Dan York LOST and Reckless, without Matt Allen!!

[alfieradioguy]

Today on Martin Luther King day Dan Yorke managed to say, in full ,.the 'N' word (11 times.) A story in the Pro Jo. was an excuse for Yorke to make a fool out of him self and WPRO. Allen would have strongly advised him not to.
The breaks made HJJs sound professional. Allen, 10 steps above.
Allen had the day off.
Allen having the day off proved Yorke is a VERY empty suit. His whole show was about stupidity.
Wasn't Yorke the guy who went after Helen Glovers fill in Tony Farr?
Yorke sounds like the green one, not Farr. And Allen should be the host, not Yorke.
I hope Haynes and Giammarco at WPRO are paying attention!
Saying the word nig--r over and over on M.L.K. day , what a disgrace.

 

[tolduso]

I'd have to say, actually hearing the show in context, that Mr Yorke was completely justified in his use of the word. He was quoting from an extremely provocative and well written piece in the Providence Journal today that was written by a black man who was totally disgusted with the use of the N word in the black community.

He never used the word outside of the context of the opinion piece. He was extremely careful in his use of the word, and advised callers to have the same discretion. There were some powerful moments of the broadcast, especially the caller Marvin, who Dan gave over 10 minutes of time to.

I will agree that the board operation was not up to WPRO standards in places. (Although anyone who heard the first half hour of Art Bell last night can attest to the fact that "it happens" from time to time, on a national show, no less!)

 

[Skynet74]

Isn't that the same word that Dan's Boss told him he couldn't use just last month when Kramer said it? I didn't tune into Dan's show today because I'm sick of him for the time being. But I'm wondering if using the word in a different context is going to make a diference to Dan's Boss who told him not to use that word in the first place.

 

[linkanecohen]

tolduso, have to disagree. with you. This is a sacred day for Black people.
I heard the show. Once would have been enough.
Dan was told not to use the word EVER, just one month ago. I 'd get fired for that.
Will he still have his job tomorrow? i wouldn't.

 

[aqualung]

tolduso, have to disagree. with you. This is a sacred day for Black people.
I heard the show. Once would have been enough.
Dan was told not to use the word EVER, just one month ago. I 'd get fired for that.
Will he still have his job tomorrow? i wouldn't.

Yea you're right. You won't have his job tomorrow. Do you peeps have computer chips in your noggins that activate when someone posts the word YORKE here?

 

[jazzjock]

I am wondering if people are LISTENING, repeat, LISTENING to Dan Yorke!

In his use of the 'N' word, he explained he was reading from an op-ed piece in the ProJo written by an African-American who despised the use of the 'N' word within the black community.

Dan compared this to the tirade spewed out by Michael Richards at the LA comedy club last year, and the reasons why the 'N' word was bleeped out on that recording.

In Dan's commentary prior to reading the Op-ed piece I think he handled the situation with the respect and discretion it deserved.

As far as I am concerned, it was not offensive.

I remember Jenn Brien caught flack in a similar situation when she address the use of the N word by the black community, and why is it okay, when if a member of the white community use the word, they are branded racist etc..

All the best

Geoff

 

[ryanbadrapper]

It seems the conservative posters are saying Dan was wrong and the liberal posters are saying
he wasn't, interesting!
I do remember wpro PD on Yorkes show saying that word is not spoken on wpro.
Question, If John Depetro can get fired for saying Fat Lesbain. which was honest and mild.
Can Dan Y. be fired for making the same kind of mistake?
I don't know that the Journal story gives Dan an excuse to use to word nigg..

Ryan

 

[Skynet74]

I remember Jenn Brien caught flack in a similar situation when she address the use of the N word by the black community, and why is it okay, when if a member of the white community use the word, they are branded racist etc..

I'm very liberal and I'm all for freedom of speech. I don't think the "N" word should be censored anywhere. The only reason I'm not using it now is because this is yet another place where it's censored. But anyway..... it's all about Context. If you are speaking of a story where the main topic is the "N" word, than I think you should be able to say the actual word if you choose to do so. That's totally different than getting on the air and just using the word to spew hatred against Black people. So I'll say it once again. It's all about "CONTEXT".

