<html><head><style type='text/css'>p { margin: 0; }</style></head><body><div style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000'><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-align:center;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:
none"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">MEMORANDUM<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">TO: The FCC, Federal Communications
Commission, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-pagination:none;
mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">445 12th St., S.W. Washington,
D.C. 20554<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">FROM: </span><span style="color: rgb(26, 26, 26); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">John Sakowicz, Mendocino County Public </span><span style="color: rgb(26, 26, 26); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Broadcasting, Board Director and Treasurer</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">SUBJECT: </span><span style="color: rgb(26, 26, 26); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Informal Objection, or Petition to Deny, Contingent Upon a
Change in Management, for the Renewal of Licenses for KZYX and KZYZ</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">DATE: JANUARY 27, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-align:center;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:
none"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">INTRODUCTION<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I am writing to revise
my complaint dated January 27, 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I am writing to the FCC
to file an Informal Objection for the renewal of the licenses for KZYX and
KZYZ, (88.1, 90.7, 91.5 FM) Mendocino County Public Broadcasting. If the
deadline has not passed, I would like my complaint to be regarded as a Petition
to Deny, contingent upon a change of management.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">The station’s call sign:
KZYX and KZYZ<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">The station’s facility
ID number: 41157<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">The license renewal
application file number: BRED20130724AAG<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I have “standing” in the
matter of the FCC license renewal. First, I am a publicly elected member of the
Board of Directors at Mendocino County Public Broadcasting. In 2013, I was
elected to the Board by a 10:1 margin. Furthermore, I am also Board
Treasurer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I am also the host and
producer of a popular show on business and finance on KZYX&Z, “All About
Money”. I have been on-the-air for the last six years. My guests have included
members of Congress, C-level executives, Pulitzer Prize recipients, retired
senior military and intelligence officers, professor, authors, leading
progressives and activists, also leading think tank researchers, and advocates
in economics, social policy, political strategy, law, military, technology, and
culture.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I even had former FCC
Commissioner, Nicholas Johnson, as a guest on my radio show.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">The link to the current
Board of Directors is found at: </span><a href="http://www.kzyx.org/index.php/station-business/board-members"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#004EB9">http://www.kzyx.org/index.php/station-business/board-members</span></a><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">The link to my last show
is found at: </span><a href="http://www.kzyx.org/index.php/talk-shows/politics-and-public-affairs/all-about-the-money/entry/robert-m-gates-war-is-a-business-and-business-is-good"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#004EB9">http://www.kzyx.org/index.php/talk-shows/politics-and-public-affairs/all-about-the-money/entry/robert-m-gates-war-is-a-business-and-business-is-good</span></a><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">By any criteria, I have
standing in objecting to the renewal of KZYX&Z’s FCC licenses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-align:center;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:
none"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-align:center;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:
none"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">COMPLAINT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-align:center;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:
none"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I am filing this
complaint for the reasons stated below:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">1.) THE PUBLIC FILE<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">The station’s current
General Manager and Executive Director, John Coate, does not share key
information, i.e. FCC license renewal updates, reasons why Board meetings have
been canceled, reasons why job openings at the station are not posted, and
draw-downs on the station’s line of credit and other bank borrowings. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">As Board Treasurer, I
have made repeated requests for financials. Concerning bank borrowings, the
immediate-past General Manager, Belinda Rawlins, almost bankrupted the station
six years ago when she maxed-out the station’s line of credit at the Savings
Bank of Mendocino County without fully disclosing her actions to the Board.
When the bank refused to lend Ms. Rawlins any more money, she quit her job and
moved to Boston. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Again, I have to reiterate
I am Board Treasurer at Mendocino County Public Radio. I also want to emphasize
that I know the duties and responsibilities of Board member and Treasurer. I am
currently serving my second term as trustee of Mendocino County’s $400 million
public pension system. I was unanimously appointed by the Mendocino County
Board of Supervisors to the pension system’s board, and I have been trained as
a trustee at Stanford Law School. I have received further training at UC
Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Executive Education Center. I am also a
bonded fiduciary at our county’s $400 pension system. I further worked on Wall
Street for many years, sit on other boards and commissions, and I have an MA
and BA from Johns Hopkins University. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I know my job as treasurer.
