Very Disturbing

[itburnswhenipee]

I wholeheartedly embrace free speech, and have always championed the "marketplace of ideas."

However, it is very troubling to see the increasing number of comments with racial overtones, or flagrantly racist diatribes. There have been a number of disturbing comments made regarding the recent conversion of 105.3 FM to a Spanish format. If Clear Channel had converted 105.3 FM to Country, catering to a Caucasian demographic, I doubt there would have been angry rants about "Caucasians taking over this country" or "Caucasians shouldn't have their own radio station."

I have always assumed the posters on this board are intelligent enough, savvy enough, educated enough, to recognize that radio corporations (including Clear Channel) make business decisions based on ratings, revenue, and the profit margin---not, based on race.

I have also assumed the posters and readers of this board are intelligent, fair-minded people who don't judge other based on their skin color.

Am I wrong?

 

[wwec714]

However, it is very troubling to see the increasing number of comments with racial overtones, or flagrantly racist diatribes. There have been a number of disturbing comments made regarding the recent conversion of 105.3 FM to a Spanish format. If Clear Channel had converted 105.3 FM to Country, catering to a Caucasian demographic, I doubt there would have been angry rants about "Caucasians taking over this country" or "Caucasians shouldn't have their own radio station."
Am I wrong?

Are you serious? this is a caucasian country. Up until about 30 yrs ago approx
90% The natives here have a problem w/many illegals comming in taking jobs
and having a govt. that does next to nothing about it. If you want to see some
truly disturbing comments try googling the words, mecha, la raza, aztlan.

 

[SalesWeasel]

I wholeheartedly embrace free speech, and have always championed the "marketplace of ideas."

However, it is very troubling to see the increasing number of comments with racial overtones, or flagrantly racist diatribes. There have been a number of disturbing comments made regarding the recent conversion of 105.3 FM to a Spanish format. If Clear Channel had converted 105.3 FM to Country, catering to a Caucasian demographic, I doubt there would have been angry rants about "Caucasians taking over this country" or "Caucasians shouldn't have their own radio station."

I have always assumed the posters on this board are intelligent enough, savvy enough, educated enough, to recognize that radio corporations (including Clear Channel) make business decisions based on ratings, revenue, and the profit margin---not, based on race.

I have also assumed the posters and readers of this board are intelligent, fair-minded people who don't judge other based on their skin color.

Am I wrong?

Yes, you're wrong. Sure, there are some blatantly racist comments on this board, but I think it has more to do with frustration than anything else. You say xenophobia, but that's not fair and it's equally as one-sided a statement as I've read.

 

[middlega]

I think you're underestimating this board:

If Clear Channel had converted 105.3 FM to Country, catering to a Caucasian demographic, I doubt there would have been angry rants about "Caucasians taking over this country" or "Caucasians shouldn't have their own radio station."

Instead, there would have been angry rants targeting everything from whites to the President to the GOP to rednecks to people who own trucks to people who live outside the perimeter.

That's why I believe you're underestimating the posters here: given 15 minutes, there'll be ample rants for everything from massive changes to no changes. Angry rants are a large part of what takes place here (and a wide variety of other places around the 'net, regardless of the topic).

I have always assumed the posters on this board are intelligent enough, savvy enough, educated enough, to recognize that radio corporations (including Clear Channel) make business decisions based on ratings, revenue, and the profit margin

Some are. Some aren't. Seems you may have gone from underestimating to overestimating the forum population within the space of a single post.

 

[radioresearcher]

I wholeheartedly embrace free speech, and have always championed the "marketplace of ideas."

However, it is very troubling to see the increasing number of comments with racial overtones, or flagrantly racist diatribes. There have been a number of disturbing comments made regarding the recent conversion of 105.3 FM to a Spanish format. If Clear Channel had converted 105.3 FM to Country, catering to a Caucasian demographic, I doubt there would have been angry rants about "Caucasians taking over this country" or "Caucasians shouldn't have their own radio station."

I have always assumed the posters on this board are intelligent enough, savvy enough, educated enough, to recognize that radio corporations (including Clear Channel) make business decisions based on ratings, revenue, and the profit margin---not, based on race.

I have also assumed the posters and readers of this board are intelligent, fair-minded people who don't judge other based on their skin color.

Am I wrong?

I actually agree with you. Most of my research and consulting work has been done in Hispanic markets and I lived in a huge Hispanic market most of my life. My neighbors are bilingual although the older generation speak Spanish at home.

