HEADLINES BY DATELINE: THERIAULT LEAVING CPB; NULL SUES PACIFICA OVER “LOST SENSE OF MISSION”

WASHINGTON, DC: BRUCE THERIAULT LEAVING CPB

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced on Monday 2/8 that Bruce Theriault, Senior Vice President for Journalism will retire in May 2016. Also retiring in May will be Jennifer Lawson, Senior Vice VP for Television & Digital Content. Joseph Tovares, currently CPB’s Senior VP for Diversity and Innovation will become Chief Content Officer to “…strengthen coordination and collaboration across television, radio, diversity and innovation,” a new position.

BRUCE THERIAULT

Public radio folks will miss Theriault. For more than a decade he was in-charge of CPB’s radio division and is praised for expanding public media’s journalism capacity through collaborative models such as Local Journalism Centers. Theriault has been an important advocate for independent producers including support for AIR’s Localore project.

Theriault exceled at relations with stations because he came from that world. He ran noncom stations in Alaska, helped create the National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB) and was Public Radio International’s (PRI) station relations for more than 13 years.

NEW YORK, NY: GARY NULL FINALLY FILES HIS LAWSUIT AGAINST PACIFICA

Potion and pill pusher Gary Null filed his long-threatened lawsuit against Pacifica Broadcasting Foundation, Inc. and several current former Pacifica executives including John Proffitt. Pacifica owns and operates WBAI, New York. Null has been on WBAI for 39 years and still hosts a daily Monday through program from Noon – 1:00pm – The Gary Null Show.

In the suit, Null alleges that Pacifica failed to deliver or delayed delivery, pledge-drive premiums provided by Null, and “illegally duplicating plaintiff’s multimedia products, and printing and applying false labels.” Null alleges a number of trademark and intellectual property infringements that have hurt Null’s reputation and tarnished his business brand.

Null's financial charges may or may not have merit.  In addition to financial reimbursement Null is asking the Court to assess punitive damages based on a novel premise: Community radio stations are distinct from other commercial and noncommercial stations because that have a higher standard of trust than other broadcasters. Here is a portion from Null’s complaint:

Therefore, Null feels he has been damaged by Pacifica’s “loss of a sense of mission” and a “betrayal of trust” of its listeners. According to published reports, a former WBAI board member and a Null supporter, Pacifica faces up to $320 million in fines if the suit is successful, which is far from certain.

BANGOR, MAINE: NEW “INSTANT FM STATION” WILL BE 24/7 CLASSICAL

Maine Public Broadcasting Network is acquiring W291CO 106.1 FM serving Bangor.  The new FM station will rebroadcast Classical WMEH-HD2. Other public radio operators should learn if a HD-to-FM translator option is possible in their area. But, don’t wait because the demand for FM translators has never been higher.  The coverage area for Maine’s new translator should what can be done with 250-watts.

LAKE MARY, FLORIDA: LATINO PUBLIC RADIO CONSORTUM SEEKS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Latino Public Radio Consortium ﴾LPRC) – an advocacy organization created in 2007 to increase Latino employment and Latino listening to public radio, is searching for a new Executive Director. The founders of LPRC included Silvia Rivera, the late Ramirez, Hugo Morales, Victor Montilla, Florence Hernandez-Ramos and Ginny Berson.

LPRC has contracted with Livingston Associates to conduct the search for the new ED. See more about the gig at [link].

The Executive Director will be able to work virtually from any location. Must be bilingual - English and Spanish.

To learn more about Latino Public Radio Consortium visit [link]. 

FINALLY. A MOMENT OF ZEN…