The Pacifica station has a unique spot in radio history for having had its transmitter site bombed in 1970 by the local KKK, which objected to its liberal programming. KPFT-FM Houston has been knocked off the air again, but this time it’s not political.
According to the station website, copper thieves are blamed for damage to the transmitter building overnight from Sunday to Monday. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.
KPFT had planned to air live coverage of the Senate confirmation hearing for US Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan on Monday. Listeners were being advised to listen online or to the station’s 250-watt translator in Galveston while the 100kw main station is off the air. It is not known how quickly the transmitter can be repaired.
