Big Jay Sorensen on this week's Radio Racket

[HarrytheK1]

I did not enjoy your comment about the double amputee. It was unprofessional, thoughtless, tasteless, and very hurtful.

I guess that would make Big Jay unprofessional, thoughtless, tasteless and very hurtful as well since he almost fell off of his chair laughing when I said it...

Good luck with the prosthetic legs.

Six years ago next month, my brother was trapped in a house fire. By the time firemen were able to respond, his legs had been severely burned. He was airlifted to a burn center, but, very sadly, it was not in enough time to avoid the amputation of both his legs above the knees.

At first, there was a question as to whether he could survive, due to heavy smoke inhalation. Very fortunately, he was able to survive. Then there was a question as to whether he suffered brain damage because of that smoke inhalation. Thank goodness, he did not. After a very long hospital stay, and after he came off the ventilator, he went to a rehab/nursing home where he stayed for quite a long time.

However, the trauma of the fire and its results have also left him with additional severe problems which have resulted in his being in and out of hospitals. His most recent stay in the hospital ended last Thursday. BTW, due to the nature of his condition, he does not wear prosthetic legs. We wish he could. Maybe then he could take advantage of your wishes of "good luck with the prosthetic legs."

It's quite interesting that you use Big Jay as a shield to deflect your lack of taste. As a later post showed, you obviously should have let Big Jay speak for himself. Goodness knows, he certainly doesn't need you to speak for him, especially when what you say is just plain wrong and innacurate. You really should concentrate on speaking for yourself. As a matter of fact, maybe you can repeat your double amputee and prosthetic legs comments on your next part-time shift on WXTU. How do you think your program director would react to those comments? Do you think he'll fall off his chair laughing? Go ahead. Try it. What have you got to lose?

We can only hope that a tragedy like I've described never happens to anybody you care about. Do you think you would be making these same wise-ass comments then? Who knows? Maybe you would.

I stand by my post that your comments are unprofessional, thoughtless, tasteless and very hurtful.

To that, I will add that you also have no class.

 

[tom]

That's so sad Harry.

Here is a link to the news story from 2002:

http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2002/06/29/2002-06-29_capt__crawls_into_inferno__s.html

I learned my lesson years ago ... as far as offensive/tastless type remarks go. When NJ first passed the mandatory seat belt law in the 80's ... there was a picture in the paper of a rather sizeable woman showing how the seatbelt wouldn't reach around her immense girth. I simply said (after the newscast story about the seat belts) "yeah I saw that whale in the paper" and SHE was a listener and called. Duh ... very embarrassing.

 

[Big Jay]

Wow, I am heartbroken by your brother's story Harry. I had no idea. Now it becomes even MORE clear that the comment was at BEST insensitive.

Tom is correct. ALL of us have said things on the air that we wish we could take back. I've certainly had my share. Sometimes, in the heat of discussion, or rant, we say things that are hurtful to someone. Lord knows I've been on both ends.

Howard Stern called me a "retard" once when he was on K-Rock. He was referring to my all-night show when I was on WNBC. I don't even remember why I was called that. It's moot. But I know people with mentally challenged people, and it's NOT a laughing matter. It's not about being politically correct. It's about understanding what other people have to deal with in their lives. Some hosts feel ANYthing is fair game. Guess what. It's not. I have been guilty of it myself at times referring to overweight people...comments like starting fires in the aisles of Wal*Mart when they walk, etc... The "fat advocates" didn't like it, and I stopped. I realized that it WAS insensitive...to a point.. I self-mock, as I am a bit on the wee-wah side.

Point is...I still think the comment was unnecessary...and it should be at least apologized for... If for no other reason, for what Harry just wrote.

If NOT then Kyle's comments are fair game for anyone to comment about.

BE BIG
Jay

 

[RoscoeBrowning]

That is sad, and I am sorry about what happened to your brother. That being said, the comment was made tounge in cheek and not directed at any specific person. We lightly poke fun at the many blind listeners we have (directly!), and nobody has ever complained about it. Does that mean some blind listeners who tune in won't be offended? Of course not. But that's the type of humor we sometimes do on the show. Some people appreciate it, others do not. If it doesn't appeal to you, I can understand you not wanting to tune in again. But we do appreciate you checking the show out. Like any other show on the dial (or in this case internet), it's not for everyone. My apologies are entended since you took offense to what I said.

