Airwaves & Liberty

Dear Pacifica Programmers, Board Members and Family:

KPFT has again had to end broadcast operations due to extenuating circumstances related to Hurricane Ike. This will affect all KPFT programming until further notice.

During the storm KPFT’s microwave link to its transmitter suffered damages yet to be assessed. On Friday evening, staff developed a workaround whereby KPFT could link a studio feed to its transmitter via the Internet. Utilizing this solution, KPFT was on the air briefly using a generator at its still dark studios and the recently re-powered transmitter. Midday Saturday, KPFT lost its Internet connectivity at the transmitter site and remains off-air as of this writing.

KPFT expects to have a tower crew on-site this week to repair damages caused by Ike to our microwave link, and return to the air once a connection to our transmitter is established. We hope to get electricity back at our studios this week.

KPFT staff will be working in various capacities this week as we attempt to resume normal operations. Critical operations will be handled by some staff members on-site while other employee functions will be handled by staff off-site.

Thank you for your attention, patience and good wishes during this trying time. Houston and surrounding areas continue to struggle during this time; KPFT’s woes are indicative of the hardships which have befallen our residents and listeners.

Ernesto Aguilar
KPFT Program Director