I know my job as fiduciary. By not disclosing important information about the
station’s finances, the station’s current General Manager and Executive
Director, John Coate, has, I believe, violated the FCC’s requirements for full
disclosure to The Public File. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Concerning our audits
that are posted to the Public File by Mr. Coate, these are only audits for the
last fiscal year. They give a financial picture looking backwards, much like
looking in the rear view mirror of your car. There is no picture of the
station's current finances. No current quarterly financials are posted to the
Public File, nor have they been provided to me, Board Treasurer, at my
request. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Again, please keep in
mind that the station can max out its line of credit at the bank in any given
three-month period of time. In other words, the station can be bankrupted in
any three-month period, hence the need for quarterly financials, if not monthly
financials. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Also, station management
refuses to disclose their salaries, despite numerous requests by the public.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">2.) CORPORATE GOVERNANCE<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">There are many issues of
poor corporate governance at Mendocino County Public Broadcasting. The
integrity of Board nominations and elections greatly concern me. In the past,
General Manager and Executive Director, John Coate, interfered with the
elections process by recruiting some people to run for the Board — with his
endorsement — while strongly discouraging other people from running for the
Board. In other words, Mr. Coate handpicks his own Board. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I'll elaborate. In the
2008 and 2009 elections, I was told by Mr. Coate not to run for the Board.
His order was clear: Don't run for the Board. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">In 2010, when I decided
to stand up to Mr. Coate and run for the Board, as was my right. Mr. Coate's
response was to recruit another candidate, Doug McKenty. He told that
candidate he "did not approve of me". This statement was published on
the front page of a local newspaper (The Anderson Valley Advertiser). It was a
public humiliation, and since that time I've thought about suing Mr. Coate for
reputational harm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">In 2013, I was again
passed over to run for the Board as the programmer-elected representative.
My response was to run for an at-large seat on the Board. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I won. I won by a 10:1
margin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">You may surmise Mr Coate
handpicks his Board of Directors. He interferes with both the
nominations and elections process. However, the Board is charged with oversight
over Mr. Coate. Therein lies a serious conflict of interest. This
conflict leads to poor corporate governance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Also concerning
governance, in 2013, the Board voted to change its meeting schedule from
meeting on a monthly basis to meeting on a quarterly basis. I supported monthly
meetings. Yet, even on the quarterly schedule, our scheduled meeting
for January 2014 was arbitrarily canceled. Our last meeting was on October 7,
2013. Our next meeting will be on March 3, 2014. That's five months between
Board meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Amendments and deletions
of the Board’s By-Laws are another concern. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Former Board Director,
Doug McKenty, who I believe will also be joining me in writing to the FCC, has
complained about the Board’s By-Laws that have been changed or discarded
without public notice or approval. This is unacceptable. It further
consolidates power in Mr. Coate. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Another By-Law, 6.07 (2)
flies in the face of the concept of a publicly-elected Board. It states: “A
Director may be removed from the Board by vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the
Directors then in office.” In other words, taking my own election as an
example, although I was elected to the Board by a 10:1 margin by the station’s
2,300 members who voted, it would take only six Directors to remove me from the
Board, and they could remove me for no cause or without even stating a cause.
This is outright contempt for the will of the public. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Finally, it should be
noted that Mr. Coate unilaterally added both the title of Executive Director
and its powers, to his former title and powers of General Manager. This
expansion of Mr. Coate’s powers means that he does not have to consult the
Board on most decisions regarding the operations of the station. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Taken in its totality,
the FCC can see how Mr. Coate has changed the station from being a truly
public/noncommercial radio station to being a private clubhouse for him and his
friends. It would not be an overstatement to say that Mr. Coate has
commandeered the station.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">3.) PUBLIC INTEREST
OBLIGATIONS/LOCALISM<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Many members of the
public have been deeply troubled by the arbitrary cancellations of a formerly
very popular show on KZYX, “Open Lines,” which was the public’s only
opportunity for unrestricted public comment. “Open Lines” had been on the
air for seven years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Canceling “Open Lines”
is an important First Amendment issue at KZYX&Z. Members of the public could formerly comment
on any subject for three minutes without censorship or restriction. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Despite what Mr. Coate
may say, the "Open Lines" show was held to a double standard for the
utterance of a single profanity by a caller. Other shows at the station are given
a "free pass" on profanities. I could cite two recent examples at
your request. The real reason I believe "Open Lines" was canceled is
because callers were becoming increasingly critical of station management. The
show’s equally popular host, Doug McKenty, a former Board Director, was also
suspended by Coate, apparently for not silencing disaffected
listeners. Hence, in the opinion of many in the public, canceling
""Open Lines" was an unambiguous form of censorship by Mr.
