Don Geronimo Fired from Big 100

[RStacey1990]

While at Washington Commanders training camp on Thursday 7/27/2023, WIBG's Don Geronimo and co-host Crash Young made sexist comments towards WUSA TV (Channel 9) reporter Sharla McBride, referring to her as "Barbie", "Barbie Girl" and "...a cheerleader."

Geronimo and Young were first banned from attending the Friday 7/28/2023 session, then Geronimo was fired after an internal investigation by iHeart.

Both the Commanders and iHeart issued statements about the actions they took following the incidents.

RadioInsight story link:
Don Geronimo Fired From WBIG For Comments About TV Sportscaster While At Commanders Training Camp - RadioInsight

WUSA Channel 9 report that aired after the banning but before the firing:

Radio personality Don Geronimo fired for making derogatory comments about a WUSA9 sports reporter

Geronimo was let go Saturday after an internal review.

www.wusa9.com

From the WUSA TV clip and RadioInsight story:

"McBride said she was hurt and incredibly offended that after 17 years as a journalist, sexist comments like that discredit her as a professional calling it inappropriate, unprofessional and embarrassing."

Offensive talk is the best. Keeps radio entertaining. Too many people are overly sensitive ********, and political correctness is a cancer. If you can make fun of anything, you can make fun of anything. If you cant make fun of one thing then you cant make fun of anything. You dont get to pick and choose whats okay and whats not.

 

[TheBigA]

You dont get to pick and choose whats okay and whats not.

If you're the official radio station of an NFL team, and they decide to ban you, then they just decided what's not OK. They make the rules if the DJ doesn't have the sense or the manners his mama tried to teach him. As I've often said, the 1st amendment doesn't apply to private business.

 

[tbolt909]

Offensive talk is the best. Keeps radio entertaining.

Would you feel the same if YOU were the target of the offensive talk? Would you be "entertained" by their abuse?
As mentioned above by A, Private businesses can limit free speech. Try saying offensive stuff to your boss and see if you stay employed.

I've been entertained by NPR content on Radio and none of it was offensive...

 

[radiofan2023]

Offensive talk is the best. Keeps radio entertaining. Too many people are overly sensitive *******, and political correctness is a cancer. If you can make fun of anything, you can make fun of anything. If you cant make fun of one thing then you cant make fun of anything. You dont get to pick and choose whats okay and whats not.

What if he said, “People from Pottsville, Pennsylvania are some of the dumbest rubes anyone could ever meet”? Would you be laughing then?

 

[exdjted]

You dont get to pick and choose whats okay and whats not.

Clearly, iHeart did. Listeners and advertisers do as well.

Offensive talk is the best. Keeps radio entertaining.

It appeals to the lowest common denominator and takes absolutely no talent to spew. It also says more about people who devour that type of radio than their words are needed to convey about their true character.

It's the same type of situation when someone gets caught spewing the "N-word" and then tries to walk it back by saying they have a lot of Black friends. What they're sorry about is that they got caught. Sometimes, the first thing you say is EXACTLY what you meant to say.

 

[Daryl Lynn L.A.]

Offensive talk is the best. Keeps radio entertaining. Too many people are overly sensitive *******, and political correctness is a cancer. If you can make fun of anything, you can make fun of anything. If you cant make fun of one thing then you cant make fun of anything. You dont get to pick and choose whats okay and whats not.

If the personal attacks and negative stereotypes are aimed at a member of a marginalized group which is in a lower social class or a protected group, then there's no equal ground. He sees her as his inferior and makes the ad hominem insult to let her know what he thinks of her. He's very sure of his entitlement. She is not allowed to have any feelings at all. If she talks back to him, then in your words, she is a "sensitive pu**y."

The member of the lower social group cannot say anything back to the person who is in a higher ranking group or who is part of the dominant power structure.

So the insult is not entertaining - it's simply a means of reinforcing social control over a member of a subordinate group.

 

[michael hagerty]

What if he said, “People from Pottsville, Pennsylvania are some of the dumbest rubes anyone could ever meet”? Would you be laughing then?

Old joke: Guy gets in cab going to airport.

Cabbie: "Where ya flyin'?"

Passenger: "Pottsville."

