Pacifica Foundation Records
Abstract
Founded in 1946 by Lewis Hill, Eleanor McKinney and others as a noncommercial, educational, cultural radio in the San Francisco Bay area, the Pacifica Foundation has continued to flourish as a completely listener-supported radio network. The goal behind having listener support was to insure a grass-roots forum that would support diversity, freedom of speech, and promote programs according to what the listeners want, not what a corporate sponsor wants. Hill's strong beliefs in open communication and freedom of expression helped Pacifica set precedents concerning freedom of speech in broadcasting. Besides the pioneer station, KPFA (Berkeley), Pacifica radio consists of KPFK (Los Angeles), WBAI (New York), KPFT (Houston), and WPFW (Washington, DC). The collection traces the founding of Pacifica and the development of the listener-support system for radio.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
This collection is open for research use.
Pacifica Foundation Records, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.
Photocopies of original materials may be provided for a fee and at the discretion of the curator. Please see our Duplication of Materials page for more information.
This collection is PROCESSED.
Historical Note
In March of 1946, Lewis Hill, Eleanor McKinney and others began discussing the need for non-commercial, educational, cultural radio in the San Francisco Bay area. Frustrated with commercial radio, which they perceived as narrow in scope and rushed in delivery, Lewis Hill and this small group of people founded the Pacifica Foundation. Nearly three years after its incorporation date, Pacifica's first station, Berkeley's KPFA, went on the air.
From the station's beginning audience support was quite strong. Volunteers and donations arrived very soon after KPFA began airing, although more volunteers and more money were always needed. Pacifica was granted tax exemption on the basis of being an educational institution, and this also helped with the problems inherent in raising funds from listeners.
As Pacifica's first station, KPFA was the first listener-supported radio enterprise. The goal behind this revolutionary ideas was to serve as a grass roots forum; to support diversity, freedom of speech, to be funded by listeners and to program according to their interests and needs, not those of a corporate sponsor. These ideals were supported by the programming style at Pacifica. Examples of this practice were allowing programs to be as long or short as would be appropriate for the subject (not cutting them off to fit into tight commercial schedules), using informal speech style in order to avoid any alienation associated with more formal speech, etc.
Much of this idealism that was so identified with Pacifica was a result of the influence of Lewis Hill, the prime mover of the organization. Hill was a pacifist, who above all else, felt that communication, especially via the arts such as music, drama and literature, could form bonds among people. He also considered discussion of science, religion and philosophy ways to form such bonds, and address the quality of the human spirit. Hill believed that open controversy concerning concerning these and other such realms was a natural and necessary part of learning. As a result, Pacifica encouraged the broadcasting of differing points of view. Over the years, this dedication to freedom of expression created conflicts not only with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), but with the Senate (1963 investigation concerning suspected Communist infiltration) and the FBI as well. In spite of a series of investigations and many complaints from listeners who were offended by their seeming lack of discrimination in programming, Pacifica stations did not lose their licenses. In fact, they set precedents concerning freedom of speech in broadcasting, from which communication media have benefited since.
Lewis Hill's vision set the stage for Pacifica and its open door programming policy. His time with the Foundation was not without problems, however. Between 1952 and 1954, KPFA experienced management related problems as a result of the clashing of the founding group's goals and new staff members' ideals. Hill resigned in 1952, and several other workers associated with the station's beginning left in protest of Hill's absence. The new management struggled, and in 1954, Hill returned.
Hill's suicide in 1954 shocked both KPFA staff and listeners. Because of his central role in creating the essence and style of the station, it was unclear how Pacifica would be affected. Instead of losing sight of Hill's vision, Pacifica began realizing plans to expand into other communities, and four stations have been added: KPFK, Los Angeles, 1959; WBAI, New York, 1960; KPFT, Houston, 1970; and WPFW, Washington, DC, 1977. Many affiliate stations have signed on in addition to these core stations. As with KPFA, each of these core stations has struggled to address its audience thoughtfully. For various reasons, each has also encountered resistance from sections of the community it serves. For example, KPFT was bombed twice in its first years, and other stations have experienced internal disagreements.