Coate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Finally, many programming
decisions are made without public input. Worse, some decisions have been
punitive. (I fully expected reprisals by station management for exercising my
First Amendment rights by writing this complaint and speaking out to the
FCC.) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Concerning bad programming
decisions made without any public input, I’ll cite a few examples. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">The Ukiah Daily
Journal’s editor, KC Meadows, once had a show on KZYX&Z It was a popular
show. Ms. Meadows knows more about Mendocino County than just about anyone in our county. She
loves our county and its people. But she was summarily dismissed by management
at KZYX&Z for reasons that are still not clear. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Another popular host,
Ells Cooperrider, was also fired. Ms. Cooperrider has a national reputation in
the fight against GMOs. Again, it is not clear why she was fired. It took years
for Ms. Cooperrider’s appeal to be resolved. She finally returned to the air,
but only after a long fight. Shows by other popular hosts, notably Beth Bosk,
editor of the New Settler Interviews, were also yanked. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Meanwhile, folks who
should have been given the opportunity to host shows — like national, raw
cannabis juicing expert, William Courtney, MD — were never given shows. Dr.
Courtney had to go to neighboring Humboldt County’s KMUD to host his show, even
though he lives in Mendocino County. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Perhaps worst of all,
popular KZYX&Z reporter, Christina Aanestad, was fired without cause. Ms.
Aanestad had been groomed by the long-time KZYX&Z news director, Annie
Esposito, to be Ms. Esposito’s successor when she retired. Ms. Aanestad’s
California-wide reputation as an outstanding independent investigative
journalist is well deserved. Her work has aired on KQED’s “The California
Report,” Free Speech Radio News, Public Radio Exchange, and other media outlets.
Ms. Aanestad is a regular reporter and substitute news anchor at KMUD. Her
“Stories from Ecuador” about the degradation of sacred lands from oil drilling,
gold mining, and hydroelectric dams have put Ms. Aanestad in the league of
first-rate independent investigative reporters. Ms. Aanestad’s firing by
General Manager and Executive Director, John Coate, for reasons that are still
unclear, is a disgrace. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Another thing that
troubles me is that for a public station, KZYX&Z does a pitiful job in
covering local news. Over the last few years, “Community News” which airs
Monday – Friday, on KZYX&Z, was cut from 60 minutes, down to 30 minutes,
and finally to 5 minutes. The station claimed they didn’t have the money for a
news department, yet staff received raises following Ms. Aanestad’s demise.
Salaries were increased so that all employees of KZYX&Z could be
reclassified as “exempt” employees. Also, General Manager and Executive
Director, John Coate, was given a 10 per cent raise in 2013. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">After much public outcry,
“Community News” was recently expanded to 10 minutes, and a fledgling Community
Advisory Board was formed. The Community Advisory Board, it should be noted,
has no authority or powers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">4.) EEO COMPLIANCE AND
DIVERSITY<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">In December 2013, Mr.
Coate hired his friend Michael Kisslinger, and Sheri Quinn, the friend of Board
member, Holly Madrigal. These jobs were neither posted nor advertised by
KZYX&Z. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">In 2011, Mr. Coate hired
news reporter, Paul Lambert, without posting or advertising the position. Another
employee, David Brooksher, was hired without posting or advertising the job.
