SAY IT ISN'T SO!!!!!!!!
Kraus Raus demands an answer to his lies and defamation comment:
Theresa replies, with copious and unnecessary copy pasta from KBOO[feel free to skim the parts grayed out]:
"
KBOO At A Crossroads
When I first came to KBOO five years ago to become a music
programmer, I was given a stack of materials to read including
Programmer's Rights and Responsibilities, and told that before I went
on-air I would have to sign a programmer's contract. All the members of
our music show's collective were told the same thing during the
training, but none of us ever met formally with staff for this purpose,
or were ever asked to sign anything.
Within six months of my arrival at KBOO, a minor dispute arose
between me and another volunteer. I looked to the KBOO documents
provided to me earlier and followed the dispute resolution process to
the letter. The other volunteer chose to ignore the printed KBOO process
and took actions that turned this minor dispute into a fiasco of public
defamation and character assassination.
During eventual KBOO sponsored mediation, the other party denied any
prior knowledge that there was a dispute resolution process, and many
other details of programmer responsibility. Had KBOO been internally
consistent in requiring actual contracts with programmers, there would
not have been any plausible deniability in this fiasco.
At that time programmer's responsibilities included not attacking
the character of other programmers or other shows on-air, or actions
that harmed KBOO. As the dust settled it became clear that the way other
media was used to attack my character harmed KBOO. But shortly
thereafter several other public disputes followed including several
between volunteers, Board members, and a former Station Manager. The
comments section of the KBOO website then was changed to no longer allow
anonymous postings. At this point the flame wars at KBOO calmed
somewhat, though they moved to other websites and blogs.
So limited progress towards better internal process at KBOO was
made, but still no programmer's contract was ever presented to me to
sign ... even when I asked station management several times over the
years when this would occur. Still no formal accountability.
After this debacle I decided that if I wanted to be part of KBOO, I
couldn't stay in my music programmer bubble but should pay attention to
the larger picture. I began listening to programs in the entire schedule
and found the news and public affairs programming to be something I've
come to describe as "Neo-Progressive", something actually quite removed
from the progressive values I've held during my lifetime. When I
complained to the volunteer coordinator about extreme bias in some of
the programming, I was told that KBOO is a place that accommodates
"principled dissent", and that if I had ideas for programming I should
present this to the program committee.
Thus began a two year long adventure into the bowels of KBOO. I
worked within the process, and eventually became a member of the program
committee. There I witnessed vicious in-fighting and personal attacks
that should never occur between adults. What I learned from my
participation is that KBOO programming is controlled by a very small
group of staff and long time volunteers, independent of any accountable
process. During this time I repeatedly presented a proposal for a public
affairs show that received literal silence every time it was brought
up. No one dared directly say no, but the entrenched committee sure
wasn't going to upset the status quo. During a well attended meeting to
adjust the morning schedule, the former Program Manager thought this
proposed new show would make an interesting addition to the schedule for
Friday mornings, to make a "Mideast Block" (his comment was that the
addition would be "hot"). But after Shalom Portland was listed on the
board in the new schedule over two hours, another long-time staff member
made a last minute objection (the only person in a crowded room to
object) and had the show removed. Although I did try to revive the show
and produced eight segments, with no regular program time and a total
lack of encouragement or support by staff, it never had a chance. I've
given up and now produce content for podcast elsewhere.
What I learned from this experience is that KBOO is a closed shop.
The Programming Charter says that KBOO shall be a place for unpopular
and controversial content ... but what it doesn't explain is that you
can't get program time for views that contradict those of entrenched
staff and volunteers who have been running the place for years. Remember
the new T-shirt during the last membership drive?
"KBOO, not just for commie pinko freaks self-righteous gutter punks
drug-addicted peaceniks anarcho-syndicalists hippie tree-huggers gay
hillbillies militant vegans "Jerry-atric" deadheads or the foil-hat
brigade anymore!"
I read this and thought to myself, that's precisely what KBOO is! To
me KBOO is just like right-wing commercial radio ... you have to toe
the very narrow ideological line or you don't get on. It's the same, a
polaric opposite in viewpoint but it functions exactly the same way.
Since that time, and since leaving the program committee I've seen
board members be sued, I've seen people banned from the station then
become elected board members, I've seen a station manager harassed out
the door. I've watched a dysfunctional radio station decline in
listeners, decline in membership and in revenues. In case you don't
know, before KBOO finally dropped the service due to lack of funds
Arbitron consistently put KBOO in last place in total listenership in
the metro area (lower than internet only business news ... lower than
low power AM stations from down the valley). Our revenues aren't
suffering because we're not doing a good job of pitching during
membership drive, our revenues are suffering because most public and
community radio stations only can get about ten percent of listeners to
contribute. Declining listeners means declining revenues. I've suffered
through the lack of effectiveness of the staff collective management
model. I've watched consensus meeting styles come and thankfully go.
