A controversial leader has left Pacifica Radio, a move that some see as a step toward bringing calm to the chaos surrounding the left-leaning radio network.

Bessie Wash resigned as executive director of Washington, D.C.'s Pacifica yesterday, said board chairman Robert Farrell. But an outside group, Savepacifica.net, said Farrell fired Wash. Wash was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Wash and other leaders of Pacifica, the parent of Berkeley's liberal KPFA-FM, have been at the center of conflicts with member stations, staff and outspoken listeners over programming, the firing of employees, and the network's future. (see story link for more)