Spurred in part by the USA Patriot Act, PEN USA has launched Clear and Present Danger, a public radio program that addresses First Amendment, censorship and freedom of expression issues. "We want to talk to journalists and writers about how they have experienced censorship,'' said Deborah Jones, executive producer of Clear and Present Danger. "It's not just straight opinion. It's more personal. It's about 'how did this happen to you?' " Jones is also vice-president of PEN USA's Freedom-to-Write International program
The show's topics are typically linked to new book releases and current events. Many program ideas have been generated through PEN USA's discussions with hundreds of writers worldwide who have endured punishments ranging from censorship to incarceration, said Jones. Future program guests will include Noam Chomsky, Robert Fisk, Taslima Nasrin, Wole Soyinka, Kilfe Mulat and Michael Moore.
In order to keep the show going, PEN USA needs more funding. Jones and show host Steven Rohde, a California attorney specializing in constitutional law, are currently volunteering their time to work on the program. "The competition for funding right now is horrendous," said Jones.
Jones said the program has six shows in final edit and six more in the works that will be shipped to about 20 radio stations nationwide. "I would like to take it weekly and I would like to take it to the major markets," Jones said.
Recordings of Clear and Present Danger will be available for purchase online through www.pacificaradioarchives.org.
