On July 13, 1999, KPFA host Dennis Bernstein was fired after broadcasting a press conference on the controversy surrounding Pacifica Radio. Guards, hired by Pacifica management, were ordered to remove Bernstein from the station. He refused.
This is a recording of what ensued shortly afterwards in the control room while KPFA was broadcasting its evening news. KPFA news co-host/director Mark Mericle began explaining the situation to listeners -- as you will hear -- but Pacifica management pulled the plug. After a few minutes of silence the station began broadcasting archive tape.