Bernard White Program Director of WBAI New York Ousted- Programming Not Diversified Enough

WBAI (99.5) Programming is TOO BLACK?

The changing of the guard at WBAI (99.5 FM) has picked up speed, with longtime program director Bernard White put on 10-day suspension, which he says really means he's fired. "This is a termination," said White in a note to his supporters after he was ushered from the building Friday.

"I am not allowed in the building," he said, "and I am unable to retrieve my personal belongings that I have accumulated over my 29-year association with WBAI."

Critics of White and former station manager Anthony Riddle, who was offered a reassignment last week, say these moves are necessary to rebroaden WBAI's audience without compromising its original mission as a free-speech alternative to commercial media. Read more: Staff changes raise static at WBAI