[Kzyxtalk] KZYX Election - Response to Mr. Black

[Dennis OBrien]

Editor:
I am writing to respond to Mr. Gordon Black's letter, published in your February 25 edition.
Concerning the FCC complaints filed by Mr. John Sakowicz and others: I will never condemn anyone for exercising their right to petition the government for redress of a perceived wrong.  Apparently the complaints have some merit, as the FCC has requested additional information.  However, when faced with the same situation, I chose to bring the issues to the members rather than file a lawsuit or regulatory complaint.  

Similarly, I cannot condemn anyone for exercising their right of free speech.  But I have asked everyone to focus on policies and procedures, actions and their consequences, rather than make personal insults or demean someone's character.  Specifically, I have asked that no one make any "third-party hits" on my behalf.  I believe that doing so does far more harm than good.  Nonviolent communication, sometimes called collaborative communication, is a good model.

Concerning my affiliation with the Mendocino Environmental Center and KMEC 105.1 FM: I have been on the board of directors of the MEC for seven of the past twenty years, gaining much experience in the operation of a membership nonprofit organization that runs a radio station.  I am currently not a director, so I have no conflict of interest.  Should I be elected to the board of directors of MCPB/KZYX, I will have a fiduciary duty to that organization, placing its interests above all others, including my own.  The MEC board has asked me to continue as treasurer, but my duties as such are only clerical.  I will not be making any policy decisions or be involved in any confidential discussions.

Concerning MEC - KZYX collaboration: I convened a meeting on this subject in September 2009 (summary below).  The use of KMEC's production room as a Ukiah studio for KZYX was discussed.  Though there are no legal or technical barriers, there is a question of accessibility (stairs).  The management of KZYX chose not to pursue any form of collaboration at that time, and there has been no contact between the organizations since.

In short, I support freedom of speech and the right to petition the government, along with open governance and decentralization of power.  I have chosen to address these issues via the board election rather than take legal action.  Engaging with the members and the public is not just a means to an end.  It is a principle unto itself, especially for an organization whose primary function is communication.  And if an opportunity arises to collaborate with others to better serve the people of Mendocino County and beyond, I will consider it with great interest.  

Sincerely,Dennis O'BrienCandidate, Board of Directors, Mendocino County Public Broadcasting

Summary of MEC – KZYX Meeting on Collaboration, September 23, 2009  Missions: Mendocino Environmental Center – to protect the Earth and to promote peace and social justice; to facilitate the work of like-minded organizations (from bylaws).  Mendocino County Public Broadcasting (KZYX) – to serve the entire community of Mendocino County by providing high quality, independent, community and public radio and other  media products and services (from corporate statement of purpose).   Motivations: KZYX - increase presence in Ukiah; closer to activities & news sources; closer to funding sources; less travel for Ukiah-based programmers.  MEC - facilitate good work of others; maximize use of building; earn some money; learning that will benefit KMEC.  Both - collaboration inherently good; reach larger community; increase membership base; need for community news, fill void of declining print media  Fears: That KZYX will take over KMEC.  That the MEC/KMEC will compete with KZYX for members, funding  Scope of Proposals: Use of upstairs production studio (after main studio moved downstairs).  Co-produce and simulcast programs from main studio.  Use of Center for KZYX receptions, other functions  Requirements: High-quality transmission line from Ukiah to Philo (cost: $150 per month).  KZYX must retain control over simulcasts to insure quality & reliability, and to meet all non-profit and FCC requirements (more stringent than for MEC/KMEC)  Concerns: KZYX management needs to maintain face-to-face connection with their programmers to insure ready-to-go (trained), on time, reliable; their volunteers have limited training and responsibilities.  Philo studio has more resources, including music library.  Moving Willits studio to Ukiah not an option (too great a need there plus significant investments of time/energy/resources).  Low-power stations can’t rebroadcast full-power programs.  Some KZYX members wanted a “semi-autonomous” governance of Ukiah studio, but non-profit laws and FCC rules require that MCPB board retain control. 
Costs: It costs $40,000 per month to operate KZYX, with decreasing memberships, grants; it costs $1,000 to operate the entire Mendocino Environmental Center, including KMEC, mainly due to all-volunteers and no NPR.  KZYX raised $5,000 to be dedicated to a Ukiah studio.  If the MEC charges KZYX the minimum underwriting amount ($20 per month for every hour per week), then KZYX could broadcast 10 hours per week from Ukiah for $350 per month ($200 rental, $150 transmission line), or $4,200 per year.  Other: Any agreement should have a written framework of co-operation, MOU.  We should move ahead with strategic planning despite funding challenges.  Combined programmer meeting?  Saturday Afternoon Club?
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