Wednesday, September 16, 2015

THE SMARTEST MAN IN PUBLIC MEDIA: JOHN PROFFITT EXITS PACIFICA


Last Monday 9/14 John Proffitt returned to work as the Executive Director of Pacific Radio after three weeks of vacation.  He resigned with an email:


 When I say that Proffitt is today’s Smartest Man in Public Media, I mean he saw Pacifica as it really, really is: the most toxic noncom in the nation.  He wisely didn’t want any  part of that.
JOHN PROFFITT


I had expected this to happen but not so quickly.  Proffitt stayed four months.  We covered it when he got the job in April [link].  In that column I discussed the deeply litigious and uber politically charged environment he was entering.  I recommended he retain legal counsel because may need it.  Proffitt is a solid manager who excels in reading the tealeaves.




SPECULATION ABOUT THE REASONS

Like all things Pacifica, bloggers are making the news of Proffit’s departure a big deal.  Some are cheering that he is gone and celebrating a turf war victory.

However, one Pacific blogger told what is most likely the truth:

[Pacifica] lost a businessman who seemed to be able to stay calm, speak clearly, observe the fracas and still remain standing, and maybe even briefly offer his help.  Some thought it was not needed.

Did anyone insist he stay to do the work actually needed at Pacifica?  Or just lead him to the door because he did not fit in with those already 'in' who aspire to more power?

He just realized he had stepped deep into a vile snake pit.  

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Pacifica: please get out of the radio business.  You are an embarrassment to all of us who work in public media.

Your esteemed history was a long time ago.  Now it is time for you to go.  New people with new ideas are needed in this space.

Cash in the licenses now.  There will certainly be enough money to settle all the debts. It is time for Pacifica to Do the Right Thing.  End the circus and let someone else truly serve the public interest.

Ken Mills.



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