Free Speech Radio News (FSRN) announced that it is in danger of shutting down, since Pacifica Foundation abruptly cut its funding by more that $13,100 per month. That was about a 25% overall funding cut for FSRN, which produces a half-hour, “worker-run” daily newscast broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide.
Pacifica Foundation itself is strapped for cash. The non-profit foundation is very public about streaming its Pacifica National Board meetings and posting detailed minutes. At the March 30 meeting, most of the discussion was about how to reverse declining audiences and contributions. Cost-cutting was also a big issue, and the board decided to save thousands of dollars by not having an in-person meeting this summer. Staff has been directed to look into teleconferencing options.