(Mr. Brooksher, for whom I can vouch, may have also been fired without
cause.) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">These are all clear
examples of EEO violations. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Meanwhile, as stated on
the FCC's own website, the FCC is committed to EEO compliance and
diversity. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I have been told that
the FCC’s EEO program for broadcasters has three prongs. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Prong 1 requires that
the broadcaster adopt an outreach program to notify all significant groups
within its community of job openings at the station. The FCC is looking for an
outreach program that reaches beyond the “old boy’s network,” to recruit new
people from diverse segments of the community to work at broadcast stations. In
the past, many of the EEO fines that were issued focused on this first prong of
the program – fining stations that either did not reach out to community groups
about openings for most of its jobs, or where the outreach was insufficiently
broad. The FCC issues fines to stations that rely solely on in-house recruiting
or online sources that, alone were deemed insufficient. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Prong 2 of the FCC’s EEO
program – the obligation to notify groups about job openings when those groups
ask that they be notified — is equally important. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Prong 2 of the EEO
program requires that broadcasters let their communities know about their EEO
outreach programs through occasional on-air announcements or other means. As
part of that notification, the broadcaster must let the public know that groups
within its service area can ask that they be included on notifications of job
openings. Once they ask to be included on the list of groups to get notices of
job openings, the groups need to be notified of the job openings at the station
– for as long as they want to continue to receive these notices. In these
cases, the broadcasters had received requests that certain groups be notified
about job openings, apparently told the FCC in prior filings that these groups
had requested notification, then dropped the ball in the time period in which
EEO audits of the station groups were conducted and failed to continue to
provide that notice. These decisions should serve as a warning to all
broadcasters that they must provide notice of the existence of their EEO
programs to their communities, and remember to notify the groups that actually
request notification of the openings that arise at their stations. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Prong 3 requires that
broadcasters conduct “non-vacancy specific outreach” – essentially supplemental
efforts to educate their communities about the duties of various broadcast jobs
and the qualifications that applicants should develop to qualify for those
jobs. In addition, these supplemental efforts educate the public about how
people can find out about job openings when they arise. These efforts are to be
conducted even when an employment unit has no openings – just to educate the
community about broadcast job opportunities. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">KZYX&Z has failed in
all three respects.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">5.) TOWER AND OTHER
EQUIPMENT ISSUES<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">The integrity and reliability
of towers and other equipment at KZYX&Z is an on-going issue. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Just last week, the
signal for 91.5 FM was down for more than 24 hours due to problems with the
transmitter on Laughlin Peak here in Mendocino County. Quoting from Mr. Coate’s
own blog: “Sometime early Saturday morning KZYZ, 91.5, suddenly went off the
air. The problem was large: one of the critical components of the transmitter
itself, the “exciter,” failed and took the signal down with it.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">The above is but one
example of failing infrastructure at KZYX&Z. I could cite another few dozen
incidents that contributed to the signal being down during the last six years I
have been associated with KZYX&Z. This failure of the broadcast signal is
unacceptable. As a footnote, I also wonder if the station’s EAS equipment is
operational at all times.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">6.) MAIN STUDIO RULES —
NO STAFF AT MAIN STUDIO<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I broadcast my show” All
About Money” bi-weekly, on Fridays, at 9:00 a.m. Typically, there is no staff
member present at the studio at KZYX&Z when I arrive at the station at 8:30
a.m. The door to the station is open. The studio is open. There is no staff
present when I go on-air at 9 a.m. Typically, there is not even staff present
in the main studio at the end of my show at 10:00 a.m. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">During these times, any
member of the public can walk into the station and broadcast hate speech,
racial epithets, profanity, or lunatic rants. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">My show’s engineer, Leo
K. Dikinis, can confirm the fact the station is often left unattended during
business hours.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-align:center;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:
none"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:#1A1A1A">CONCLUSION<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I file this letter only
after careful consideration, and with great regret and sadness. It is my hope
that the FCC help KZYX and KZYZ become a well-managed public radio station
again, and not the poorly managed private clubhouse it now is. My recommendation
is that the FCC delay/deny the approval of both licenses, KZYX and KZYZ,
contingent upon a change in management. The Board should demand the resignation
of Mr. Coate, and I would hope the FCC would support the Board.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">I am also enclosing a
recent article, “Mendocino County’s KZYX has FCC License Challenged” about my
FCC filing in the Press Democrat. The AP wire picked up on the story, and you
may find it in many other newspapers throughout California. You will even find
the article reprinted in an FCC law blog.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Finally, many, if not
all, of my complaints listed above may been confirmed by past Board Directors,
including Doug McKenty, King Collins, and Els Cooperrider. A current candidate
for the Board of Directors, Patricia Kovner, MD, can also confirm many details
in these complaints. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">There is also a Facebook
page, “KZYX Members for Change”. It has 93 members.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">John Sakowicz, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">1201 El Dorado Road<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A">Ukiah, CA 95482-3680<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:
none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:
16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1A1A1A"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br></o:p></p></div></body></html>