I agree it's completely inappropriate for a music station. But we were talking about the Radio Racket, something that is obviously in a different realm.

 

[Big Jay]

Ok...now Harry...Roscoe said he was "sorry"...but in the same breath, he said "if ya don't like it, don't listen."

I don't want to start another round of stuff here, but I agree and disagree with that thought process.

Let me explain.

As a talk show host (and there MAY be a case for whether it's on a terrestrial station or just an internet stream as one is regulated and the other is not) we DO not have to be FAIR. Rush is not FAIR. Stern is not FAIR. John & Ken are not FAIR. But ya better be able to stand the heat IF you say something that is controvercial. Ya have to be able to back up your comments.

Management-types usually can deflect this stuff from the talent. Sometimes they can't. Look at the "drink as much as you can and win a prize" stunt that got those jocks in SO much trouble. Look at Opie & Anthony's "sex in church" thing. Look at Stern's D.C. airplane crash that he famously mocked.

Point is, when we say things on the "air", people actually HEAR it. And yeah...there is the first amendment right to say what you want. Within REASON of course. So while I defend Roscoe's comment on the air, I didn't LIKE it...and my reaction was a laugh...but it in my head it was an immediate "oh crap, that was unnecessary". If that had been on TERRESTRIAL radio, I would have insisted it be bleeped. Maybe I should have protested more, but I didn't. It wasn't MY show! But I was a part of that show, and my lack of ON AIR protest, looking back, was wrong..whether terrestrial or Intenet-only.

Like I've said...in the past, I've said some awful things on the air. I got chastised by a supposed doctor one morning at about 5:15 for saying "the Vinnie's that weave from the right to the left lane on the parkway (Jersey) with their father's car as they head to Seaside to get high." Now...we all know it's TRUE...but the "anti-Italian" coalition (or just some guy) took HIGH offense to it. Screaming at me that he was gonna call the FCC and every one of my bosses (he did) and asked...no...shreeked at me, "why didn't you say Mustafa, Leniod, or Leroy?" I said, because I just used the name Vinnie! Simple. HE did not think that about what I said. I was more going for the "Brooklyn-type" guy...not an ITALIAN guy from Brooklyn..but that was HIS interpretation. I got reemed by management..and I promised to management to try not to say things that specific..to be more generic. That's a slippery slope as ANYONE who has been on the radio knows. At some point, ALL talkshow hosts will say SOMETHING that offends SOMEONE. It's our JOB. It gets response...sometimes, that's negative, but indeed it gets response. When I was in Dallas, I mentioned the day after Dale Earnhart Sr. died, that the only reason people go to NASCAR races was to drink beer, stare at fake breasts and wait for someone to hit the wall. Well...that MAY have contributed to my being fired. If I said that in NY/NJ/PHILLY, it likely would have been thought of as "funny"?!??!?! Dunno...but down THERE, it was like saying the Pope was....well I'll leave that alone..even on HERE.

Looking back, when I was involved in the rollout of NJ 101.5, management just couldn't believe that they would get as many complaints as they did from just about every host. Some days that's all they DID...receive complaints. Most were deflected...some, as in the recent case of Carton & Rossi made HEADLINES (long after I was gone from there)...whether good or bad...they got HEADLINES.

Stations who NEVER do anything controversial would KILL to have a front-page headline or a TV station come to cover a comment. It creates a BUZZ...and translates into RATINGS..out of curiosity or trendiness. Sometimes it works WONDERS for a station..sometimes it can bite it in the arse.

I think my rant here is multi-useful.

1. Choose to be either controversial and take the heat...or don't say anything controversial!
2. Choose to REACT to any perceived bad comments with a more reasoned discourse in response.
3. Be prepared to be fired.
4. Be prepared to be given a free-pass in the form of "it's that hosts OPINION, and you have YOURS so call-in to respond."
5. I especially like #2 and #4, as you are either left out to dry by the audience, or you'll be a hero for sticking to your guns...but be prepared for further fallout.
6. Stick to playing the Beatles.
7. Be even MORE bold next time to see how far you can rattle cages.
8. Tone it down a bit.
9. Be prepared to have a governor want to punch you in the nose.
10. Get out of the business.