I honestly think I'm desensitized to profanity anyway because of all the blue humor I listen to on uncensored Satellite Radio. There arn't any words that really bother me. A Black person can call me a "Cracker" all day and I wouldn't get bent out of shape about it. But I realize that I don't represent everyone else. Once that "N" word comes out on the radio I'm sure there are a bunch of uptight people calling the radio station to complain. To be honest I can understand how the station would just rather not deal with the hassle.

I don't believe in censorship, but nobody wants to deal with Psychos complaining to sponsors either. So it's a fine line to walk.

 

[ionthecomic]

Fornicate Under Command of the King.
Ok, When is Yorke going to speak in 'content' about that?

If Dave Barber or John Depetro tried what Yorke 'will' and did get away with.
Would they be ok?
Just think about it.

Ion the Comic

Ha Har................. ;D

 

[doc9464]

Dan Yorke is a sad, sad "human" being

i assure you the PD got plenty of flack from me and others who were as disgusted as I was, but just as David Bernstein ignored strong vocal protests with this type of behavior during the Jen Brien mess, this too shows the same ridiculous need to go out of the way to use the word when the more appopriate use of the N' word as a place holder would not impact the discussion in one bit. WPRO continues to disgust on this issue.

My argument is always consistent and I believe 100% right to err to good sense. Thugs like Yorke and others who can't wait to use the word display qualities one would question. I have already addressed the issue here and am not planning to go further because its already clear on where many stand regarding this issue. Its getting more and more tired and you can't get racism to go away when its deeply ingrained. So the main issue is that Yorke was wrong. He knows it. He still feels its good to do it anyway and the station won't do right by the people (again). Even the staunchest conservative hosts out there know better to cross such an unecessary line even if they want to. Dan Yorke embarassed himself with his thuggery onair.

Reminder: A great majority of African-Americans are NOT pleased to hear fellow African-Americans use that word, do not sanction its use, and regularly speak out against it. It is racism to think monolithically and think if some do it, its ok for everyone. That the mistake of a very closed mind and a person that has no consideration or good sense. Dan Yorke seemed to be one of those people and he should but probably won't pay for such behavior. The use of the term, "Politically correct" , is just another way to veil that one does not want to follow any rules of decency or consideration for fellow citizens at the bare minimum.

Intelligent people should use their common sense to determine that because some use the word, its still not right to join them in the folly knowing how caustic it is. Its that simple. Its not politically correct or censorship to ask someone to use a place holder that keeps the context as obvious as the nose on your face. Its just common sense. Little of that is seen here on this board and in common life regrettably.

Isn't that the same word that Dan's Boss told him he couldn't use just last month when Kramer said it? I didn't tune into Dan's show today because I'm sick of him for the time being. But I'm wondering if using the word in a different context is going to make a diference to Dan's Boss who told him not to use that word in the first place.

 

[Skynet74]

i assure you the PD got plenty of flack from me and others who were as disgusted as I was, but just as David Bernstein ignored strong vocal protests with this type of behavior during the Jen Brien mess, this too shows the same ridiculous need to go out of the way to use the word when the more appopriate use of the N' word as a place holder would not impact the discussion in one bit. WPRO continues to disgust on this issue.

[/quote]


Reality check. it's not 1955 anymore. Broadcasting in general has desensitized us. You've got Chris Rock, Jamie Fox and other black comedians who have been their own worst enemy when it comes to using the "N" word. They've almost made use of the word universally acceptable. There is no turning back time. Television has changed our way of thinking. This then filters down to radio as well.

I'm friends with one of the models on NBC's Deal or No Deal. She's African American and she brought up this same topic earlier this week. I pretty much told her the same thing that I'm saying here. Television has changed society and there is nothing you can do to fix the world. All you can do is raise yourself to a higher standard and know that you are better than that.