I guess because I've lived in a multi-ethnic melting pot my whole life, I don't think the way some of the posters on this board do.

I think it's hilarious that you have people complaining about what amounts to 2 somewhat full signal Spanish language FM's in a fast growing Hispanic market. Here in L.A., we have nine FM's. And, believe it or not, each one of them is unique with not a tremendous amount of duplication.

The problem is, some of the posters lump everything Spanish into one format. Spanish is not a format - it is a LANGUAGE - as David Eduardo repeatedly states. The two products that CC has unique and target different demographics.

The one challenge that Hispanic broadcasters have had is that the stations have not been able to deliver the power ratios that their English counterparts have, but they are closing the gap.

Most of these listeners are in this country LEGALLY - just like the rest of us... I actually enjoy reading the posts where people ask how the formats are different and try to understand them - rather than blasting companies for being progressive.

 

[clichemoth]

I wholeheartedly embrace free speech, and have always championed the "marketplace of ideas."

However, it is very troubling to see the increasing number of comments with racial overtones, or flagrantly racist diatribes. There have been a number of disturbing comments made regarding the recent conversion of 105.3 FM to a Spanish format. If Clear Channel had converted 105.3 FM to Country, catering to a Caucasian demographic, I doubt there would have been angry rants about "Caucasians taking over this country" or "Caucasians shouldn't have their own radio station."

I have always assumed the posters on this board are intelligent enough, savvy enough, educated enough, to recognize that radio corporations (including Clear Channel) make business decisions based on ratings, revenue, and the profit margin---not, based on race.

I have also assumed the posters and readers of this board are intelligent, fair-minded people who don't judge other based on their skin color.

Am I wrong?

Yes, there would have been angry rants. They happen on R-I every time an oldies or rock station gets flipped to anything in any market. It really doesn't matter what the new format is.

 

[itburnswhenipee]

There are too many Caucasian stations in Atlanta!

Even if you are an ignorant racist, who despises other cultures and heritages, there is STILL no reason to feel threatened. Consider this:

1) African-Americans make up more than 60 percent of the Atlanta city population, and make up approximately 28 percent of the entire Atlanta metro population. Yet, only five (5) of Atlanta's top 25 radio stations are geared towards African-Americans, which means a mere 20 percent of the stations serve the African-American community.

2) Hispanics make up 8 percent of the Atlanta metro population however, before the conversion of 105.3, there was only ONE (1) of the top 25 radio stations serving Hispanics---which means a mere 4 percent of the radio stations served the Hispanic community.

IN OTHER WORDS, MINORITY RADIO STATIONS ARE STILL UNDER-REPRESENTED IN THE ATLANTA MARKET, AND CAUCASIAN STATIONS ARE STILL OVER-REPRESENTED!!!

Undoubtedly, political pressure by ignorant, racist rednecks has prevented radio companies from adopting formats (such as La Viva) that would maximize ratings, revenue, and profit margin for the company.

If anything, we should have MORE minority stations in the Atlanta market to truly reflect the rich cultural heritage and diversity of our community.

;D

 

[clichemoth]

Re: There are too many Caucasian stations in Atlanta!

Even if you are an ignorant racist, who despises other cultures and heritages, there is STILL no reason to feel threatened. Consider this:

1) African-Americans make up more than 60 percent of the Atlanta city population, and make up approximately 28 percent of the entire Atlanta metro population. Yet, only five (5) of Atlanta's top 25 radio stations are geared towards African-Americans, which means a mere 20 percent of the stations serve the African-American community.

V, Kiss, Praise, Hot, and Beat combine for a 32 share. Add Classic Soul 102.5, Smooth Jazz 107.5, and WAOK and it'd be 37. Add the stations that don't specifically target the audience but don't ignore it, the non-coms, the minor AMs and I'd say they're pretty well covered.

2) Hispanics make up 8 percent of the Atlanta metro population however, before the conversion of 105.3, there was only ONE (1) of the top 25 radio stations serving Hispanics---which means a mere 4 percent of the radio stations served the Hispanic community.

Just because the other Hispanic-targeted stations haven't pulled ratings yet doesn't mean they don't exist.

3) Asians (overwhelmingly Korean) make up 2 percent of the market and have no Atlanta radio presence aside from an extreme rimshot AM daytimer. You'd think one of the AMs in the city that can't make it above the line would go for this niche.

IN OTHER WORDS, MINORITY RADIO STATIONS ARE STILL UNDER-REPRESENTED IN THE ATLANTA MARKET, AND CAUCASIAN STATIONS ARE STILL OVER-REPRESENTED!!!