The Radio Racket is an INTERNET show much like Wayne's World in the movies.
It IS what it IS. They talk about stuff nobody else does. That in itself is pretty cool, but with that comes a responsibility to think about what you're gonna say and how it will be perceived.

Consequently, I TOTALLY see how Harry would be HIGHLY offended by what was uttered based on HIS experience with his brother. Harry, I also offer MY apologies for the incident. And there are no asterisks attached to that. I may be offending the RACKET boys by saying just THAT, but remember, it's MY opinion, and thanks for calling.

BE BIG
Joe Pyne

 

[qtpieislit]

Howard Stern called me a "retard" once when he was on K-Rock. He was referring to my all-night show when I was on WNBC. I don't even remember why I was called that. It's moot. But I know mentally challenged people, and it's NOT a laughing matter.

Yo Big,

  What are you saying, that, being called a rock n roll retard is critically offensive, or just measureably disturbing?

 

[RoscoeBrowning]

I can't believe that this has become such a hot button issue. For those of you who missed the show, here's what happened:

We ended a listener call from a regular who is blind. Another regular called in next who is also blind and she said proudly, "Back to back blind!"

George then explained to Jay that we have a large blind listenership.

Jay said, "What's next? Deaf callers?"

Then I said, "Or how about double amputees?"

That's it. That's what all the fuss is about. The more I think about this, the less I see how this is even remotely offensive. Jay, you've been in the business much longer than I have, but I don't see how that's dump-worthy even in the least.

So that being said, I'm retracting my apology. No harm was intended, and if you took it that way, I don't know what to tell you. If I had said something disparaging about a double amputee then I would understand. But the mere mentioning of one? Where's all the outcry for the deaf? They're both disabilities, correct?

That's all I have to say about that. I'm done with this thread and frankly, I'm sorry I got involved in it. That's the only thing I care to apologize about.

 

[Big Jay]

This is exactly what I'm talking about. It's NOT a big deal...except to the people who might be offended. The DEAF line was, I guess, a problem for deaf people...if they could hear it...and the amputee thing...well.....it IS another disability, but it's the one that went a tad over the line. It's subjective, I know...but on a BROADCAST radio station, I wouldn't have said MUCH of what I said even. You guys noted that as well..that I was...afraid to say certain words. Remember, I've been at this for 38 years. 38 years of WATCHING every word I say on the mic.

This is an apples and oranges issue Roscoe. I really wish you would just lighten up about this. I even think that Harry (though I can't speak for him) would have accepted your apology...but now you're getting into very deep phylosophical issues of first amendment rights, what are acceptable words, etc.. I think ALL of you are over reacting. ALL of you...Harry included. I was shocked by the line as you may remember, even though I laughed. But it's an INTERNET station with NO holds barred...even tasteless lines. My DEAF line included. So I should be chastised by the deaf folks, or anyone who has a deaf person in their midst.

Roscoe...don't get all nutty about this. It is getting a reaction..and if that was what you intended on purpose or NOT, you're getting the attention your show needs!!

So tell George and Kyle to not their knickers in a knot...and I think Harry gets it too...he IS/WAS a broadcaster. We all have DIFFERENT THRESHOLDS for certain words or ideas. HE was just expressing HIS reaction as he was perfectly in his right to do. I think you and Kyle DO need to reexamine this without getting defensive. You don't HAVE to be defensive. It is what it IS...and the line was what it was.
It was off the cuff..and offended some. Just be thankful SOMEONE heard it!!!

My opinion of course..and we all have them just like navels. I have THREE now due to surgeries that I didn't ask for. Hey, if Imus can have 3 wappos, then I can have 3 belly buttons.

BE BIG
Marshall McLewen (sic)

 

[Kyle D]

Big Jay -

You know that I respect the heck out of you, but this is a non-issue. Dump button? For saying there might be a "double-amputee" on hold??

There is absolutely nothing offensive about that statement. Would Harry feel differently if a double-amputee was the next caller?