Pacifica has a unique status in broadcasting history not only for being the first listener-supported radio station, but also for breaking ground in freedom of speech issues, and for taking the risk of providing controversial programming and points of view.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The Archives of the Pacifica Foundation cover the years 1946-1991 with the bulk of the material between 1950 and 1980. The materials in the collection trace the founding of Pacifica and the development of the listener-supported system for radio. Of special interest are the FCC, FBI, and Senate investigations of Pacifica, dealing mainly with freedom of speech. Also of note is the correspondence of founder and public radio visionary, Lewis Hill. Types of documents include correspondence, memos, board minutes, statistics, news clippings, Pacifica program guides, program transcripts, and legal forms.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
The Pacifica Foundation Records was donated to the National Public Broadcasting Archives, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries by Vera Hopkins in February and May of 1991 and by Adi Gevins in May of 1992.
Processing Information
Processed by Mary Amanda York, November 1993
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup completed by Karen E. King, April 2005.
Arrangement of Collection
The collection consists of twelve series.
- Series 1: Basic Papers
- Series 2: Minutes and Related Material
- Series 3: Administrative
- Series 4: General Correspondence
- Series 5: Personnel
- Series 6: Business / Financial
- Series 7: Programming
- Series 8: Publications
- Series 9: Mimeo Literature
- Series 10: United States Government
- Series 11: News Clippings
- Series 12: Notecards
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: Basic Papers, 1947-1978 (3 folders)
This series includes articles of incorporation, by-laws, tax exemption applications, and real estate related papers. Aside from the core Pacifica material, the by-laws of the Friends of KPFK, a separate support group, are also in this series. The name of this series was derived from the 1975 filing code. The files are arranged alphabetically, with the documents in each file chronologically. They include corresondence, government forms, and legal forms such as property purchase contracts and use permit applications.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, 1949-1978 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Government Reports Due, 1947-1970 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Property Documents, 1959-1972 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
Series 2: Minutes and Related Material, 1946-1991, undated (1.50 linear feet)
This series consists of minutes of the national board of directors (also known as the committee of directors and board of directors,) the executive membership, administrative council, and local station boards. Material related to the minutes includes board members lists, reports from stations and from presidents and managers, resolutions submitted for consideration, and some supplementary corresondence. National board material comprises the bulk of this series. The local board material refers mainly to Pacifica's California stations, KPFA and KPFK. These board files are arranged from national board, executive board, administrative council to local station boards. They are arranged chronologically within each board group.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Committee of Directors, 1946-1959 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Committee of Directors, 1946-1959 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Committee of Directors, 1946-1959 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Committee of Directors, 1946-1959 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Committee of Directors/Board of Directors, 1960-1964 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Board of Directors, 1965-1966 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Board of Directors, 1965-1966 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Board of Directors, 1965-1966 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
| Board of Directors, 1965-1966 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 12 | |
| Board of Directors, 1965-1966 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 13 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1967-1979 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 14 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1967-1979 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 15 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1967-1979 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 16 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1967-1979 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 17 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1967-1979 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 18 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1967-1979 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 19 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1967-1979 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 20 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1967-1979 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 21 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1967-1979 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 22 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1967-1979 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 23 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1980-1991 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1980-1991 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1980-1991 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1980-1991 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1980-1991 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| National Board of Directors, 1980-1991 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Executive Membership, 1947-1982 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Executive Membership, 1947-1982 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Administrative Council, 1972-1975 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| Local Board Meetings, 1953-1986 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
