We are required by the FCC, the IRS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to disclose specific information about our operation.  We are compliant with all of them.  We maintain an up-to-date public file that you may come to Philo and inspect during business hours.  (Soon the FCC will require that it all be available online rather than at a physical location.)  Our audited annual financial reports are right here on this website.

As GM, I write bimonthly reports that divulge large amounts of detailed information about the operation.  And we post the minutes of our Board Meetings.

In addition, our own Bylaws mandate that the members may "inspect all of MCPB's records which are or should be maintained at the principle office except personnel records and other items that would violate the privacy of a specific individual or are otherwise protected by California or California law."

So what does that really mean?  Everyone likely knows what personnel records are.  I can tell you my salary, but you'll have to ask a member of the staff if you want to know their salary.  Some people think a layoff should be announced ahead of time and all the details discussed publicly.  But that too violates the privacy of the person in question.  They can talk about it but we cannot.  Also, phone records are also considered private as are insurance records and workmen's comp details to name a couple of others.  

But what about those items that are protected by law?  One that has come up recently concerns NPR and our contract with them.  The confidentiality of that contract, like almost all business contracts as well as non-disclosure agreements, is protected by law under California Civil Code Section 3426-3426.11, better known as the Uniform Trade Secrets Act.  So, we aren't going to give out the details of that contract.  That doesn't mean we aren't transparent.  It means we maintain responsible mutual business relationships with our contractural partners. 

A lot of people who want to know something about the organization just call us up and ask.  Happens all the time.  Our number is 707-895-2324.  If it's reasonable and we can explain something, we will.