Cabbie: "Pottsville? Why? Nothin' there. The only people who live in Pottsville are hookers and washed-up ball players."

Passenger: "My MOTHER lives in Pottsville."




Cabbie: "What team did she play for?"

 

[Deus Ex Machiato]

Offensive talk is the best. Keeps radio entertaining. Too many people are overly sensitive *******, and political correctness is a cancer. If you can make fun of anything, you can make fun of anything. If you cant make fun of one thing then you cant make fun of anything. You dont get to pick and choose whats okay and whats not.

Awhile back, a friend of mine (she was dating a producer on our morning show) got cast as a contestant on a "reality" show. She understood what she was getting into - the "prize" that was up for grabs wasn't the point, it was the chance to be on a network TV show - and she made the decision to take the gig in furtherance of her career.

The first day on the set, the cast was introduced to the host. He went down the line, shaking hands with the men and chatting up the women, and when he got to my friend? He looked directly at her chest and said something like "honey, if you wanna get anywhere in this business, you're gonna have to do something about those."

Not "welcome to the cast" or "we expect great things from you," or even "it's nice to meet you" but rather "your tits aren't big enough for me."

A few years ago I related this story to a fan of this man (who went on to a much bigger gig), and he laughed and said "ha ha, that's my boy!"

If you think I'm an "overly sensitive *****" because I don't like people sexually harassing my friends? Guilty as charged.

 

[RStacey1990]

What if he said, “People from Pottsville, Pennsylvania are some of the dumbest rubes anyone could ever meet”? Would you be laughing then?

Yepp

 

[RStacey1990]

Clearly, iHeart did. Listeners and advertisers do as well.


It appeals to the lowest common denominator and takes absolutely no talent to spew. It also says more about people who devour that type of radio than their words are needed to convey about their true character.

It's the same type of situation when someone gets caught spewing the "N-word" and then tries to walk it back by saying they have a lot of Black friends. What they're sorry about is that they got caught. Sometimes, the first thing you say is EXACTLY what you meant to say.

And theyre within their rights to say that. The business also has a right to act how the feel the need to. Yall can make fun of Pottsville PA all you want. Keep the jokes coming. Ive lived here for 17 years, and met some of the biggest ****ing morons ive ever seen here. I hate everybody, so everyone, myself included, is fair game for ridicule.

 

[RStacey1990]

If the personal attacks and negative stereotypes are aimed at a member of a marginalized group which is in a lower social class or a protected group, then there's no equal ground. He sees her as his inferior and makes the ad hominem insult to let her know what he thinks of her. He's very sure of his entitlement. She is not allowed to have any feelings at all. If she talks back to him, then in your words, she is a "sensitive pu**y."

The member of the lower social group cannot say anything back to the person who is in a higher ranking group or who is part of the dominant power structure.

So the insult is not entertaining - it's simply a means of reinforcing social control over a member of a subordinate group.

I never said she shouldnt say anything back. I said he has a right to say it. And she would have a right to defend herself. The other problem in todays age is the fact that you cant even fight it out anymore. Years ago someone ran their mouth and pissed you off, you would end up fighting. Now you cant even do that. Instead we (everybody on every social platform) are here having fake arguments with a keyboard with people who mean absolutely nothing to us and thinking that the person who is reading it actually gives a rats ****ing ass what you are talking about.

 

[Daryl Lynn L.A.]

Maybe two people of equal social status could argue it out. But a woman automatically has lower status ( unless she’s a really powerful star), and talking back to a man will only result in severe repercussions for the woman. I’ve seen this happen dozens of times in my lifetime. It cannot be done.

 

[RStacey1990]

Maybe two people of equal social status could argue it out. But a woman automatically has lower status ( unless she’s a really powerful star), and talking back to a man will only result in severe repercussions for the woman. I’ve seen this happen dozens of times in my lifetime. It cannot be done.

I havent seen it but i havent been around the block as much as you guys have. It appears most of the people on this forum work in radio and the fans of music fm radio or air check collectors are the minority. Yall will see what goes on behind the scenes a lot more than an average joe would. I may be an asshole and a big advicate for free speech, and i mean ANY kind of free speech, but never once have i felt i was superior to another person because of gender or race. An offense like that is between the perpetrator and the person that has an issue with it.