| Local Board Meetings, 1953-1986 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 11 | |
| Local Board Meetings, 1953-1986 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 12 | |
| Local Board Meetings, 1953-1986 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 13 | |
| Local Board Meetings, 1953-1986 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 14 | |
| Agendas and Notices of Meetings, 1953-1987 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 15 | |
Series 3: Administrative, 1949-1977, undated (4 folders)
Policy concerning a variety of administrative areas such as bank loans, FCC correspondence, station identification, programming, payola, and minute taking at meetings are covered in this series. Also included are contracts and correspondence describing Pacifica's relationship with the Fresno Free College, a special affiliate. The files are arranged alphabetically, and chronologically within each file. They consist mostly of internal memos and correspondence.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno Free College, 1972-1977, undated | series 3 | box 2 | folder 16 | |
| Forms, 1965-1968, undated | series 3 | box 2 | folder 17 | |
| Payola, 1960-1975 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 18 | |
| Policy, 1949-1977, undated | series 3 | box 2 | folder 19 | |
Series 4: General Correspondence, 1947-1985, undated (0.50 linear foot)
This series contains memoes and correspondence concerning various subjects, such as fundraising, personnel issues, plans for special events, archives, and more. Of special note are letters to and from Lewis Hill, referring to Pacifica's founding and to Hill's own resignation in 1952. Lists of awards received as well as some information about Pacifica's annual music competition are also included. The materials are arranged chronologically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Correspondence, 1947-1974 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 20 | |
| General Correspondence, 1947-1974 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 21 | |
| General Correspondence, 1947-1974 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 22 | |
| General Correspondence, 1947-1974 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 23 | |
| General Correspondence, 1947-1974 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 24 | |
| General Correspondence, 1947-1974 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 25 | |
| General Correspondence, 1975-1985 | series 4 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| General Correspondence, 1975-1985 | series 4 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| General Correspondence, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| Archives Correspondence, 1983 | series 4 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| Awards, 1956-1979 | series 4 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
Series 5: Personnel, 1953-1986, undated (0.25 linear foot)
Subjects in this series include job descriptions and applications, staff lists, strikes, union agreements and proposals, and letters concerning resignations, hirings, and firings. This material is arranged alphabetically by file name, and chronologically within each file, and does include undated items. It consists mainly of memos, correspondence and contracts.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arbitration, 1967 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
| EEOC and NLRB Problems (Jeff Echeverria Problem), 1973 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
| Elsa Knight Thompson File, 1957-1983 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 8 | |
| Job Applications Received, 1968-1980 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 9 | |
| Job Descriptions, 1961-1986, undated | series 5 | box 3 | folder 10 | |
| Memos, 1953-1980, undated | series 5 | box 3 | folder 11 | |
| Memos, 1953-1980, undated | series 5 | box 3 | folder 12 | |
| Staff Lists, 1954-1980, undated | series 5 | box 3 | folder 13 | |
| Strikes: Agreements and Proposals, 1964-1976, undated | series 5 | box 3 | folder 14 | |
| Strikes: Correspondence, 1964-1974 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 15 | |
| Unions, 1957-1977, undated | series 5 | box 3 | folder 16 | |
Series 6: Business/Financial, 1947-1975 (3 folders)
This series, made up by memos and correspondence, contains information concerning grants, bequests, loans, stocks and taxes. The material is arranged alphabetically by file name, and chronologically within each file. Information on subscription and donation matters can be found in the subscription subseries of the publications series.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fundraising: Grants, 1959, undated | series 6 | box 3 | folder 17 | |
| Memos, 1947-1975 | series 6 | box 3 | folder 18 | |
| Stocks, 1968-1975 | series 6 | box 3 | folder 19 | |
Series 7: Programming, 1949-1990, undated (1.50 linear feet)
