Free Speech Radio News in Crisis

BERKELEY, California - June 6, 2008 - One of the most important alternative news outlets in the country is facing closure after its major supporter substantially reduced funding.

Free Speech Radio News, which broadcasts a half-hour, worker-run daily newscast on more than 100 stations nationwide, has long been a beacon in the global media justice movement. By regularly highlighting the voices of marginalized communities most affected by social and economic policy changes, the newscast challenges old models of media access and media control. Thanks to the more than 150 reporters worldwide who live and work in the communities they report from, FSRN has re-shaped the way critical issues are represented in the news. Headlines editor Shannon Young says that FSRN is an unmatched model. "Our international network of community-based reporters is unique for a US-based news outlet."

FSRN has been given notice by the financially-strapped Pacifica Foundation that it will be cutting its funding by more than $13,500 a month – effective immediately. The reduction represents about a 25% cut in income for the grassroots news collective. Since FSRN is barred from on-air fundraising, it must seek to offset the cut with income from affiliates, foundations and individuals.

A massive cut in funding from Pacifica on a moment's notice will make it impossible for Free Speech Radio News to produce a daily half-hour newscast.

YOU CAN HELP KEEP FSRN ON THE AIR: DONATE NOW!
http://www.fsrn.org/webdonor.htm

Andalusia Knoll, Administrative Coordinator, Free Speech Radio News
steering [at] fsrn.org (646) 660-1344
Carol Spooner, Treasurer, Funding, Outreach Coordinator, FSRN
carol [at] fsrn.org (707) 526-2867

http://www.fsrn.org