joreth: (strong)
 To all those who argue with me when I propose confronting shock jocks and other media personalities about their unacceptable discriminatory attitudes towards women, GLBT, polyamorous, and anyone else, this is why.

Some time ago, apparently a radio station (I think in CA) had some DJs make some inflammatory remarks about transgendered children.  I know nothing of the event.  I recall seeing journal entries and articles posted about it, but I didn't have the time to read anything, as swamped as I was with work this week and having had several days at a time with no computer access.

But apparently they said some stuff and people called in and sponsors were contacted, and a big enough fuss was made that the station is now promising to retract, in full, the comments.  Not only will an apology be issued on the air, but the letter the station manager wrote was fully accountable and took complete responsibility for their actions without resorting to mealy-mouthed half-apologies that *sound* like apologies but really don't give up any ground once you get past the flowery speech.

While my dissenters have a point in that people shouldn't contact shock jocks, or conservative advice columnists, or whomever, because that leaves them open to the sort of treatment they get, that does not excuse these media personalities for their behaviour, nor does it do any damage control when the subject is brought to their attention anyway.

Public opinion can be changed and influential figures can be held accountable for their actions.  And individuals like you and me have the power to make that happen.

http://glaadblog.org/2009/06/07/update-krxq-radio-host-rob-williams-declares-failure/#more-9664

Date: 6/8/09 07:23 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] summer-jackel.livejournal.com
I think that there was a big enough outcry over this---and importantly, several major sponsors pulled their ads from the station---that the powers that be couldn't ignore it. Apparently, this was not the first time this particular show has earned criticism for airing some really ugly stuff, and they've even been fined for obscenity in the past. I think this is the first time they got this kind of public outcry, and it made a difference.

This is one of my favorite recent examples of corporate responsibility, and I have been drinking a fair bit of Snapple recently in celebration.

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