Undoubtedly, political pressure by ignorant, racist rednecks has prevented radio companies from adopting formats (such as La Viva) that would maximize ratings, revenue, and profit margin for the company.

If anything, we should have MORE minority stations in the Atlanta market to truly reflect the rich cultural heritage and diversity of our community.

;D

It's all about ad dollars. The Hispanic portion of the Atlanta market doesn't generate enough of those to keep several stations that aren't straight satellite repeaters healthy yet.

 

[LMFAO]

Right or wrong, I believe Spanish language radio stations serving the spanish language community come under higher scrutiny for two reasons:

1.) There is a perception that these radio stations serve illegal/undocumented immigrants

2.) Immigrants from Mexico, etc., seem less likely to adapt to the English language, where as the perception may be that other immigrants have adapted to the language.

These are not necessarily my opinions, however, they represent common themes which seem to come up regularly when discussion of Spanish language radio becomes a heated debate.

 

[taylorengineer]

There is Korean programming at 1310 Khz. The signal originates in Decatur (in the Marta parking lot) and operates with 2,500 watts.
I'm not sure what the focus is....I do some contract engineering for the owner, who is Korean-American, but the station is operating under a LMA to another Korean group.
There used to be various Asian language programs on 1420 Khz, WATB. I'm not sure if these still air.
WGUN, 1010 Khz, airs various religious programs in foreign languages on the weekend.
The Asian population, mostly Korean, in Atlanta metro, approaches 100,000. If you had a puddle-jumpin' AMer wouldn't you like to cume 100,000??
BTW...it's not fun being a minority....no matter who you are.

 

[content]

There is Korean programming at 1310 Khz. The signal originates in Decatur (in the Marta parking lot) and operates with 2,500 watts.
I'm not sure what the focus is....I do some contract engineering for the owner, who is Korean-American, but the station is operating under a LMA to another Korean group.
There used to be various Asian language programs on 1420 Khz, WATB. I'm not sure if these still air.
WGUN, 1010 Khz, airs various religious programs in foreign languages on the weekend.
The Asian population, mostly Korean, in Atlanta metro, approaches 100,000. If you had a puddle-jumpin' AMer wouldn't you like to cume 100,000??
BTW...it's not fun being a minority....no matter who you are.

If there were 100,000 1st generation Koreans (and some 2nd generation), this might be a strong option. However, you can't lump Korean, with other Asian cultures, like Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, as they have all have very different languages and unique cultures.

 

[taylorengineer]

I was not "lumping them all together!!" That would be a rather stupid thing to do.....even for a "stupid, un-edge-u-ma-kated, southerner!"
But my numbers were indeed wrong.
According to the US census 2000, in the Atlanta metro area, there are 22,317 people who identified themselves as Korean. You must look at a market the size of NYC to get over 100,000 Korean pop count.
I should have been more careful.....I can't remember where the 100,000 number came from. But I do understand that Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Cambodian, et. al. are all different cultures and could not be served by a single source of programming.

 

[BIGSTICK]

I was not "lumping them all together!!" That would be a rather stupid thing to do.....even for a "stupid, un-edge-u-ma-kated, southerner!"
But my numbers were indeed wrong.
According to the US census 2000, in the Atlanta metro area, there are 22,317 people who identified themselves as Korean. You must look at a market the size of NYC to get over 100,000 Korean pop count.
I should have been more careful.....I can't remember where the 100,000 number came from. But I do understand that Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Cambodian, et. al. are all different cultures and could not be served by a single source of programming.

You are going with Census 2000 numbers???? ???
Uh, last time I checked it is almost 2007?
The number of Koreans in the Metro is probably over 100K.
I have Korean friends who have told me this.

 

[monkeymanmoi]

I have also assumed the posters and readers of this board are intelligent, fair-minded people who don't judge other based on their skin color.

Am I wrong?

I can't speak for all the posters who are disappointed with the 105.3 format, but being against illegal immigration of any kind does not mean one is racist. I find that kind of thinking very strange. Guess the Hispanic American groups who are vocally against the illegal activity must think they are superior over themselves.

 

[content]

I was not "lumping them all together!!" That would be a rather stupid thing to do.....even for a "stupid, un-edge-u-ma-kated, southerner!"
But my numbers were indeed wrong.
According to the US census 2000, in the Atlanta metro area, there are 22,317 people who identified themselves as Korean. You must look at a market the size of NYC to get over 100,000 Korean pop count.
I should have been more careful.....I can't remember where the 100,000 number came from. But I do understand that Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Cambodian, et. al. are all different cultures and could not be served by a single source of programming.