 

[doc9464]

We tussled on this before and I really have no need or desire to do another round knowing the stance on the board here regarding the issue....but it would be remiss of me to ignore the utter stupidity of your post below......and I will not respond further on this issue, so I assure you you will get the last (and probably even more stupid) word on this......

I wish you were alone in your unwise, inaccurate, and ridiculous assessment of what is acceptable in the African American community. The fact that you have a "friend" who happens to be African-American (and I guess the testosterone made you name drop as well...but let me keep focus) comes straight out of a Steven Colbert parody of people just like you except he is "playing the fool"....and you, well your words will decide that here on this board.....but its obvious you could be one source where he gets his material

We all know its not 1955, otherwise you might think "Ah was gettin a mite uppity". You have encountered two people so far who believe strongly that its not acceptable to do this and yet because you see comedians (in your eyes, the defacto leaders of the African American community) use a caustic word as well as any others you care to drag up, that those people represent all of the views in a community you obviously know nothing about or pretend to be dumb about (hopefully the latter). Its so sad and small minded to believe that people are just lemmings to one way of thinking. Oh wait, that is the way of conservatives who need the constant reinforcement of a Hannity, Rush, or Savage, or the other copycats to make them feel that white men are under assault and how the dangers of being "politically correct" will weaken this nation. (Hyperbole? Yes. Is my opinion close to the truth? It's regrettable that it is more common a view on our airways than it should be)

There's no need to turn the clock back. Many people besides myself continue to try to respectfully carry a small piece of the legacy of MLK. They use that legacy and its energy to challenge any affronts to fairness and try to do whats right on behalf of all people, not just the African-American community. Its becoming clearer that our youth are becoming more racially diverse and much more tolerant. As time moves forward, people with your attitude will hopefully just fade away and just become tired old memories....

i assure you the PD got plenty of flack from me and others who were as disgusted as I was, but just as David Bernstein ignored strong vocal protests with this type of behavior during the Jen Brien mess, this too shows the same ridiculous need to go out of the way to use the word when the more appopriate use of the N' word as a place holder would not impact the discussion in one bit. WPRO continues to disgust on this issue.

Reality check. it's not 1955 anymore. Broadcasting in general has desensitized us. You've got Chris Rock, Jamie Fox and other black comedians who have been their own worst enemy when it comes to using the "N" word. They've almost made use of the word universally acceptable. There is no turning back time. Television has changed our way of thinking. This then filters down to radio as well.

I'm friends with one of the models on NBC's Deal or No Deal. She's African American and she brought up this same topic earlier this week. I pretty much told her the same thing that I'm saying here. Television has changed society and there is nothing you can do to fix the world. All you can do is raise yourself to a higher standard and know that you are better than that.



[/quote]

 

[alfieradioguy]

Doc, Sky, Others,
I AM A CONSERVATIVE and started the Main Post.
What Dan Yorke did on M.L.K. was and is DISPICABLE. The P.D. and G.M. should get plenty MORE calls about what Yorke did that day and the NEXT day.

One day Matt Allen made a 'joke' about the Knights of Columbus, Yorke went 'nuts' ! Screamed at Allen.
See everyone has 'areas' they want respected. I GET that.

Doc,
I probably dis agree with you on 90% or more of what you say, HOWEVER, you ARE a MAN,a HUMAN BEING, not a ni--er.

MR Yorke NEEDS 'STILL', to apoligize for his vile words of last week.
More calls should be made to the station(WPRO), until he does...

 

[Skynet74]

Yorke has already shown that he doesn't apologize to anyone unless he's dragged into the office and told to do so.

 

[lovetalk1]

can we make a distinction between using the "N" word and talking about the use of the "N" word? Do you really think that people shouldn't be allowed to ever say words like this? Do you really think the "N" word is so different from saying mick, ****, ****, etc.

Isn't there something incredibly stupid about having to call it the "N" word? Its not a swear, its just a plain old ethnic slur that's been elevated into some special status in the frenzy of people trying to out PC each other. Am I wrong?

And BTW - enough of the glorification of Matt. He's a good guy, excellent host, but I'm not sure we know that Yorke would have handled the situation any differently if Matt wasn't goofing off.

