Citadel removed Don & Mike from the Albuquerque airwaves a couple of years ago after protests regarding the infamous ""If your people cannot understand my language, they should get on their burros and go back to Mexico" broadcast.
At the time Art Ortega, the director of public relations in Albuquerque for Citadel, told The Albuquerque Tribune "We took a responsible course of action with the Don and Mike Show situation," and regarding the protest outside the station added, "I went personally to the demonstration. I agreed to protest this to Westwood One and agreed it was demeaning to Hispanics."
Now he tells the Albuquerque Journal that FM talk won't fly "if you're trying to do what AM talk is already doing" and that The Buzz will be edgier, as reflected in thier logo, which proclaims: "talk, sports, guystuff."
Why does Ortega now promote Don and Mike, who he knows are demeaning to Hispanics and whom he personally joined a protest against?
In a speech to MANA de Albuquerque on August 24, 2001 then FCC Commissioner Gloria Tristani had some straight talk on the matter. Too bad that Citadel Albuquerque has decided to go back on their word. Tristani said, "Write to the stations here in Albuquerque and let them know you think there should be more Hispanics – and more positive images of Hispanics -- on television. I can tell you that broadcasters do listen, and it is not a waste of time to express your opinion. Let me explain why.
As some of you may remember, in August of 1999, a nationally syndicated radio show called 'The Don and Mike Show' caused an uproar with a segment they aired. They telephoned a Mexican-American woman in El Cenizo, Texas and subjected her to the most offensive and racist verbal attack I have ever heard. This show was carried in 60 markets around the country, including Albuquerque.
I happened to be in Albuquerque the week after that broadcast occurred. People complained directly to me. I responded by saying that there was probably nothing the FCC could do because we are only authorized to fine broadcasters for obscene or indecent material. Although the FCC did end up fining the station for putting the woman on the air without her permission, we did not fine them for their actual remarks.
Fortunately, that was not the end of the story. As you know, people here in Albuquerque were so outraged by that incident that they complained long and loud to the station that carried the Don and Mike Show. People also contacted advertisers on the Don and Mike Show and complained. The radio station owner cancelled the Don and Mike Show. Good for you -- no more Don and Mike in Albuquerque. I was very pleased and proud that New Mexicans can make their voices known when they want to. And when they do, broadcasters listen.
The lack of Hispanics on broadcast television has not had a positive effect on the broadcast community. But I hope you will remember the experience with the Don and Mike Show. Send letters to the local television stations and the networks. Tell them you demand more positive Hispanic characters on prime time. Make your voices heard. You can make a difference."