I've been making plans for where to take my radio show producing habit
after what I've seen as the inevitable demise of KBOO.
Imagine my surprise when the KBOO staff and Board finally realized
it needs some sort of Station Manager. Imagine my surprise when the new
Manager announced that all programmers actually need to come to meetings
and actually discuss the meaning of and then sign Programmer Contracts.
But what floored me was the conversation afterwards. Lynn Fitch
described a change in focus, where KBOO's purpose was to be a media
center for the entire Portland community, not just the people described
by the now infamous T-shirt. She described a vision where competing
viewpoints could have airtime, and by expanding the concept of
"community" KBOO could return to it's proper place as a open and
welcoming community radio station. It would still be a place for
programming that was extreme left wing, controversial and unpopular, but
not exclusively. By reaching out and being a media resource accessible
for a larger demographic KBOO would solve it's issues of declining
listenership (relevance) and gain new members and new revenues.
I thought to myself as I listened quietly ... "good luck with that".
So now we've had some well publicized issues arise between our new
Station Manager (that's what she is, let's stop wasting time with silly
titles) and the entrenched staff and volunteers that have been running
KBOO. This was interesting enough for me to come to the meeting May 4th
and see for myself how this would be handled by the Board, the Station
Manager, and the community.
My recollection is that 1) brush did a superb job ... no wonder he
has been facilitating Board meetings 2) the Board members who spoke
expressed clearly the reasons for the actions taken and the challenges
KBOO is facing 3) Lynn didn't duck any hard questions and 4) the
decision to go along with a staff union was a wise one.
During the meeting I sat next to a person I didn't know, who
commented to me "there sure is a lot of grey here". I looked around, and
had to agree. In fact I only saw during the entire meeting two persons
who looked to be thirty years or younger, mostly 50-60 and older. I
remarked to my neighbor that if this was KBOO, it was definitely in
trouble and possibly irrelevant for any future and she agreed.
KBOO in it's current form is drifting in a fast changing media
landscape and becoming less relevant all the time. KBOO needs strong
leadership, possible staff changes, and some other re-tooling to reach
anyone beyond the politically narrow and rapidly aging demographic
represented at the recent meeting. Can KBOO survive without changing?
Possibly as an internet only media center, but the shrinking
listenership cannot financially support the costs of operating a full
power FM radio station. KBOO has some serious choices to make. It can
change and become relevant to more communities, thereby fulfilling it's
mission to be "Community Radio" or it can openly decide to keep it's
narrow ideology and continue to shrink until it's off the air, reaming
"pure" in the minds of the grey haired members who want time to stand
still and things remain as they were in the 1970's and '80's.
But for any future to be worth being part of, KBOO must start
treating itself and it's own community with respect. During the recent
conflict over employee policies, long time KBOO members have once again
let loose with a volley of personal attacks on the Board and the Station
Manager. It's reasonable to openly argue about policies, and to discuss
if any particular KBOO employee from Manager on down is the best person
for the job. But irrelevant personal attacks on the character of Lynn
Fitch have been made in other media, and in particular on a website
started by disgruntled KBOO personalities. To argue the facts of policy
is one thing, but to post content that is not relevant to the job itself
is character assassination. Having been personally attacked in this way
myself as my introduction to KBOO, I have to call out the people who
are posting and remind them this is not the way a loving, caring
community behaves.
I met with the former Station Manager several years ago after he was
let go, and he shared with me his view that part of the picture missing
at KBOO was stable governance. He thought that if a portion of the
Board was appointed rather than elected (like many other non-profit
organizations), there would be less susceptibility to wild swings in
direction from elections, elections that often turn on personalities
rather than on policy. I agree with Arthur Davis and see issues at KBOO
ultimately flowing from a failed governance model. During recent Board
elections competing slates of ideologically driven insiders fought over
control of KBOO. Who will serve on the Board in the current paradigm?
Anyone who tries to establish any change or responsible policies gets
dragged through the mud, sued, and harassed till they quit like the
Board Secretary just did.
KBOO is at a crossroads. It's good that the relationship between
staff and the Board is being clarified. It's good that a union will
represent the staff now. It's good that an effort is being made to hold
all members of the community accountable, as represented by actual
signed programmer's contracts.
