Name:

Michael Atkins    Send Email

Expertise:

Endorsements:

Statement:

As a board member of KPFK I will effectively serve a progressive institution with a great history, and an even greater future ahead. By leveraging my experience in nonprofits, politics and media, I will strengthen the station’s member support, expand listenership, and improve KPFK’s digital footprint and accessibility.

I am named after a peace activist, raised by a public school teacher and a journalist, and advocate presently for the restoration of our urban waterway in my daily work; I believe to my core in the progressive agenda. Furthermore, I value KPFK as a platform for critical discourse and as a tool for organizing on local, regional, and national issues to achieve positive outcomes. I will work to strengthen KFPK so that together we can host and assert the progressive imperative in the decade ahead.

In my experience fundraising for environmental nonprofits, candidates for elected office, and artistic productions I have learned how to excite supporters and reach new audiences with timely messages and sustained efforts. I will gladly accept the board responsibility of fundraising on behalf of the nonprofit, and welcome opportunities to improve KPFK’s digital presence to increase online donations in support of the station.

I am running as a proud member of the Committee to Strengthen KPFK. Vote for our slate of candidates and learn more at CandidateSlate.org

1. What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station's mission?
   My heart is in the community and in creative expression. I have worked in media production, electoral campaigns, sustainable business and now professional advocacy at an environmental nonprofit. These experiences have made me skilled in presenting the strengths of imperative institutions on the front lines of sparking change within society.
   
   
2. What do you appreciate and value in the station's current operations?
   I appreciate that KPFK is open to the people and holds our institutions of power accountable. Diverse, inclusive, and progressive voices carry out topical news, exceptional music, and important cultural programming making KPFK an institution in LA and beyond.
   
   
3. What would you like to see improved or changed in the station's current operations?
   I would like to see improved digital experience for listeners and greater integration with other great local LA progressive media outlets.
   
   
4. Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
   1. Ensure KPFK remains a progressive voice
   2. Expand listenership regionally and nationally
   3. Promote and grow membership support
      
      
5. Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station's financial footing?
   I prioritize growing the membership donor base for KPFK. This upcoming year is a critical year for the Left; by leveraging high-quality 2020 primary coverage as reason to support the station urgently, we can increase membership and maintain corporate independence and progressive voice. I also see an imperative for KPFK to maintain coverage of local and regional political issues ranging from transportation to the environment to municipal corruption. A local community focus will cultivate support among local political audiences looking for an alternative to corporate and mainstream public broadcast.
   
   
   I have extensive fundraising experience in nonprofit, media, and electoral politics which I am eager to apply to the challenge of improving the station’s footing by showcasing existing exceptional programming and defining precisely the improvements possible by increased member support. 2020 is a perfect year to present this case to the broad 14,000 member base of KPFK and excite them behind our creative progressive broadcast.