Sorry to hear what happened to Harry's brother, but this whole thing is beyond ridiculous. That comment was miles away from the line, not a tad over it.

No knickers in a knot here Jay! Just don't quite see it the same way.

 

[Big Jay]

That's what makes the world go 'round. I think like a BROADCASTER at all times. It's instinct. So let's just leave it at that. I respect you and your Radio Racket partners right to say what you want too. After all it IS your show, and it IS on the internet. And just LOOK at all the attention you got in just ONE thread? Amazing huh?

I am still glad I was part of the show that night, if for nothing else to show the world that I ain't DEAD. Thanks to the now DOZENS of emails that I've gotten about my appearance there. I don't know how many "hits" you got that night and thru the weekend, but if you'd like to share them with me, do it privately.

Back to the topic for a second..Pease don't confuse the issue. Broadcast is apples, Internet is oranges. EVERYONE has a different sensitivity threshhold. Mine is a little quicker than yours. LEAVE IT AT THAT!! OK? It's a non issue with ME already...
Harry will have to analyze this for himself. Noted that we ALL feel very badly for what happened to his brother in that Brooklyn fire. Harry, if there is ANYTHING I can do to help...a fund or something, let me know. If I'm in a position to help, I will in a heartbeat.

BE BIG
jay

 

[DToTheJ]

Management-types usually can deflect this stuff from the talent. Sometimes they can't. Look at the "drink as much as you can and win a prize" stunt that got those jocks in SO much trouble...

I believe the name of that promotion was "Hold Your Wee For A Wii"...

When I was in Dallas, I mentioned the day after Dale Earnhart Sr. died, that the only reason people go to NASCAR races was to drink beer, stare at fake breasts and wait for someone to hit the wall. Well...that MAY have contributed to my being fired. If I said that in NY/NJ/PHILLY, it likely would have been thought of as "funny"?!??!?! Dunno...but down THERE, it was like saying the Pope was....well I'll leave that alone..even on HERE...

Since it's Dallas, perhaps the President would be a better example? Ah, never mind...

Wow. It's amazing how a little, nonchalant comment about double amputees is sparking the latest Racket controversy! I mean, I respect the rights of the disabled too, but why is it that some folks can't just pull a Voltaire? i.e. "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

FYI - on terrestrial radio, I believe the Jim Rome show has a regular caller that usually includes "smack" about amputees in most of his calls! And this is on terrestrial radio! Stop the presses! Where's his thread?

With that said, I can't argue that it's giving the show a little off-air "buzz", and you know what they say about bad publicity...

 

[HarrytheK1]

Here is a link to the news story from 2002:
http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2002/06/29/2002-06-29_capt__crawls_into_inferno__s.html

I didn't even realize that the NY Daily News' online archives went that far back. I still have the actual tearsheet of that article (although I'm not sure why I kept it), but I don't believe I've actually read it since the time it appeared.

Even after almost six years, it is still horrifying just to read that article.

A few months after the fire, one of my sisters went to Ladder Co. 147 in Brooklyn to thank the firemen for saving my brother and for putting their own lives at risk in doing that. They told her that it was the first time in their memory that someone came by the firehouse to thank them.

It's amazing how we take some people and what they do for others for granted...until our lives are touched by them.

 

[Big Jay]

Harry, I think all of us on this board have your brother in their thoughts, simply by reading the article, then your articulate reasoning for not liking the comment.

That said, I think this thread has been a lesson in a few things.

1. The internet is a no-holds barred medium-the most free exchange of ideas in the history of the planet thus far.
2. The internet can also hurt people intentionally OR UN-intentionally depending on your point of view.
3. Unless something affects US personally, most people today just figure it's the politically correct who have "taken over" the world.
4. On the other hand, political correctness is the way it should be in some eyes.
5. Radio in whatever form...especially TALK radio has become a forum to shock and get reaction.
6. Talk radio can be the BEST form of discussion, especially if it's TWO-WAY talk with a free exchange of ideas.
7. Nothing seems to be sacred anymore.
8. On the other hand, no one has ANY sense of humor anymore due to political correctness.
9. Common decency has gone out the window.
10...and finally, there is a chance to BE decent if one chooses to be in whatever form "RADIO" exists.