Now it's time to decide if KBOO will continue as is, or transform to
be relevant for the future. I vote to give the current Board and the
Station Manager enough time and support to try something different. If
KBOO expands the definition of the community that it serves, then I'll
be happy to continue to be part of that expanded community. But I'm no
longer willing by my silence to give my tacit approval to those who make
being at KBOO a toxic experience. It's time for KBOO to gain the
maturity that should come along with it's grey hair.
Ed Kraus
Ed Kraus's blog
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Comments
Ahh, I remember so fondly the grey hair of my youth...
Submitted by Jim Thompson on Thu, 05/23/2013 - 4:53pm.
... my hair is now quite white.
I've long noted that 'change' is not a KBOO value. IMHO it shoukl
be. But 'change' is a term often used by politicians with a tacit
understanding that the constituency has become tired of the status quo,
and would support *anything* new. The first time I encountered this
concept was from MAD Magazine c. 1958. Wish I could find that edition.
And I was amazed that Obama used that tome and that so many voters got
sucked in. Words like 'change' and 'reform' are often comforting and
welcome, but few ask the next question -- What kindof change in what
direction, what specific reform? But that's kindof off topic...
You mention the 'Crossroads'. Careful. That's a well-worn metaphor
for a place where folks go to sell their souls. My great concern is that
'change' will come in the form of the devil -- professionalism, top
down authoritarinism, or profit oriented corporatism if you will. If
things go that direction, KBOO as we know it, will be gone.
I blogged here a couple weeks ago pointing out that 'crossroads'
metaphor that Ms. Finch first referred to. That Blog was taken down by
the powers that be. I'll be curious to see if your blog is allowed to
persist. Hope it remains and hope the conversation continues. I spoke up
at the 4th meeting saying that, we see no reason why station business
should not be discussed on the air. This is not on the air but close to
it in the sense that this is an official station venue.
best,
Jim Thompson........
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Change and Grey Hair
Submitted by Ed Kraus on Fri, 05/24/2013 - 10:15am.
If only my grey hair would stay attached to the top of my head ... I'd welcome more of it.
There is nothing perfect now, and nothing change brings will be perfect either. But a few words to consider more carefully ...
"professionalism", what's wrong with that?
"top down authoritarinism", what has a leader and a head doesn't
have to function in an authoritarian manner. Good leadership is
something that brings out the best in everyone and listens carefully to
those consenting to be led.
"profit oriented corporatism", not likely at KBOO under any scenario.
We won't know the true legacy of Obama till twenty years from now.
Till then, I'm glad for what little change we have had so far.
Best, Ed
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To the Posters on IndyMedia
Submitted by Ed Kraus on Sat, 06/01/2013 - 10:28pm.
(from a comment on IndyMedia) "Yes, I have also noticed the greying
of the KBOO audience. I am one of those "graying" listeners. However, I
disagree with the insinuation that younger audiences are turned off by
radical politics and need a politically dumbed down KBOO."
A very sloppy reading of what I wrote. I neither said younger
audiences are turned off by radical politics, nor did I imply that we
need a politically dumbed down KBOO.
There are several points missed by this conversation. Radicallism
is NOT an intrinsic value on it's own. It's simply a tool when more
careful and considered approaches have failed, and a crisis is at hand.
My own politics depend on the issue, sometimes I behave conservative,
sometimes progressive. For example, I find it "conservative" to hold on
to my civil liberties such as the 1st ammendment. I'm conserving and
therefore valuing an American value and concept several hundred years
old. Bush and his cronies were radicals when they messed with our
freedoms in response to 9/11. When I advocate for single payer health
care, I'm being "progressive" because I see that we need to progress, or
change something that is not working, i.e. our broken, fragmented, for
profit health care system. But being progressive can be careful and
considered, it doesn't have to be radical to be effective.
I'm possibly ready for a radical shift in the 2nd ammendment, as
things seem to be headed steadily into a crisis with gun violence. But
I'd rather work first within the existing political system, along with
my friends who are gun owners to see if we can accomplish an effective
and reasonable re-balancing of rights under the existing 2nd ammendment.
But over time, if we can't ... then perhaps a "radical move" to a
constitutional ammendment. Or perhaps another "radical" movement to
ammend the constitution to undo the horrible effects of Citizens United
... one can dream!
In my opinion one of KBOO's worst attributes is worshiping the word
"radical" as if this by itself is a value. But KBOO should continue to
be a place where "radical" ideas have a place in the programming, but
KBOO should not be a radio station only for radical ideas.
Politically dumbed down? That's what we have now on too many
programs. If KBOO was less full of crazy conspiracy theories and hate
speech, it might have more people listening. We need a smart KBOO that
looks into difficult issues that fall through the cracks or have
micro-audiences that aren't being covered by other capable news outlets
such as OPB.
