News LocalLeft-leaningSan Francisco Ca

APEX Express (KPFA)

Left-leaning local news. Over-indexes on Culture War & Social Issues (9.6×).

As described by the publisher
APEX Express is a weekly magazine-style radio show featuring the voices and stories of Asian and Pasifika folx from all corners of the community. We are dedicated to highlighting the artists and changemakers that make up our diverse community. The show is produced by a collective of media makers, artists, and activists and airs each week on KPFA 94.1FM.
27
Episodes transcribed
Dec 2025Aug 2026 covered
5
Episodes analyzed
5 tone reads — one per figure per episode
Mixed
No clear favorite or target
thin read

What This Tone Is Based On

The tone scores on this page come from analyzing how this show covers each political figure it mentions. Below is the breakdown of how many of those reads were positive, neutral, or negative.

Positive120%
Neutral360%
Negative120%

Net media tone Neutral across 5 figure-in-episode tone reads (not audience/impressions).

How APEX Express (KPFA) Differs from Other Shows

Overall this show runs more favorable than the rest of the media — mean tone +0.05 vs the media's -0.18.

Coverage Volume

Transcribed episodes per week — last 26 weeks

Sentiment Trajectory

Average weekly tone toward figures — green favorable, red critical

Show organizations & places →
Organizations
Apex Express26
Asian Pacific Expression26
API7
AAPI6
Places
United States23
Bay Area18
San Francisco15
New York12
Oakland12
Berkeley10
India9
Philippines8

Recent Stories

Filipino Heritage Night at Valkyries Game
Positive2026-08-13

The Golden State Valkyries hosted a Filipino Heritage Night, celebrating Filipino culture and community through basketball. The event featured cultural performances, food, and discussions about the historical significance of basketball in the Philippines, highlighting its roots in colonization and its evolution into a national sport.

APEX Express – 8.13.26 – Bayanihan in Ballhalla
Esmail's Environmental Compositions
Neutral2026-08-06

Rina Esmail discusses her environmental-themed compositions, including 'Terra Infirma,' which reflects on the emotional impact of climate change. She shares her perspective on the role of musicians in addressing environmental issues, emphasizing the need for reflection and understanding rather than activism. Esmail's works aim to evoke feelings and foster a sense of community in confronting these challenges.

APEX Express – 8.06.26 – Obbligato – In Conversation with Composer Reena Esmail
Letter to Young Artists
Positive2026-08-06

Rina Esmail reflects on her letter to young artists and children of immigrants, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of pursuing a career in the arts. She notes the changing perceptions among immigrant parents regarding artistic pursuits and emphasizes the importance of support and understanding in nurturing artistic talent. Esmail's experiences illustrate the evolving landscape for young artists from immigrant backgrounds.

APEX Express – 8.06.26 – Obbligato – In Conversation with Composer Reena Esmail
Composer Rina Esmail's Unique Blend
Positive2026-08-06

Rina Esmail, an Indian American composer, discusses her journey in blending Hindustani music with Western classical styles. She reflects on her identity as a musician navigating different cultural landscapes and the challenges she faced in integrating these musical traditions. Esmail emphasizes the importance of specificity in artistic practice while also exploring universal themes in her compositions.

APEX Express – 8.06.26 – Obbligato – In Conversation with Composer Reena Esmail
Community Organizing in West Oakland
Positive2026-07-30

Noni Session, executive director of the East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative, discusses her family's history in West Oakland and the impact of systemic racism on the community. The conversation highlights the importance of community organizing and the efforts to reclaim and preserve the cultural and economic fabric of the area, particularly through initiatives like the cooperative's work to combat displacement.

APEX Express – July 30, 2026
The Legacy of Margaret Gordon
Positive2026-07-30

The discussion centers around Margaret Gordon, a local environmental justice advocate, and her significant contributions to improving air quality in West Oakland. Her efforts to prevent truck idling in residential areas are highlighted as a successful example of grassroots activism that has had a tangible impact on the community's health.

APEX Express – July 30, 2026
Challenges of Urban Development
Hostile2026-07-30

The conversation touches on the complexities of urban development in Oakland, particularly the barriers faced by community organizations in repurposing vacant commercial spaces. The discussion critiques the bureaucratic hurdles and the need for a more equitable approach to urban planning that prioritizes community needs over profit.

APEX Express – July 30, 2026
Environmental Justice Funding Cuts
Hostile2026-07-30

Senate Democrats have accused the Environmental Protection Agency of illegally canceling over $1.5 billion in grants aimed at improving environmental conditions in minority communities affected by pollution. This action is framed as part of a broader trend of neglecting the historical injustices faced by these communities, particularly in places like West Oakland, where pollution has led to significant health issues.

APEX Express – July 30, 2026