WASHINGTON (FinalCall.com)�The Pacifica Radio Network, long the premiere broadcasting outlet for political dissent�for controversial "progressive" opinions in this country�and just as often the target of official as well as extra-legal threats and intimidation from conservative critics, came under attack on Capitol Hill May 15 by dissidents from within its own ranks, before what would normally be the network�s natural ally.

Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus heard from a long list of fired employees and even members of a minority faction of the non-commercial network�s board of directors who complained that the current management has abandoned the "commitment to free speech and corporate-free accountability," established 55-years-ago when Pacifica station KPFA-FM went on the air in Berkeley, Calif., as the nation�s first listener-funded broadcaster.

Pacifica now owns six stations in five cities�including KPFA and KPFB-FM, Berkeley; KPFK-FM, Los Angeles; KPFT-FM, Houston; WBAI-FM, New York City; and WPFW-FM, Washington�and provides daily programs and specials to 60 community-radio affiliates around the country. Percentage-wise, the Pacifica stations are the nation�s most popular non-commercial broadcasters among Black listeners, with a much higher percentage of Blacks in their "core audiences" than larger, better known, and better funded National Public Radio (NPR) affiliates.

Pacifica Board Chairman David Acosta did not attend the hearing. Jennifer Spearman, assistant to Bessie M. Wash, the network�s executive director, read a brief statement on behalf of the management, but declined to answer any questions or to respond to a list of 10 written queries Progressive Caucus members asked in advance.

"As a progressive member of Congress, I know how important, and at times difficult it is to speak out on progressive issues," said Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.) in her opening statement. The parade of witnesses agreed, expressing outrage at the Pacifica national board and management for threatening the network�s tradition of free speech and alternative programming. Some witnesses recommended that the Progressive Caucus: "strongly condemn the actions of the majority of the Pacifica National Board," as well as hold hearings in each of the five cities where Pacifica stations are located, culminating in a national summit-like forum in Washington.