Over ten years ago, I was a young, liberal-minded college student who was desperately searching for alternative news and fresh perspectives to feed my hungry mind. By chance during a commute, I stumbled upon KPFK radio, and have been listening ever since. However, over the years, I have found that some of station’s content has become less interesting and less relevant.
Nevertheless, I still rely heavily on KPFK's programs like Democracy Now and Background Briefing for information and analysis. The station’s diverse programming has enabled me to become a well-informed community activist in the struggle against imperialism, racism, and sexism.
In the past, I have been an organizer for the Orange Coast College Peace Project, which rallied support against the American invasion and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. As a community activist, I have utilized KPFK to publicize various protests, and have relied upon KPFK’s terrific on-air radio personalities as guest speakers.
Currently, I volunteer for Ian Masters on his two shows, “Background Briefing,” and “Live from the Left Coast.” Working on both shows has allowed me to gain an insider’s perspective on the inner workings and mechanics of running a community radio station. Also, it has helped me understand how internal politics are plaguing the station.
I am running for the Local Station Board because I strongly feel that KPFK is losing touch with its listenership. Over the last the few years, internal turmoil and a lack of direction have created a negative situation for all in the KPFK family--especially the listener! As a delegate to the Local Station Board, I hope to help build bridges and mend the structural problems that have hurt our great radio station and community treasure. I plan on using my vast experience of coalition building to bring about unity at the station. I also yearn to use my accounting background to ensure KPFK is fiscally responsible.
As your delegate to KPFK, I hope to initiate progressive changes with KPFK’s programming. I want to diversify the programming to offer listeners more options like how rival public radio stations are doing. I want to see KPFK “catch up” with other radio stations in offering HD Radio service. I hope to make the station more appealing to younger listeners as well, in order to build the next generation of KPFK listenership and leadership. A vote for me, Lich Doan, as your delegate to the KPFK Local Station Board is a vote for a prosperous and dynamic KPFK.