CREATEWe Listen LA!
Funding from LA2050 will support KPFK's "We Listen LA!" initiative to develop original radio programming created to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Income Inequality
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
City of Los Angeles
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Research (initial work to identify and understand the problem)
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
Serving Southern California since 1959, KPFK has been addressing the needs and concerns of our local community through innovative radio programming. Pacifica's network of listener-supported stations are America’s network for independent radio broadcasting. For decades, KPFK has had a pulse on the issues affecting our community. Our programming has always centered on the needs of the moment, providing direction, support, education, and resources for those who need it the most. We are dedicated to producing programming addressing income inequality, lack of resources for our immigrant and refugee population, Los Angeles housing and homelessness issues, and the crisis facing our climate and environment.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
KPFK is a community radio station and part of the nationwide network of stations owned by the Pacifica Foundation. With the mission of giving a voice to the people throughout the communities we serve, KPFK is planning to launch "We Listen LA!", a grassroots effort to go into the communities and give a voice to the often overlooked and unheard residents not often represented on commercial media. Addressing the concerns of Angelenos, we will develop programming specific to the needs voiced by the residents and obtained through multiple methods of surveying. We will strategically focus on producing programming that will educate and provide resources for those facing income inequality, housing and homelessness issues, and the crisis facing our climate and environment.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
KPFK has been the voice of the people of Los Angeles since 1959. Listeners have the opportunity to express their concerns, voice opinions, and participate in productive dialogue with each other and topical experts addressing the vital needs often ignored by mainstream media outlets. Through our "We Listen LA!" initiative, we will be able to determine the most pressing needs of our community and success will be measured by producing programming vital to the often overlooked residents of Los Angeles.
What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?
Through our "We Listen LA!" initiative, we will be able to determine the most pressing needs of our community and success will be measured by producing programming vital to the often overlooked residents of Los Angeles. Our goal is to not only increase our listenership, but to also develop new on-air talent and a network on local reporters eager to bring the voice of their communities to our airwaves.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 3,000
Indirect Impact: 10,000