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Radio volunteers and musicians urge board to block automation at district‑owned KALW
Summary
Multiple KALW hosts, union representatives and local musicians told the board they oppose automation and staffing changes at the district‑licensed public radio station, warning it would undermine local live programming and union protections.
A long string of public commenters urged the Board of Education to intervene with KALW management over staffing cuts and an increasing shift toward automation at the district‑licensed public radio station. Volunteer hosts, union leaders and musicians said automation has preempted live shows, reduced paid hours, and sidelined senior hosts and union stewards.
Joanne Maher, a KALW union steward, recounted a recent preempted tribute show and said listeners had filed nearly 100 complaints after the program was automated. Kevin Vance, a host, alleged selective return‑to‑studio orders and asserted a perception of retaliation against outspoken or union‑affiliated staff. Raphael Picazo and other SEIU and UESF representatives asked the board to investigate management practices and to protect live programming and staff hours. Musicians and organizers stressed KALW’s role promoting local artists and festivals; they warned automation would weaken the local music ecosystem.
Board members took public comment but did not take immediate formal action. Several commissioners acknowledged the community concerns and asked staff to review the station's operations and labor issues; some asked staff to bring back options for oversight and an examination of the station’s adherence to its public‑service mission as a district licensee.
