The KPFA news team defies the order. The move comes two weeks before KPFA and Pacifica are to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. The program includes an interview with recently fired broadcaster Larry Bensky. Pacifica station WPFW in Washington, D.C., interrupts the same CounterSpin program on April 19.
Managers play music which continues throughout the show's normal timeslot.
On June 18, Pacifica's national office cancels KPFA producer Robbie Osman's program after he speaks out against the firing of Nicole Sawaya and Larry Bensky. Community protests mount. Staffers denounce the move as an unwarranted escalation of the crisis and an attempt to stifle dissent at the station. On July 13, Pacifica locks out KPFA staff and community, and reprograms the station. Fifty-two are arrested, including KPFA news directors.