FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2008

Lemlem Rijio Hired as Permanent KPFA General Manager

(Berkeley, CA - October 3, 2008) Nicole Sawaya, Executive Director of the Pacifica Radio Network, announced Tuesday that Lemlem Rijio has been hired as the permanent General Manager of KPFA Radio, the first listener-sponsored radio station in the US.

"Lemlem has shown courage and resolve leading KPFA, and during very challenging financial times for Pacifica, has kept the economy of KPFA strong without spending down reserves, but holding steady," said Sawaya. "She has a strong and practical vision for KPFA that I know she will implement and help KPFA continue to be the beacon flagship station of the network."

Rijio, a 37 year-old UC Berkeley graduate from Ethiopia, has served as interim General Manager of KPFA for the past two years. Thanks to Rijio's stewardship, KPFA remains the strongest station in the Pacifica Network, producing and financing the majority of the Network's national broadcasts during the past year. In response to the radical transformation of the media landscape, Rijio has spearheaded the extension of KPFA's multimedia reach and overseen the launch of groundbreaking programming such as the historic Winter Soldier broadcast of Iraq veterans.

Prior to her positions as KPFA's interim General Manager and Development Director, Rijio headed up a capital campaign for the Interfaith Council of Greater Richmond to build housing for the homeless.

"As media in the US goes through profound upheaval, from the challenge of digital technology to the elimination of news departments around the country, this venerable 59 year old institution needs to fill the void vacated by the mainstream media," says Rijio. "I'm looking forward to dramatically expanding KPFA's impact."

The Chair of the Pacifica National Board Sherry Gendelman said, "I hope that Lemlem Rijio enjoys a successful tenure, leading the station to compelling programming, growing its audience and expanding the profile of KPFA, and Pacifica, into new territories. I congratulate Lemlem Rijio on her selection and wish her, and the station, much success."

###

Founded in 1949, KPFA is the United States' first listener-sponsored radio station and the flagship station in the Pacifica Radio Network. Broadcasting on 94.1 FM in Berkeley, CA, and 88.1 FM on KFCF in Fresno, KPFA's signal reaches one third of the state of California. KPFA's website, kpfa.org, serves thousands of listeners all over the world. KPFA's innovative news, arts, public affairs, and music programs have won numerous awards and have helped define radio in America.

For more information contact:
Sherry Gendelman, Pacifica National Board Chair
650-615-0117, sherrygendelman [at] aol.com