Clear Channel Lease for New WPFW Office Sparks Opposition

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Long-simmering frustrations at WPFW boiled over again this week when it was discovered that an 8-year, million-dollar sub-lease is being negotiated with Clear Channel Communications in a downtown Silver Spring office building. "Clear Channel is a right-wing anti-worker, anti-women, pro-war conglomerate," said Suji Sutler at a demonstration outside the proposed office for WPFW, whose building in Adams Morgan has been sold. "Putting our money in the pockets of a company that broadcasts people like Rush Limbaugh is completely antithetical to everything this station stands for." Sutler co-founded Concerned Members and Supporters of WPFW last year during disputes over programming and worker rights. "Where are we going to find the voices of workers and our community if not on WPFW?" asked Sutler. The group reacted quickly when the sublease was discovered late last week and is trying to block the deal, which they say is being negotiated without proper input. "This is our station," Sutler said defiantly, "and we say 'No justice, no peace, no Clear Channel lease,'" the small group of supporters joining her in the chant. - report/photo by Chris Garlock