next event, which will be a reception on November 30 for Laura Flanders, Mary Ambrose and Rebecca Roberts of the morning call-in show "Your Call."

I look forward to chatting will all of you about your interest in and suggestions for KALW.

-- Alison Chaiken, yet another volunteer

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 0 replies

Membership Drive

2005-10-09T16:27:53Z

Starts today or in the next day or two. Just so you know, 10% of monies collected during the Drive will go to WWOZ and WWNO (split equally) two public radio stations in New Orleans off the air and hit hard. – these two stations may be back online soon, but it’s going to be a very long time before they get their revenue streams back in order. The donation will be made in the name of KALW and its Members. Become a member if you can, every penny helps.

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 1 reply

Welcome!

2005-07-07T23:02:37Z

Hi there. I started the KALW 91.7 tribe because I thought it should exist. All listeners are welcome to join and post.

My name is Tarin. I also started the Pirate Cat Radio tribe. I never listen to commercial radio. And neither should you. :)

Other favorites are KPOO 89.5 and KCSM 91.1, the jazz station with the largest music library of any radio station in the world (really).

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 3 replies

Reason for Denial

2005-06-25T19:37:40Z

Golden Gate Public Radio, a group of people who wanted to get a radio station on the cheap by challenging an existing license, submitted a petition to the FCC in 1997. The GGPR principals have moved on and away from the Bay Area, and the group has disbanded, but the issue is still on the table at the FCC.

Here are the most important points people should put into their letters:

(1) KALW's ownership was always clear to the public. They have mentioned many times each hour that KALW was owned by the San Francisco Unified School District. (The petition says that KALW failed to maintain accurate records in its public file about the ownership.)

(2) KALW has been in the forefront of finding out about community needs and has always adjusted its programming to help meet those needs. (The petition says that KALW failed to put information about its public needs survey into its public files.)

(2) KALW has always made a strong effort to recruit minorities in its hiring. Michael Johnson, a black man, was a long-time program producer, announcer, and eventually general manager. Nguyen Qui Duc (aka Duc Nguyen "Duke Wynn"), originally from Vietnam, has been a longtime program producer and employee. Jo Ann Mar, a woman of Chinese ancestry, continues to be a fulltime employee and program producer at KALW and has been such for over 15 years. (The petition said that KALW didn't have evidence in its public file that they had done anything to recruit minorities.

The gist of the argument in your letters should be that whether or not there was written information in the KALW public file is immaterial to the situation: KALW has been very public on the air and by its example of not only fulfilling all the terms of its license, but going overboard in making sure that those terms have been met.

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 0 replies

Savior Letters due June 30!

2005-06-25T12:56:53Z

KALW's license is in jeopardy. The FCC renewal is not automatic. It's important that as many people as possible mail paper letters to the FCC. A strong showing of community support will be the deciding factor, without a doubt.

KALW data page:
http://www.kalw.org/

Why this happened:
http://www.kalw.org/sched74.html

Sample letter (what I'm sending):
http://homepage.mac.com/tarintowers/kalw/letter.html

Thanks, and please forward this information widely.

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 0 replies

Bug fixed!

2005-06-24T06:20:36Z

Come on in...

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 0 replies

Bug preventing members from joining

2005-06-23T23:16:10Z

Apparently all new tribes created after the last update are having problems with allowing new members to join.

http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/thread/0aa9f76a-93e9-4a5c-a5bf-8d26b2e66fad?tribeid=bbe523ba-f877-4923-80b3-9bce3cd8342e&r=10535

Please hang in there -- I'll post a new listing when the bug is fixed and everyone can join again.

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 3 replies

Help KALW Keep their license

2005-06-19T12:35:21Z

(This is also posted as a listing, but I wanted to make sure the information was readily available.)

www.kalw.org/sched74.html
www.kalw.org/
tribes.tribe.net/kalw917 (NEW TRIBE)

The most grassroots of San Francisco's public radio stations, KALW is my favorite source of news and entertainment talk on the air.

Run by the San Francisco Unified School district, their main focus is news, and they broadcast lots of BBC and NPR, as well as PRI and CBC (Canada).

On weekends, KALW has an amazing lineup of literary and community radio shows. They also broadcast This American Life, Car Talk, and several variety and quiz shows. There's nothing else like it on the air.

Because of a political dispute, the broacast license of San Francisco's oldest FM station and the nation's oldest educational station is in question.

The FCC needs to see letters of support from listeners so that this license is renewed and we continue to get 24 hours a day of news, information, opinion, and entertainment from around the world, for free.

Address letters to:

Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
445 Twelfth Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554

Make sure to include in your letter:
KALW(FM), San Francisco, CA
MB Docket No. 04-191

(Letters must be received by the FCC no later than June 30, 2005)
*****************************************************

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 0 replies

Internet Streaming & Broadcast Schedule

2005-06-19T12:31:39Z

The pointer page for getting a live stream of the KALW broadcast is http://www.kalw.org/listen.html -- both RealAudio and Windows Media are supported.

The broadcast schedule can be found here:

http://www.kalw.org/schedule.html

posted in KALW 91.7 FM - 1 reply