You are going with Census 2000 numbers???? ???
Uh, last time I checked it is almost 2007?
The number of Koreans in the Metro is probably over 100K.
I have Korean friends who have told me this.

I think a 500% population growth in a 7 year period is very aggressive thinking, though, I do think the Korean population probably exceeds 60,000 at this point, but have not been able to find any concrete projections. With that said, an AM stick hitting the right zips may do well to create blocks of programming primarily targetting Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese (and any other Asian culture which may have a significant population influence)

 

[wombat]

You are going with Census 2000 numbers???? ???
Uh, last time I checked it is almost 2007?
The number of Koreans in the Metro is probably over 100K.
I have Korean friends who have told me this.

newsflash -- the census is only taken every 10 years. extremely doubtful that the population went from 22k to 100k in less than 6 years.

 

[wombat]

However, it is very troubling to see the increasing number of comments with racial overtones, or flagrantly racist diatribes. There have been a number of disturbing comments made regarding the recent conversion of 105.3 FM to a Spanish format. If Clear Channel had converted 105.3 FM to Country, catering to a Caucasian demographic, I doubt there would have been angry rants about "Caucasians taking over this country" or "Caucasians shouldn't have their own radio station."

i couldn't agree more. i was shocked to read all the mouthbreeder's posts about the regular guys lawsuit with the mexican morning show. many didn't have racial overtones -- they were flat out racist. i guess i shouldn't be surprised, but i was.

 

[itburnswhenipee]

We Are The World

I have also assumed the posters and readers of this board are intelligent, fair-minded people who don't judge other based on their skin color.

Am I wrong?

I can't speak for all the posters who are disappointed with the 105.3 format, but being against illegal immigration of any kind does not mean one is racist. I find that kind of thinking very strange. Guess the Hispanic American groups who are vocally against the illegal activity must think they are superior over themselves.

Well, let me just say that I'm vehemently against illegal immigration, and support a stringent crackdown on illegal immigrants and companies which employ them.

However, only an ignorant racist would make illegal immigration synonymous with all Hispanic people, or with a Spanish formatted radio station. Equally racist is the use of terms such as "us" "them" and "those people."

We are all one race. The human race.

 

[lilburncommunityradio]

Re: We Are The World

However, only an ignorant racist would make illegal immigration synonymous with all Hispanic people, or with a Spanish formatted radio station. Equally racist is the use of terms such as "us" "them" and "those people."

We are all one race. The human race.


This is Agreed here too as well. But I dont think that saying " Im really tired of every station that flips is always Spanish Programming." It's really disturbing to me that for Three
Freq's in Gwinnett county ALL THREE ARE Hispanic! It's just really sad! I would love to ask these station owners (Greg Davis) Owner Of La Raza, Greg do you think that there are any other cultures, or races of people in Gwinnett? Do you really believe that all gwinnett has
are Hispanics? Do you think that Local News , Weather, E.T.C. In English is really not needed? Some people dont listen to WSB, Some listen to local stations, and In Gwinnett if your not of Hispanic Background you can't understand whats being said! Thats not racist, Thats Fact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[taylorengineer]

Rex: I understand the point you are trying to make. You do not argue that Mexican folks are, as a race or culture, inferior to American/Europeans.(This is the definition of racism, BTW.) I don't even think you are a bigot.....I think your a guy concerned that you,and your family, will be a minority in this country soon.
People are not being honest (or are incredibly self centered and ethnocentric)if they claim no understanding of why a person does NOT want to be a member of a minority. Ask any African American if it has been advantageous to be a member of a minority in this country!
All the name calling is not needed....it shows shallow intolerance and an alarming lack of intellect on a very important issue facing our country.
America was built on immigration....it is the essence of why we exist as a nation. All, with the exception of native Americans i.e. American Indians, are immigrants.(And go back a thousand years or so and you'll find they immigrated here too!) We should all welcome those who want to legally come to our country.
It would be nice if they would adopt out language and customs.....nice for us that is.....but remember, our culture is a composite of all cultures who have assembled here. It is a basic human need to feel understood and to be part of a group. Our Mexican friends need their culture.....their music.....their identity. And they have a right to that just like you and I.
Rex.... the formats are business decisions.....I know you understand that. And come on....there are plenty of English language stations left. Now I admit....they might not be "good" English language stations......but we have them, for better or worse.