ST. LOUIS – Hundreds of local musicians have signed an online declaration in support of leadership change at community radio station KDHX 88.1 FM.
The effort comes after months of controversies between upper management and volunteer DJs at KDHX and on the heels of an annual associates meeting on Thursday.
A group consisting of former DJs and other advocates is also planning a protest around the meeting. Organizers say a peaceful protest is planned from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday outside the KDHX broadcast studios on Washington Avenue, adding to the push for leadership change.
FOX 2 has learned that KDHX dismissed at least 13 volunteer DJs dating back to the start of last year. The station parted ways with 10 last September as part of “fall programming changes.” Since then, at least 20 others have quit or gone on strike in solidarity.
Upper management at KDHX also faces a lawsuit, which claims that a group consisting of current KDHX volunteer DJs voted to remove two members of the station’s board of directors in September and nominate three members to replace them. Heading into Thursday’s associates meeting, current KDHX board directors have not formally approved those decisions.
The exodus of volunteer DJs and the lawsuit are two significant factors in a series of developments leading up to the musicians’ call for change and the planned protest.
Organizers say a declaration first went public Tuesday in which musicians took a stand against upper management at KDHX, similar to one involving local business owners in January.
The statement reads, in part: “As musicians and artists, we love KDHX. That is why we are calling for change. It is time for new leadership, leadership that is truly connected to the community, that listens to the community, and that inspires the trust of the community. It is time to return the exiled DJs to the air.”
Musicians who signed the statement are also hoping for inclusivity, creativity, and diversity within KDHX’s programming.
When the statement was first published, it had around 250 signatures. In nearly 24 hours, that doubled. As of Thursday, more than 600 musicians have signed the statement calling for change.
Roy Kasten, who identifies as one of the fired DJs, says the renewed push for KDHX is important ahead of the associates meeting.
“This is the one time the associates and membership of KDHX meet,” said Kasten in a phone call with FOX 2 on Thursday. “It’s a time for us to make our voices heard and reach out to current associates to encourage them to be supportive of our efforts to get new leadership at KDHX.”
Kasten and others plan to gather outside the KDHX studios for a protest around the meeting. Members of the Save KDHX Facebook Group and a group of volunteer enthusiasts with Support From Love of KDHX have organized the protest.
There could be a chance that associates discuss the process for voting on the Board of Directors, but Kasten says it’s unlikely a vote to change the leadership board happens Thursday.
With recent efforts in mind, Kasten feels that support has grown for DJs who were recently dismissed and resigned from KDHX.
“The movement for people in the St. Louis region and beyond calling for change has only grown,” said Kasten. “It’s a sign that the community is still growing its call for change at KDHX.”
In reference to recent developments, KDHX sent this statement to FOX 2 on behalf of Gary Pierson, the President of the KDHX Board of Directors.
“The board of KDHX continues to implement its community sourced strategic plan, and is fully behind the staff and leadership team. It’s unfortunate that many of the artists who signed this letter have had their music lifted up by KDHX. Many still have their music played on our station continuing their exposure in the community. KDHX will continue to spotlight musical talent from St. Louis and beyond.”