The bulk of this series consists of letters from KPFA listeners, which give general comments and specific programming complaints, praise and requests. Letters from Marion Wylie are filed seperately because she was a regular and frequent writer, whose epistles appear to have been routinely posted on the Pacifica billboard. Letters from prisoners in the listening area requesting free subscriptions can also be found in this series. Apart from listener mail, there are memos and correspondence covering topics such as the Ku Klux Klan's right to broadcast, the recording of contemporary philosophers, and opposition to the airing of popular rather than classical music. Some programming schedules are also included. This series also contains transcripts of programs, some of which caused FCC problems for Pacifica. The material in this series is arranged alphabetically by file name and chronologically within each file.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listener Mail, 1960-1978, undated | series 7 | box 3 | folder 20 | |
| Listener Mail, 1960-1978, undated | series 7 | box 3 | folder 21 | |
| Listener Mail, 1960-1978, undated | series 7 | box 3 | folder 22 | |
| Listener Mail, 1960-1978, undated | series 7 | box 3 | folder 23 | |
| Listener Mail, 1960-1978, undated | series 7 | box 3 | folder 24 | |
| Listener Mail, 1960-1978, undated | series 7 | box 3 | folder 25 | |
| Listener Mail, 1960-1978, undated | series 7 | box 3 | folder 26 | |
| Listener Mail, 1960-1978, undated | series 7 | box 3 | folder 27 | |
| Listener Mail, 1978-1980, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 1 | |
| Listener Mail, 1978-1980, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 2 | |
| Listener Mail, 1978-1980, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 3 | |
| Listener Mail, 1978-1980, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 4 | |
| Listener Mail, 1978-1980, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 5 | |
| Listener Mail, 1978-1980, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 6 | |
| Listener Mail, 1978-1980, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 7 | |
| Listener Mail, 1978-1980, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 8 | |
| Listener Mail, 1978-1980, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 9 | |
| Listener Mail, 1981, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 10 | |
| Listener Mail, 1981, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 11 | |
| Listener Mail, 1981, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 12 | |
| Listener Mail, 1981, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 13 | |
| Listener Mail, 1982-1983, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 14 | |
| Listener Mail, 1982-1983, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 15 | |
| Listener Mail, 1982-1983, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 16 | |
| Listener Mail, 1982-1983, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 17 | |
| Listener Mail, 1982-1983, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 18 | |
| Listener Mail, 1982-1983, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 19 | |
| Listener Mail, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 20 | |
| Summaries, 1976-1977 | series 7 | box 4 | folder 21 | |
| Marion Wylie Letters, 1977-1983, undated | series 7 | box 4 | folder 22 | |
| Memos, 1949-1990, undated | series 7 | box 5 | folder 1 | |
| Submission Rejection Letters, 1958-1959, undated | series 7 | box 5 | folder 2 | |
| Transcripts, 1950-1962 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 3 | |
| Transcripts, 1962-1973 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 4 | |
| Transcripts, undated | series 7 | box 5 | folder 5 | |
Series 8: Publications, 1949-1991, undated (2.00 linear feet)
This series covers the Pacifica Tape Library (catalogs, correspondence, offer sheets, subject guides), publicity such as brochures, press releases, and KPFA intra-station newsletters. Approximately one half of this series is comprised of the subscriptions subseries, which includes copies of and clippings from the subscribers' program guide (Folio), plus memos, correspondence, and station statistics. Because of Pacifica's pioneering role in listener supported radio, the history of their subscription system is of special note. The material in this section is arranged alphabetically by file group and chronologically within each group.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newsletters, 1972-1979 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 6 | |
| Pacifica Tape Library -- Catalogs and Supplements, 1960-1969 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 7 | |
| Pacifica Tape Library -- Catalogs and Supplements, 1969-1975 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 8 | |
| Pacifica Tape Library -- Financial Statements, 1970 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 9 | |
| Pacifica Tape Library -- Correspondence, 1954-1979, undated | series 8 | box 5 | folder 10 | |
| Pacifica Tape Library -- Offer Sheets, 1969-1971 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 11 | |
| Pacifica Tape Library -- Offer Sheets Memos, 1969-1970 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 12 | |
| Pacifica Tape Library -- Price List, 1966 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 13 | |
| Pacifica Tape Library -- Program Printout Manual, 1971 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 14 | |
| Pacifica Tape Library -- Subject Guides, 1972-1974 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 15 | |
| Press Releases, 1949-1975 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 16 | |