To Theresa Mitchell
Just keep posting, and dig yourself in further. Others have pointed
out your obsessions. But your own post asking what I think about
current issues in the Middle East is funnier than hell. That's
precisely the point. I was prevented from having regular airtime on
KBOO by people you know, so that my views (and more importantly those of
very serious people whom I have access to, and whom actually are
involved in working for peace) would not have a chance to be aired. Now
you're going to "invite" me to debate micro issues on IndyMedia? Get
real. The issue here is that KBOO won't give air time to anyone who
differs from viewpoints of the "in crowd". You and your crowd are doing
everything possible to keep serious, Jewish moderates (and perhaps
other moderates in other communities) from having a political voice on
community radio. There are some good programmers who do interesting
programs, but not if they contradict the views of the "in crowd" on
certain issues. God forbid you and your friends loose control of the
message to those who still listen to KBOO. I guess my community doesn't
give you the "diversity" you seek.
By the way, I've watched other key people at KBOO challenge and
intimidate programmers who differ with their personal viewpoints, and
even had side conversations asking if they might cool down. That went
nowhere, so Theresa ... sadly you're not alone.
To the trolls who now are trying to pretend they are me
First, Both KBOO and IndyMedia need to dial it in. Real names only
for posted comments, and some moderation would really help. And is
anyone every going to delete the stupid crap being posted on KBOO
comments every day? Do we really have no staff who do a daily cleanup?
What an embarrassment.
These trolls sound just as childish as when I was being attacked
five years ago on WWeek and at KBOO. Stop posting lies and defamation.
It's horrible to pretend you're someone else, even less moral than
being harsh in your comments.
Ed Kraus
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Again Theresa, Stop The Lies
Submitted by Ed Kraus on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 11:06am.
Theresa Mitchell. I DEFY YOU to find and reproduce actual evidence
of "anti-Palestinian" rehetoric from me, either in writing or in any
audio I've produced. I've certainly interviewed people whom I disagree
with on certain points, and have used that opportunity to challenge
their views ... but I defy you to back up your statement that I am
"anti-Palestinian".
In fact, I'm pro-Palestine as I see the survival of Israel depending
on having a stable, viable, peacefull, soverign partner nation next
door. I've dedicated countless hours of my time to working to move the
political center of the Jewish community to be ready to accept that this
is the best path. I've made personal visits in the last 2 years
lobbying on behalf of J Street perhaps five or six times, meeting with
our representatives in Congress, asking them to resist the urge to pile
onto stupid letters that are sponsored by reactionary elements in the
Jewish community. In fact, after one particular lobbying push J Street
was directly credited with blocking an attempt to close the Palestinian
offices in DC after the recent UN vote to make Palestine an observer
state. I was directly involved at the state level lobbying to block
that congressional letter which died in committee, and also worked to
ensure that payments to the PA were not interupted.
Lies, Lies, Lies. This is defamation. This is character
assasination. This is bullshit. Your behaviour is horrible and I'm
calling you out for it.
BTW, as you don't listen very well ... I'll clarify. I said that on
the sidewalk outside KBOO I'm viewed by most of the world as a left
wing peacenik ... but when I come into the building KBOO treats ME like
I'm Rush Limbaugh. I said KBOO is intolerant, or words to that effect.
I did not say that KBOO is Rush Limbaugh. BTW, I'm sure the precise
words are on the recording that was made by Kathleen Stephenson, you
might want to brush up on facts before posting again.
Ed Kraus"
But then Theresa replies LINKING TO COMMENTS THE CADRE PUT THERE TO FRAME ED:
Okay Ed, how is this for you? 
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2013/05/423506.shtml?discuss
So, Ed Kraus 29.May.2013 21:43
tm link
Can we agree that Israel should tear down its apartheid wall, and
recognize Palestinian sovereignty? Do you think the new KBOO should have
programs that ask that question? I don't recall hearing such a program
elsewhere.
Well, hell no! 30.May.2013 12:03
Ed link
Why should Israel give their land that they have claim to for over 3
thousand years to people who won't even acknowledge that Israel has a
right to exist. Why the fuck would Israel do that?
It's the EXACT comment Kraus Raus REFUTED that Theresa HAD TO HAVE SEEN when she went to copy/paste it:
THERESA JUST PROVED SHE KNOW SHE'S LYING ABOUT KRAUS!!!!
She fell right into his Zionist trap, curse that Kraus Raus!!!!!
How could she have done this to us and out glorious cause? Now EVERYONE WILL KNOW we're a bunch of lying manipulative freaks who make up shit to smear anyone calling us out!
How could this have happened? Everything was going so well, darn it!
-Meresa Titchell
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