Have you listened to WBAI lately? If you have, we are sure that you’ve noticed that there is a difference in the sound and the direction of its programming. When former Program Director Bernard White was summarily dismissed in May of 2009, without due process or respect for his 30 years of dedication to WBAI, he made a very interesting statement that appears to have become the present reality. White said, "I am being removed so that multi-millionaire board member Steve Brown can bring back his multi-millionaire business partner, Gary Null. They both plan to personally benefit from their relationship with the station. Although WBAI is experiencing some financial difficulty, my removal and the removal of Anthony Riddle has little to do with the station’s finances. This is all about a business deal with a very unhealthy 'ego' component."

At that time White’s pronouncement seemed a little far-fetched, especially since Mr. Null publicly proclaimed that he was not interested in returning to WBAI. However, as the Takeback WBAI Coalition pays close attention to what has unfolded at WBAI, it appears that White’s analysis was accurate.

1. Gary Null has returned to WBAI: In order to make space for Null the entire morning and early afternoon programming has been changed. All male producers who had health programs were removed from their daytime slots and were relocated to the late evening. They also had their time cut by 50%. This decision provides Gary Null with the hegemonic position of being the primary voice on all health and political issues.
2. Gary Null promotes his products on the air: Ageless Wonder Moisturizing Cream, Green Stuff and Power Berry Blast are all products from Null’s extensive business catalog of health products. These are the items that have been offered, so far, during this Winter Fund Drive. These offers constitute a radical departure from all past drives. WBAI often gave out information but never offered specific products on the air. This is rank, backdoor commercialism. Combine the offering of these products with Null’s frequent references to his website and you have "commercial radio."

It appears that the business deal has been consummated right in front of our ears. The corporate takeover that we fought against during the coup of 2000 ended with a "corporate" victory in 2009. Gary Null and Steve Brown are the corporate interests that are now shaping and directing WBAI.

The Coalition to Take Back WBAI is a group of WBAI listeners, staff, and activist organizations who believe that New York’s diverse communities should control their station, not multi-millionaires whose primary interest is personal gain. We understand that, historically, those who have the deepest pockets also have the greatest influence. Easy access to large sums of money by one faction of the Local Station Board has consistently tainted the outcome of the election process. We believe that it has had a direct and negative impact on WBAI’s programming. We don’t think we should allow this subversion of the noble principles which are the foundation of Pacifica. If you agree, please join us in our struggle to make WBAI a true "voice for the voiceless" and a multi-cultural beacon for freedom and justice, not a free marketing opportunity for rich entrepreneurs.

For more information, please visit:
www.takebackwbai.org and www.wbaix.org.