Disappeared News

KKCR, the community radio station on Kauai, was the first to broadcast Democracy Now! in the entire state of Hawaii, if I understand correctly. It was the example many of us used in the (unsuccessful) effort to bring the program to Oahu on Hawaii Public Radio (it's now a TV program, carried on public access TV, e.g., Olelo on Oahu).

KKCR has recently started a repeater on Oahu at 104.7, although reception is spotty. It's given KTUH a bit of competition as Hawaii's "only" alternative station.

Now a controversy is brewing, starting with a popular producer being locked out, and another program "pre-empted." It appears the station was also closed during regular business hours while playing canned music, which would appear to be a major violation of FCC rules, as I understand them (I'm no expert). If I understand the rules correctly, there must be someone present to provide access to station logs at any time during normal business hours. That may sound technical, but stations are very familiar with the rules that govern their daily operations. It means that the public can't be locked out. Again, I'm no expert.

It would be a pity if a rift is created between KKCR and its loyal listener base. I saw this happen before when Pacifica Foundation went berserk and interfered with its fiercely independent local station producers, staff and management, and even threatened to sell off WBAI in New York because of the value of the station's license and  frequency spot on the crowded New York FM dial. The result was a massive revolt and confrontation.

In the end, Pacifica stations have listener-controlled boards. That's right, listeners elect the management of the stations. Imagine, for a moment, that listeners elected the Hawaii Public Radio board. Would the programming be the same or different? Who knows, but you see what I mean. Some radio stations pollute your brain with endless commercials, others take your money but you have no say in the programming, and there are a few where, if you contribute as a member, you get to vote.

So KKCR is in the lockout stage. I hope they understand that their listeners, formidable enough to stave off even a Superferry, must persevere in the end. The best thing to do is to avoid a Pacifica-style confrontation, if it comes to that.

Sitting here on Oahu I have no idea how Kauai listeners feel. Who is right or wrong is not something I can or should say. I do know the value of non-commercial radio, and would hate to lose KKCR for that reason. We could use a KKCR of our own on Oahu.

To follow this ongoing situation, you need to dig into the comments on Joan Conrow's KauaiEclectic website. The article is here. Go down to the comments. Add your own if you feel strongly on this, one way or the other.

For sure, KKCR will be reading along. May they get the message.