Pacifica in dire straits

The Pacifica Radio board is moving to "secure our broadcast signals should we need to prevent legal liability," according to a statement late last week. The precautionary measures will be taken at all Pacifica five stations under advice of counsel. New York's WBAI owes the Pacifica Foundation at least $800,000. It's been operating at a deficit of at least $30,000 per month. Fundraising has declined about 12 percent per year since 2003. Unpaid rent for the office and transmitter facility is nearly $198,000. "Pacifica no longer has the reserves to underwrite WBAI's continuing deficits," the statement says. Pacifica's interim CFO, LaVarn Williams, is traveling to WBAI assess the situation.