I agree with all TEN. I flip flop a lot about these things. One one hand, I'm paid to entertain and to get reaction.

On the other hand, there has to be a limit on what's good taste and what's not. WHO is the arbiter of this fine line? I know I'm not qualified to always have that answer, or I'd be the highest paid talk host in America. I have been in trouble for some things I've said (usually within the confines of the station)...and sometimes outside. But the words spoken came from MY mouth, and ultimately I have to be the one to face either the consequences, or reap the glory of being a hero by having guts to speak the truth. It is a slippery slope no matter how it's sliced and diced.

Every talk show host in America needs to evaluate what they want to accomplish. Is it to shock?
Is it to titilate?
Is it to educate?
Is it to pontificate about a political persuasion?
Is it to just talk about stuff that REAL people talk about?
Is it to piss people off?
Is it to have everyone agree?

I think it's ALL of the above.

So Harry, I am sorry if I contrubuted in any way to your bad feelings about what went on last Friday night. I know the others on the show have vehemently disagreed..some actually flip-flopped on their stance.

BUT in the end, I respect BOTH of points of view...and understand both.

Boy..I ain't been on the air for nearly 17 months, and look at the crap I helped stir up...unintentionally.
I hope the Racket addresses this in a professional way tonight.

BY the way, it looks like I'm going to be on Dave The Raves Relics & Rarities Show on Saturday night 10pm eastern. Do a search for the show...and where you can hear it online.

BE BIG
Jay The Jock

 

[Big Jay]

Dave The Rave and I just changed the date to NEXT Saturjay night 10pm eastern.
I'll be on his show to play some of MY faves, and also to talk to YOU guys about my career and also to discuss radio's future, on ALL platforms. "
This will be a great time to catch up on what I've been up to and hear some things you'll NEVER hear on terrestrial or even satellite radio.

Once again...google Dave The Rave or Relics and Rarities, and you'll find the link to listen. Memorial Day weekend.. Sat. Night.

BE BIG!
Jay the JOCK!

 

[HarrytheK1]

My apologies are entended since you took offense to what I said.

I presume you mean "extended," not "entended." To paraphrase your colleague in his post of 5/12, "If you're going to post here, can't you at least learn how to proof read, Roscoe?"

If indeed that is what you meant, your apology is accepted. If it's not what you meant, then I stand by my post that your comments are unprofessional, thoughtless, tasteless and very hurtful and that you have no class.

 

[simonbarrsinister]

Harry, I think all of us on this board have your brother in their thoughts, simply by reading the article, then your articulate reasoning for not liking the comment.

That said, I think this thread has been a lesson in a few things.

1. The internet is a no-holds barred medium-the most free exchange of ideas in the history of the planet thus far.
2. The internet can also hurt people intentionally OR UN-intentionally depending on your point of view.
3. Unless something affects US personally, most people today just figure it's the politically correct who have "taken over" the world.
4. On the other hand, political correctness is the way it should be in some eyes.
5. Radio in whatever form...especially TALK radio has become a forum to shock and get reaction.
6. Talk radio can be the BEST form of discussion, especially if it's TWO-WAY talk with a free exchange of ideas.
7. Nothing seems to be sacred anymore.
8. On the other hand, no one has ANY sense of humor anymore due to political correctness.
9. Common decency has gone out the window.
10...and finally, there is a chance to BE decent if one chooses to be in whatever form "RADIO" exists.

I agree with all TEN. I flip flop a lot about these things. One one hand, I'm paid to entertain and to get reaction.

On the other hand, there has to be a limit on what's good taste and what's not. WHO is the arbiter of this fine line? I know I'm not qualified to always have that answer, or I'd be the highest paid talk host in America. I have been in trouble for some things I've said (usually within the confines of the station)...and sometimes outside. But the words spoken came from MY mouth, and ultimately I have to be the one to face either the consequences, or reap the glory of being a hero by having guts to speak the truth. It is a slippery slope no matter how it's sliced and diced.