 

[Skynet74]

Well I could name many popular 70's sitcoms that called out every race there was. Archie Bunker was the main guy. He didn't sit in his chair and use the phrase the "N" word. That's for sure.

I don't want to hear the argument that it was just satire. Because if that's the argument than that means people should be perfectly fine with Dan doing a comedy bit where he says the ACTUAL WORD. But we all know it wouldn't make a bit of difference. The same complainers would still be calling into WPRO to make trouble anyway.

This politically correct crap has gone to far.

 

[JointChinese]

Well here is something that may surprise you. Rainia Smith is getting married soon and doesn't want the early morning hours on WPRO, so station management is considering partnering her with Dan York in the afternoon. The company feels that she may be able to calm him down a bit. Just a rumor.

 

[Skynet74]

I would love to have an afternoon team. As a matter of fact I have always liked radio shows that have both a man and a woman. It balances things out and I generally find such programs more interesting to listen to.

As it stands there is not much going on anywhere in the listening area. On one station you've got a loud mouth guy who brings his frustrations to work with him. Then on the other end of the dial you've got a screeching woman who sounds like a teacher yelling at her students. It makes me want to move out of the area so that I'm just left with the frequencies inbetween. My weakness is that I'm to tempted to sample the local stuff. Then when I do I end up feeling totally disgusted that radio has got so bad. It's not even interesting. It's all cookie cutter crap. Why is it that most talk radio has to be about politics? I'm freaking sick of hearing it. How about a fun comedy show with some personality. Think about people like Howard Stern, Soupy Sales, Joey Reynolds, Larry Glick and even Paul Perry when he worked on WHJJ. What do all those people have in common? They all had comedy programs and each one was very highly rated. In most cases number one in their respective time slot.

I remember a day when Providence Radio was something to be proud of. Now it just sounds worse and worse as each year goes by. WPRO is easily the best of the bunch. They've got a great News team and you can't go wrong when you air Paul Harvey. Now they just have to tame Yorke and tweak a few things. If they team Rainia with Dan than I think things will get better. Unfortunately I think Dan is just going to be more pissed off than ever if he has to start sharing the spotlight with someone else. That may be enough to totally drive him over the edge.

My vote is still to lighten up on the politics and let's get more personality on the air. Not everyone has to be a Rush Limbaugh clone. Why can't we make radio fun and interesting again?

 

[AvenueA]

Dan's problem is that he's stuck in Providence and can't make it to the big leagues.

 

[Holland Cooke]

"Dan's stuck in Providence and can't make it to the big leagues"

To be fair to Dan, why presume he WANTS out?
There are lots of guys "in the big leagues" who would KILL to work at WPRO/Providence.

TRUE STORY: 1970s music-era WPRO.
I was broadcasting live from Warwick Mall.
High Blood Pressure or Glaucoma screening, or something like that.
A mom with two sons stopped by, and the sons asked mom "Ask him [me, the DJ] if he knows Uncle Buddy."
Uncle Buddy was in radio somewhere.
'Turns out that "Uncle Buddy" was WABC/NY morning man Harry Harrison.
Several weeks later, I pull into the WPRO parking lot, and spot an EXPENSIVE new car with NJ plates.
I walk into PD Jay Clark's office, and he introduces me TO HARRY.
He stopped in, to ask, as politely as you can imagine, about Salty's long-term plans.
WABC'S MORNING GUY WANTED TO KNOW IF HE COULD DO MORNINGS AT WPRO.
"A retirement gig," y'know?

Salty had YEARS left in him; and soon thereafter, PAGE ONE of Variety reported that Harry'd inked a new 5-year WABC deal.

Like Dan Yorke, and Salty, and Jimmy Gray, and Dave Barber, and David Jones, and so many other WPRO voices, I'm originally from out-of-state. Not FAR out-of-state, Springfield MA. But I moved to RI three times. IT'S GREAT HERE.

To be fair to Dan, don't presume he feels "stalled."

Good day from Fargo ND,
HC
www.HollandCooke.com