KPFT Home

Deborah Shafto (Listener Candidate-Incumbent)

Candidate Questionnaire
Radio Spot
Video
Candidate Forum

Candidate Statement

I was among those who struggled to regain control of Pacifica, speaking out at the Ganter controlled board meetings, picketing, leafleting, informing and cajoling the public to listen. I was elected to be the chair of the first independent LAB. It was a very exciting time and place to be. Many positive changes took place. We have new programs, new policies and procedures and, not the least, new by-laws.

I am now the chair of the governance committee, whose productivity has been notable. We have instituted programs which have been lauded by the National Board for their clarity and effectiveness.

I believe that Pacifica will be critical to the struggle we face in taking back our nation and that there is nothing more important nor more worthy of out time than to see that it is a model of a working democracy and that it functions up to the level of its promise.
I envision the station as being the center of progressive thought and action, a gathering place for those whose goal is a better life for every living thing on the planet. I see the station becoming a focal point for the arts, the place where ”it’s happening”! , where performers, musicians and artists of all genres find an appreciative audience. I see the struggle for democratic participation promoting true understanding between all peoples and eliminating the practice of attempting to get one’s way by domination of any kind.
I have worked hard and will continue to do so, to make these visions a reality.
I need and deserve your vote.

Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board ?
   I believe that Pacifica and KPFT in particular will be of greatest importance in the struggles that lay before us. Pacifica and its independent affiliates are the only source of news and opinion not controlled by conglomerate giants. Its well being and high performance are worth all the time, money, thought and energy we can put into it. I would like to be one of those who makes the best happen.
   
2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation,KPFT and the community?

   Much thought was given to this question in forming the structure of the two boards and it seems to be working well. I would like to see the LSB serve as thoughtful advisor to the Station Manager and Program Director, in a relationship of mutual respect and understanding. The LSB needs to appreciate the expertise of management and the management needs to use the skills and talents brought by the LSB members and to understand that the LSB is a governing board.
   

3. How could the station better serve its' listeners?
   The station could better serve its listeners by :

   1. Going into the various communities of this city and uniting with their struggles. Lending its powerful voice to the ignored and powerless would serve both our larger and smaller communities well.
   2. Developing news and commentary that educates us on the history of the issues as well as the issues themselves, and possible solutions. News in the commercial media is presented as isolated events to which only one solution, usually kill 'em, is promoted.
   3. Institute a continuing quality assessment of all programming with the goal of improving each program each week.
   4. Fight to operate at our maximum wattage, cover a wider area, and cover it without blind spots.

   
   
4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience?
   I have spent many, many hours trying to bring representatives of minority communities into the station and onto the station board. The success I have had leads me to believe that we need to try something different ! I now believe that we need to go into those communities, participate and unite with them, air some of their spokespeople and events and then take another look to see what needs to be done next.
   
5. What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel KPFT should solicit?
   The planning committee of which I am not a member, has come up with innovative and profitable ideas including concerts, book signing tours, inventive kinds of sales, prominent speakers and many others. I am vehemently opposed to any kind of commercial corporate support, not because I don't want the commercials, but because of the control of editorial policy that inevitably ensues.
   
6. Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, work history, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board?
   I have been a peace activist for a thousand years, or, at least it seems that way. I have a masters in Early Childhood Education and I teach Pre-K in an inner city school. I also have about 25 years practice in peer counseling that has stood me well in many Pacifica situations. I am passable at clerical work, and I run a loose, participant-friendly meeting. I am hard working, enthusiastic, supportive, and positive. I am passionate about the Pacifica Mission and I am excited about establishing a working democracy.
   
7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems or inadequate transportation?
   I have missed only two scheduled board meetings since we attempted to take back the station and only 2 National board meetings since we succeeded. I do not expect to ever miss more than one per year.
   
8. On which Local Station Board committees are you interested in actively serving? If you are a current Local Station Board member, on which committees do you currently serve?
   I am chair of the governance committee and I have been a working member of the as hoc program council committee and a long standing member and supporter of the Anti-Racism and Diversity Committee.