Every talk show host in America needs to evaluate what they want to accomplish. Is it to shock?
Is it to titilate?
Is it to educate?
Is it to pontificate about a political persuasion?
Is it to just talk about stuff that REAL people talk about?
Is it to piss people off?
Is it to have everyone agree?

I think it's ALL of the above.

So Harry, I am sorry if I contrubuted in any way to your bad feelings about what went on last Friday night. I know the others on the show have vehemently disagreed..some actually flip-flopped on their stance.

BUT in the end, I respect BOTH of points of view...and understand both.

Boy..I ain't been on the air for nearly 17 months, and look at the crap I helped stir up...unintentionally.
I hope the Racket addresses this in a professional way tonight.

BY the way, it looks like I'm going to be on Dave The Raves Relics & Rarities Show on Saturday night 10pm eastern. Do a search for the show...and where you can hear it online.

BE BIG
Jay The Jock

FOR GODS' SAKE......Will some PLEASE give this man a job....Simon Says..."Hire Him"

 

[HarrytheK1]

...So while I defend Roscoe's comment on the air, I didn't LIKE it...and my reaction was a laugh...but it in my head it was an immediate "oh crap, that was unnecessary". If that had been on TERRESTRIAL radio, I would have insisted it be bleeped. Maybe I should have protested more, but I didn't. It wasn't MY show! But I was a part of that show, and my lack of ON AIR protest, looking back, was wrong..whether terrestrial or Intenet-only.

Harry, I also offer MY apologies for the incident. And there are no asterisks attached to that. I may be offending the RACKET boys by saying just THAT, but remember, it's MY opinion, and thanks for calling.

No apology necessary, Jay -

Your earlier comments regarding how you thought the comment was unnecessary, and how, under different circumstances, you would insist it be bleeped, explain your feelings completely. You even commented that you should've protested the comment on air. I wouldn't expect you to do that.

You were a guest on this show, which, in some ways, is similar to being a guest in someone's home. Just as it might be uncomfortable to criticize someone in a social setting in their own home, I think the same pretty much holds true when you're a guest on someone else's show.

You didn't make the comment. You have no responsibility for it. You were put in an awkward situation and your reaction is perfectly understandable.

I very much appreciate your sentiments.

 

[raydofan]

No apology necessary, Jay -

If this were Jay Thomas, we wouldn't be having this pastoso discussion. Much ado about nuthin'.

 

[Big Jay]

I appreciate the note Harry.
I want GEORGE to read his e-mail directly from me that I sent this weekend after hearing a replay of this Friday's show.
Not sure if he's checked his inbox.
It was suggested that I threw the Radio Racket under the bus. FAR from the truth...and I was speaking of what I would do on a TERRESTRIAL station. The intenet is a different animal. I DID make my OWN comment about DEAF people calling, which directly led to the other comment. I think that we all have an understanding now...at least I hope so. I was a guest. It's their show. THEY call the shots. George himself said he wouldn't have said it..but the other guys are still vigorously defending it. And that's their right TOO.

Harry, as you know, there is NOT ONE talk show host in AMERICA that everyone likes or agrees with every word that person says. Some times (in the heat of a discussion) something is blurted out. I've done it. We ALL have. I sincerely doubt it was done with any malicious intent. It just slipped out. Some may have found it funny in the context with which it was spoken. I laughed (out of my chair as George discribed it this week). I did laugh, but upon reflection, my response was over the top to a comment that was almost under his breath.

So let's all just LET THIS GO. I can't explain it anymore..nor do the people who were in the studio 10 days ago now. I think we all understand how you feel and why. It IS a show..and it IS talk radio on the internet. Just leave it at that.

I LIKE the show. I think it's NECESSARY because NO on else talks about RADIO they way they do. It's refreshing, candid, and hard hitting at times. The way it SHOULD be. So for the guys on the show, I'm on YOUR side too. I know it sounds like I'm speaking out of both sides of my mouth, but it's how I feel. I had a good time..and I would do it again if asked. We DID just shoot the #*$& about radio. Good times.

BE BIG
Edward R. Murrow

 

[HarrytheK1]

Hey, if Imus can have 3 wappos, then I can have 3 belly buttons.

Imus has 3 wappos? How do you know that?

Also, what is a wappo?