Re: Professionalization and staffing at KPFA

[Doyle Saylor <djsaylor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Economists,
Yoshie wrote,
I doubt that "professionalization" improves the substantial quality
of radio products.  Much of commercial programs produced by
"professionals" are as crappy and kooky as the crappiest and kookiest
of Pacifica and other non-profit radio and public access cable fare,
except that they are slicker and come with higher "production value."
--

Doyle,
Yoshie I wished you were out here.  You are one of the few people I
consistently agree with and honor and respect.  I just appreciate you a lot.

I agree with your statement above.  I see the professionalization issue as a
red herring.  It doesn't engage the social forces involved.  It clings to an
abstraction about what is supposed to be good radio and especially ignores
what the peoples voices might be.

On the other hand lots of people in the media have learned to do their work
in a certain pattern.  That's how they earn their daily bread, and they are
threatened by how capitalism makes change happen.  Rather than a 'reasoned'
debate amongst fellow workers where everyone has rights and is protected
everyone faces a dog eat dog competition for survival.

You know Sasha ought not to face someone yelling and cursing.  Both sides
need to find ways to work contradictions out in a comradely form.  Offer a
hug instead of trying to push people into agreement with any means
necessary.  We have lots of time in front of us to find the solution that
works for all the workers.  Because no matter how it goes today the same
stuff will face us tomorrow until we get it right about how to do it better.
love to you Yoshie,
Doyle