Pacifica Admits Federal Law Was Violated on WBAI; Consent Decree with FCC

4/30/2024

Dear Friends,

The Pacifica Radio Foundation entered into a Consent Decree with the FCC in response to a “Petition to Deny” filed by Pacifica Safety Net in 2022.

Here’s what the PSN petition achieved:

  • Pacifica admitted to all the violations alleged in the petition. This was after repeatedly denying there were any issues at the troubled WBAI-FM in NY.
  • The FCC requires Pacifica to designate a Compliance Officer who will oversee compliance with the consent decree to eliminate the violations.
  • Several of those who were cited in violation of FCC regulations are now GONE!!!
  • In the consent decree the FCC states unequivocally that the PSN petition never intended to revoke or deny WBAI’s license.
  • Adopting the Order and Consent Decree shall have the same force and effect as any other order of the Commission. Pacifica agrees that it is required to comply with each individual condition of this Consent Decree.

The FCC issued a provisional license for 2 years to WBAI rather than the usual 8 years to ensure compliance.

We are hopeful that the oversight provisions outlined in the consent decree will result in saving Pacifica and restoring some sanity and financial stability to WBAI.

We remain cautiously optimistic that we may be able to turn around Pacifica’s fortunes.

It was with your support that we were able to get this far. We we’ll keep you posted on what we find moving forward.

For more information and updates, see pacificasafetynet.org

Warm Regards,

Pacifica Safety Net Volunteers