Mission
To promote cultural diversity and pluralistic community expression.
To contribute to a lasting understanding between individuals of all nations, races, creeds and colors.
To promote freedom of the press and serve as a forum for various viewpoints.
To maintain an independent funding base.
A Brief Introduction
Founded in 1949 by pacifist-poet-journalist Lewis Hill, KPFA was the first community-supported radio station in the United States. Much of our programming is local, original, and eclectic, with a well-produced mix of news and in-depth public affairs; an ongoing drama, literature, and performance series; as well as interviews and reviews. Our music ranges from folk to hip hop and from Bach to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Since our founding, we have investigated the contemporary intersections of class, race, and distribution of wealth and its effects on the citizens of our Northern and Central California FM coverage area. We’ve advanced discussions and told the truth about historical moments of political impasse, racial tensions, and economic inequality.
Our mission and hope is to provide diverse programming that addresses a range of complex issues, provoking thought and reaction for our community of listeners. To that end, we translate social conditions into easily grasped language; strain that language through our point of view; and add context and insight via interviews, analysis, and music.
KPFA operates as an independent media outlet with the following goals:
- To provide thought-provoking content that addresses a range of complex issues affecting our community of listeners.
- To deliver impactful coverage of current events through original reporting, insightful context, and creative programming.
- To present music that entertains, educates, and inspires the listener.
- To use interviews, analyses, and music to shed light on social conditions.
- To amplify historically excluded voices.
- To prioritize accountability and transparency to our supporting public.
Being independent and community powered, KPFA is solely supported by donations from listeners and like-minded foundations. The majority of our staff are unpaid community volunteers who donate their time and energy to bring you our programming.
Learn about the History of KPFA.
See the revised and detailed Pacifica Foundation Radio Mission Statement.