 

[exdjted]

I havent seen it but i havent been around the block as much as you guys have. It appears most of the people on this forum work in radio and the fans of music fm radio or air check collectors are the minority. Yall will see what goes on behind the scenes a lot more than an average joe would. I may be an asshole and a big advicate for free speech, and i mean ANY kind of free speech, but never once have i felt i was superior to another person because of gender or race. An offense like that is between the perpetrator and the person that has an issue with it.

Freedom of speech comes with a price. Yes, you can say anything you want, but you can't dictate how the target of your words feels about it. If you say something in public, you may get punched if it offends the wrong person. You could get fired if your actions cast your employer in a negative light. You might be ostracized by society. If that is a risk you're willing to take, that's on you. You don't then get to come back upset that your comments came with consequences.

Don Geronimo has been part of at least 3 lawsuits during his career for his on-air comments. Knowing this, I'm certain iHeart had language in his contract that allowed for termination in a case such as this. He knew this ahead of time. His 'free speech' cost him his livelihood. That's a consequence he earned for his actions.

Yes, we do come at this from a management perspective. If you had been in Radio for any length of time, you would see what we see. The phone calls from listeners of both political stripes who are angry that we dare to air ads for someone they would never vote for in a million years. The drunk redneck who calls you threatening to shoot up your station for airing a news story detailing the court case their hero is involved in. The listener who calls you and says they're going to contact the FCC to take away your license for some perceived slight. Even though they won't follow through, they have made a threat and so you contact your local attorney and your FCC attorney just in case, which costs money. The local auto dealer who calls you angry that a story on the network news at the top of the hour referenced dangerous airbags, and now they're threatening to cancel their buy and sue you because they felt it was a personal attack. Your morning man who calls someone a derogatory name on-air and YOU spend the next week soothing over sponsors, local politicians and the offended party, while your talent says nothing other than sorry, but won't promise not to do it again.

Their freedom of speech, OUR money, time and reputation. That's why we come at this from this perspective. Also, because we're decent human beings who don't think it's funny to degrade or dehumanize somebody for who they are, what they look like, or what color they are.

If someone doesn't care what people think of them, about having a job, a good reputation, or possibly getting physical retribution for something they said, then they have freedom of speech. But don't be shocked when the bill for it comes due.

 

[michael hagerty]

Freedom of speech comes with a price. Yes, you can say anything you want, but you can't dictate how the target of your words feels about it. If you say something in public, you may get punched if it offends the wrong person. You could get fired if your actions cast your employer in a negative light. You might be ostracized by society. If that is a risk you're willing to take, that's on you. You don't then get to come back upset that your comments came with consequences.

Don Geronimo has been part of at least 3 lawsuits during his career for his on-air comments. Knowing this, I'm certain iHeart had language in his contract that allowed for termination in a case such as this. He knew this ahead of time. His 'free speech' cost him his livelihood. That's a consequence he earned for his actions.

Yes, we do come at this from a management perspective. If you had been in Radio for any length of time, you would see what we see. The phone calls from listeners of both political stripes who are angry that we dare to air ads for someone they would never vote for in a million years. The drunk redneck who calls you threatening to shoot up your station for airing a news story detailing the court case their hero is involved in. The listener who calls you and says they're going to contact the FCC to take away your license for some perceived slight. Even though they won't follow through, they have made a threat and so you contact your local attorney and your FCC attorney just in case, which costs money. The local auto dealer who calls you angry that a story on the network news at the top of the hour referenced dangerous airbags, and now they're threatening to cancel their buy and sue you because they felt it was a personal attack. Your morning man who calls someone a derogatory name on-air and YOU spend the next week soothing over sponsors, local politicians and the offended party, while your talent says nothing other than sorry, but won't promise not to do it again.

Their freedom of speech, OUR money, time and reputation. That's why we come at this from this perspective. Also, because we're decent human beings who don't think it's funny to degrade or dehumanize somebody for who they are, what they look like, or what color they are.

If someone doesn't care what people think of them, about having a job, a good reputation, or possibly getting physical retribution for something they said, then they have freedom of speech. But don't be shocked when the bill for it comes due.

Exactly.

The problem with thoughtless comments made by radio talent is that there's usually not a lot of thought put into them.

