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"KPFK now moves towards the further diversification of programming as we do so in the area of political consciousness, cultural awareness and the empowerment of all communities that contribute to the well being of humanity," KPFK program director Armando Gudiņo says in an open letter. Critics, meanwhile, are emailing to decry the rise of what they call the "Khmer Rouge" faction that won the battle over the station's politics. It's clear by looking at the new schedule that KPFK will remain the most diverse (and democratically run) station in Los Angeles, but also will have less appeal to a broader, non-leftist audience.
Most notable on the new program grid is a two-hour bloc of Spanish-language news and public affairs at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and a redrawn Saturday lineup. Gone are the popular Heartfelt Music with host John Davis, which at 32 years has been on KPFK longer than even the Car Show (also cut), and The Nixon Tapes. Radio Nation, syndicated on 100 stations from The Nation magazine and hosted by Marc Cooper, is not on the schedule but discussions continue. A Sunday news and media talk segment has been put together with a longer Background Briefing with Ian Masters (11 am to 1 pm), Deadline L.A. with Barbara Osborn (1 pm) and Counterspin (1:30 pm). Folkscene, another popular 30-year-old show, moves to Saturday morning at 8 am and loses an hour. Changes take effect July 15.