| Publicity (Brochures, etc. by Pacifica), 1951-1991 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 17 | |
| Station Tape Catalogs and Scripts, 1955-1966 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 18 | |
| Station Tape Catalogs and Scripts, 1961-1966, undated | series 8 | box 5 | folder 19 | |
| Subscriptions: Automation Memos, 1971-1975 | series 8 | box 5 | folder 20 | |
| Subscriptions: Automation Memos, 1976-1978, undated | series 8 | box 5 | folder 21 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1949-1963, undated | series 8 | box 6 | folder 1 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1949-1963, undated | series 8 | box 6 | folder 2 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1949-1963, undated | series 8 | box 6 | folder 3 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1949-1963, undated | series 8 | box 6 | folder 4 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1966-1981 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 5 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1966-1981 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 6 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1966-1981 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 7 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1966-1981 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 8 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1982-1991 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 9 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1982-1991 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 10 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1982-1991 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 11 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFA, 1982-1991 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 12 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFK, 1959-1962 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 13 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFK, 1959-1962 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 14 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFK, 1959-1962 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 15 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFK, 1963-1979 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 1 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFK, 1963-1979 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 2 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFK, 1963-1979 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 3 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFK, 1963-1979 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 4 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- KPFK, 1963-1979 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 5 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- WBAI, 1966-1979 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 6 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Original Copies -- Affiliates, 1970, undated | series 8 | box 7 | folder 7 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Clippings -- KPFA Manager Reports to Listener, 1978-1981, undated | series 8 | box 7 | folder 8 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Clippings -- KPFA Listener Survey, 1980 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 9 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Clippings -- KPFA Lemon-Aid, 1979-1981 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 10 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Clippings -- FolioCovers, 1961-1980 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 11 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Clippings -- Report from Pacifica, 1979-1981 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 12 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Clippings -- KPFA Staff Lists, 1970-1981 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 13 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Clippings -- Staff and Volunteer Biographies, 1965-1981 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 14 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Clippings -- About Programs, 1978-1981 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 15 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio, Clippings -- Miscellaneous, 1949-1981 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 16 | |
| Subscriptions -- Form Letters, 1954-1983, undated | series 8 | box 7 | folder 17 | |
| Subscriptions -- Correspondence, 1957-1980, undated | series 8 | box 7 | folder 18 | |
| Subscriptions -- Folio Correspondence, 1954-1979, undated | series 8 | box 7 | folder 19 | |
| Subscriptions -- Non-FolioPublications -- Annual Annual, 1965 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 20 | |
| Subscriptions -- Non-FolioPublications -- Printed Circuit, 1983 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 21 | |
| Subscriptions -- Phone Project, Memos, 1976 undated | series 8 | box 7 | folder 22 | |
| Subscriptions -- Phone Project, KPFT Pledge Forms, 1977 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 23 | |
| Subscriptions -- Phone Project, KPFA Survey Forms, undated | series 8 | box 7 | folder 24 | |
| Subscriptions -- Statistics, undated | series 8 | box 7 | folder 25 | |
Series 9: Mimeo Literature, 1946-1989, undated (0.50 linear foot)