The reason late-night comics on TV can take shots and make them land with relatively few repercussions is that they're writing those jokes hours in advance, debating the fairness, the funniness and what sort of legal defense they have for the comment if challenged.

I had to end an air talent's employment a few years ago. She made the comment that a well-known politician was a bozo and that "the entire family---every last one of 'em---should just be put on an ice floe."

In our meeting, I played that back for her, and then asked:

"Including the nine year old with Down's Syndrome"?

 

[exdjted]

I never said she shouldnt say anything back. I said he has a right to say it. And she would have a right to defend herself. The other problem in todays age is the fact that you cant even fight it out anymore. Years ago someone ran their mouth and pissed you off, you would end up fighting. Now you cant even do that. Instead we (everybody on every social platform) are here having fake arguments with a keyboard with people who mean absolutely nothing to us and thinking that the person who is reading it actually gives a rats ****ing ass what you are talking about.

Except in this case, he said this about her behind her back on HIS radio show, and she was informed of it after the fact. He didn't say it to her face, because he doesn't have the guts to do that. She didn't have a chance to defend herself on HIS show to HIS listeners. The argument was entirely one sided in his favor when it was said.

I realize you don't care what we say. That's your right. Hopefully you will realize that while you want to tell us whatever is on your mind, we also have the right to tell you what's on ours, even if we disagree.

 

[Daryl Lynn L.A.]

Their freedom of speech, OUR money, time and reputation. That's why we come at this from this perspective. Also, because we're decent human beings who don't think it's funny to degrade or dehumanize somebody for who they are, what they look like, or what color they are.

Sometimes, it just boils down to simple human decency and professionalism in dealing with other people. Point well taken. Thank you.

 

[RStacey1990]

Except in this case, he said this about her behind her back on HIS radio show, and she was informed of it after the fact. He didn't say it to her face, because he doesn't have the guts to do that. She didn't have a chance to defend herself on HIS show to HIS listeners. The argument was entirely one sided in his favor when it was said.

I realize you don't care what we say. That's your right. Hopefully you will realize that while you want to tell us whatever is on your mind, we also have the right to tell you what's on ours, even if we disagree.

Absolutely!! Bring it on, no hard feelings!

 

[Deus Ex Machiato]

Exactly.

The problem with thoughtless comments made by radio talent is that there's usually not a lot of thought put into them.

Or thought about who hears it, and what the fallout might be. We had a host who - while doing their live endorsement for a client - made a passing (and negative) reference to a competitor...who was also a client. Didn't name them, just said "unlike that one in (area of town)." That client was listening. When the account executive came in later to finalize that six figure annual they'd worked on for months, the client tore up the contract in front of her and told her to get out of his office.

The air talent didn't lose their job over it, but the station lost a lot of money, the sales person lost a huge commission, and the station management spent the next year trying to get back into the client's good graces. Yeah," free speech" and all, but at the end of the day, this is the radio business.

 

[michael hagerty]

Or thought about who hears it, and what the fallout might be. We had a host who - while doing their live endorsement for a client - made a passing (and negative) reference to a competitor...who was also a client. Didn't name them, just said "unlike that one in (area of town)." That client was listening. When the account executive came in later to finalize that six figure annual they'd worked on for months, the client tore up the contract in front of her and told her to get out of his office.

The air talent didn't lose their job over it, but the station lost a lot of money, the sales person lost a huge commission, and the station management spent the next year trying to get back into the client's good graces. Yeah," free speech" and all, but at the end of the day, this is the radio business.

Beyond that, personal attacks can lead to litigation. An "edgy" insult on-air can be turned into a defamation lawsuit---and if the insult cost that person their reputation or work, the damages can be extensive.

If WJLA's research were to show that the audience began to perceive Sharla McBride as an "airhead" because of Geronimo's "Barbie" remark, and they decided she just wasn't valuable to them anymore, a good lawyer would make a meal of that.

Then, there's the nightmare scenario. You never know what is going on in someone else's life. Suppose your attempt at "hot talk" is the ridicule that makes a rough life intolerable? Kids commit suicide over being bullied. Some shoot up schools. How do you live with yourself if you make the joke and a day or three later, there's a tragedy?

Punching down can be so much more than just a dick move.