Topics include the investigation by the Senate Internal Security Subcommittee, the early founding days of Pacifica, obscenity charges and freedom of speech, the first mention of National Public Radio , and personal views and recollections of Pacifica. The information in this series provides a good introduction to the history of Pacifica. It is composed of dissertations, papers, chronologies, and brief narrative histories. It is arranged alphabetically by file name and chronologically within the files.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Histories, 1950-1981 | series 9 | box 8 | folder 1 | |
| Burnham Dissertation. The Public Interest and Freedom of Speech in Broadcasting, 1972 | series 9 | box 8 | folder 2 | |
| Chronologies, 1946-1977 | series 9 | box 8 | folder 3 | |
| General Surveys and Reports, 1948-1989 | series 9 | box 8 | folder 4 | |
| Pacifica and National Public Radio: First Mention of NPR, 1969-1974 | series 9 | box 8 | folder 5 | |
| Personal Views and Recollections by Vera, 1969-1979 | series 9 | box 8 | folder 6 | |
| Quotes Compiled about Pacifica, 1952-1977, undated | series 9 | box 8 | folder 7 | |
| Schutz Paper. The Senate Investigation and the Satisfaction of the FCC, 1964-1967 | series 9 | box 8 | folder 8 | |
| Stebbins Dissertation. Listener-Sponsored Radio: The Pacifica Stations, 1969 | series 9 | box 8 | folder 9 | |
| Stebbins Dissertation. Listener-Sponsored Radio: The Pacifica Stations, 1969 | series 9 | box 8 | folder 10 | |
| Topical Histories, 1959-1980, undated | series 9 | box 8 | folder 11 | |
Series 10: United States Government, 1953-1989, undated (0.25 linear foot)
This series includes documents relating to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Communications Commission, and the U.S. Senate. The FBI files are notes which describe the contents of the files kept on Pacifica by the FBI. The FCC materials include broadcast applications, permits, correspondence, rules and regulations, and some complaints filed. Evidence of the relationship between Pacifica and the FCC can also be found throughout this collection, in such series as general correspondence, news clippings, etc. The Senate file is concerned with government regulations and freedom of speech in broadcasting. These files are arranged alphabetically by name and chronologically within files. They consists mainly of memos and correspondence, notes, and hearing transcripts. In the 1975 filing code, the files for these three government institutions were kept seperately, but have been combined here for research access.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Bureau of Investigation: File on Pacifica, 1958-1973 | series 10 | box 8 | folder 12 | |
| Federal Communications Commission -- Applications and Permits, 1958-1977 | series 10 | box 8 | folder 13 | |
| Federal Communications Commission -- Applications and Permits, Correspondence, 1953-1974 | series 10 | box 8 | folder 14 | |
| Federal Communications Commission -- Complaints, 1963-1970, undated | series 10 | box 8 | folder 15 | |
| Federal Communications Commission -- Equal Time / Fairness, 1963-1975 | series 10 | box 8 | folder 16 | |
| Federal Communications Commission -- FCC Exhibits Prepared in 1970, 1959-1970 | series 10 | box 8 | folder 17 | |
| Federal Communications Commission -- Memos on Radio, General, 1954-1987 | series 10 | box 8 | folder 18 | |
| Federal Communications Commission -- Memos on Rules and Regulations, 1953-1989 | series 10 | box 8 | folder 19 | |
| Federal Communications Commission -- Rules and Regulations, 1969-1978, undated | series 10 | box 8 | folder 20 | |
| Senate Internal Security Subcommittee -- Correspondence, 1962-1979, undated | series 10 | box 8 | folder 21 | |
| Senate Internal Security Subcommittee -- Hearings, 1963 | series 10 | box 8 | folder 22 | |
Series 11: News Clippings, 1949-1981, undated (0.25 linear foot)
Topics covered include programming, FCC problems, Lewis Hill's resignation, awards received, and debates on the success of listener supported radio. This material has been gathered from newspapers, magazines, and other sources, and is arranged chronologically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| News Clippings, 1949-1981, undated | series 11 | box 8 | folder 23 | |
| News Clippings, 1949-1981, undated | series 11 | box 8 | folder 24 | |
Series 12: Notecards, 1946-1987 (1.00 linear foot)
This series was created as a quick reference source for information relating to staff members, main points and quotes from board meetings, programs, and Pacifica's history in general. The history group includes a card which speculates on the cause of Lewis Hill's suicide, a question not specifically adressed elsewhere in this collection. The cards in this series are arranged alphabetically, except for the board minute and history groups, which are arranged chronologically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative, 1960-1977 | series 12 | box 9 | folder 1 | |
| History, 1946-1987 | series 12 | box 9 | folder 2 | |
| National Board Minutes, and Quotes, 1954-1977, 1946-1975 | series 12 | box 9 | folder 3 | |
| Programming, 1964-1967 | series 12 | box 9 | folder 4 | |
| Staff File, Stations Intermixed, 1949-1974 | series 12 | box 9 | folder 5 | |
| Staff Files, KPFA, KPFK, WBAI, 1960-1964 | series 12 | box 9 | folder 6 | |
| Famous People, 1980 | series 12 | box 9 | folder 7 | |
| Index. Key, 1977 | series 12 | box 9 | folder 8 | |
Related Material
For other related archival and manuscript collections, please see the following subject guides.
Selected Search Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the University of Maryland Libraries' Catalog. Researchers desiring related materials about these topics, names, or places may search the Catalog using these headings.
Names (Added Entries)
- Hill, Lewis.
- KPFA (Radio station : Berkeley, Calif.)
- KPFK (Radio station : Los Angeles, Calif.)