WFTL hit job on hate victims?

[kestrel]

I am troubled by a story I have been following on Daily Kos. Apparently, a law school professor and his partner, who are gay, heard a hate message saying that homosexuals should be killed broadcast over the PA system at the Fort Lauderdale airport. The employee responsible was terminated.
The Daily Kos diarist "ANLawProf" has several diaries on this issue. His latest report is here:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/5/7/15539/60346#c125

I am particularly troubled by the conduct he attributes to the WFTL morning show.
In the words of the diarist:

A producer from WFTL, a local radio station, asked if we could come on the morning show tomorrow. I said that I needed to check with my partner. After some investigation, this particular station hosts Bill O'Reilly, Dr. Laura, Laura Ingraham, and Michael Savage. To say that these people have scorned gay people and have slanted their stories is an understatement. I have never heard of the morning show or the people who do the show, so I had no idea what type of show I would be doing. Based on the rest of the programming, I was obviously nervous about how I would be treated. I have had enough hostility thrown my way this week! I decided against doing the show and explained to the producer why. She yelled at me and threatened that they would turn the story against me now.

My hunch proved right. One of the hosts of the show called me and called me a hypocrite because I am "singling them out like [I was] singled out." I can't believe the logic-- equating a death threat with not appearing on a talk show. It reaffirmed my decision not to go on the show. They told me that they would now do a segment on how much of a hypocrite I am instead of covering the incident.


Based on the nature of the network programing this station carries, particularly that of notorious hate-speech slinger Michael Weiner Savage, I have no difficulty believing the diarist's characterization of the incident.
I challenge WFTL's Mitchell and Morley and their producer, "Robin" to respond to these charges in this forum, or on AllAccess, where this will be crossposted.

 

[852RadioDude]

Death threat? Hardly. Moron on a PA? Sure. Stop the vicitmization crap and to go after the morning show based on the rest of the lineup is ridiculous.

I have had enough hostility thrown my way this week!

Hey pal, thanks for fullfilling the sterotype. If you have a problem with what went down at that horrible airport "man" up and take on even what you claim are unfreindly media outlets.

I am sorry but I question the report as it seems a tad bit hysterical, if you are asked to go on and turn it down that is your choice, if they want to play it up that you were not willing to come on that is their choice also.

I am not going to say "get over it" but at least stop being hysterical. No one threatened you some idiot jumped on a PA.

 

[kestrel]

852 Radio Dude, if you read my post, you will see that I am relating a story told by someone else, not me. The fact that you structure your response as if I am the person in question shows that you did not read for content.
Like a typical conservative, you rush to find any possible way to defend the indefensible. If the WFTL morning show did a hit job on this man and his partner, carrying out a threat they made based on their refusal to appear on the show (which is within their rights, and it's a shame I need to point that out) then THAT is indefensible.
The issue I raise here is not the moronic message broadcast over the PA, nor is it the termination of the employee responsible, nor is it the print media coverage of the issue in the area, which reportedly was extensive.
The issue I raise is of the conduct of the WFTL morning team with respect to this issue, and I reiterate my challenge to those people to respond to these allegations.

 

[852RadioDude]

852 Radio Dude, if you read my post, you will see that I am relating a story told by someone else, not me. The fact that you structure your response as if I am the person in question shows that you did not read for content.

No, I made it pretty clear I was responding to the story and not you. I even quoted the story not you. So maybe you do not read to well [EDIT].

Like a typical conservative, you rush to find any possible way to defend the indefensible. If the WFTL morning show did a hit job on this man and his partner, carrying out a threat they made based on their refusal to appear on the show (which is within their rights, and it's a shame I need to point that out) then THAT is indefensible.

It is not indefensible, talk show host of all stripes play up the 'they do not want to answer the hard question" schtick. Nothing wrong with that. This guy is seeking media attention and he is cherry picking where to go, his choice of course, but do not cry when all outlets don't kiss your ass.

The issue I raise is of the conduct of the WFTL morning team with respect to this issue, and I reiterate my challenge to those people to respond to these allegations.

Good luck, they owe you no response just like this "victim" owes WFTL nothing.


[EDIT-inflammatory]

 

[smedge2006]

Too bad this thread isn't on the News-Talk or Miami - Ft L boards where somebody might see it.

 

[kestrel]

Thanks for the suggestion, smedge2006. As to 852RadioDude I guess he can't communicate well without that potty mouth thing going. I wonder what he said that got him edited? Oh well.

 

[otherradioboy]

What I find interesting is that everyone is assuming that this "victim" is 100% correct and telling the truth. Not like he has any agenda or anything.

There are 2 sides to every story. No one should pass any judgement until both are heard.

 

[Wazzie]

Now that a little time has passed, the victims were proven to be verbally assaulted and justice has been served. If you think this was an incident that should have just been laughed off, let's put the shoe on the other foot.

YOU are in the airport baggage pick-up area and hear twice on the PA a bible verse that says YOU should be put to death for your "sins". (For whatever sin you've committed in your life--and I'm sure you've committed a few along the way). Do you laugh it off or complain to management?

It seems like people that don't get it have never been assulted (verbally or physically) and/or preach intollerance from their network studio. These guys were right in not granting an interview with that morning show.

 

[DaleGriffin]

Boohoo, radio host got on them for not going on their show. This guy is a Nancy, instead of standing up for he decides not to spread his message because the people may not agree with him. Way to stick by your guns. Bottom line is no one "assaulted" anyone and there were no death threats, some moron got on a PA and did what morons do - cause trouble. If I was there and someone said over the PA all "heterosexual males must die" I would laugh and say "wow someone wants to get fired," I would then get my bags and go. No one knew these guys were gay or were targeting them. Get over it.

 

[dbsforest]

Just more typical bully tactics from those idiots. They threatened to beat up a woman who said she didn't like their show. And I quote "I will punch you in your liberal face until you taste your own blood."

 

[Inventor989]

As usual, half the facts or less from the left side of the street.

Speaking as someone who helped Air America in its infancy and beyond, I can say with conviction that there are many liberals who could use a good thrashing. Since 2000, these people have become more like Stalin's or Mao's minions than liberals. My mom was a liberal. John Kennedy was a liberal. Not this bunch. True liberals don't try to silence the right, they do not deny their opposition a voice. I'd be POed enough to yell back at these totalitarians if I were on WFTL.

Sounds to me like WFTL is the one being scapegoated; liberals are trying to shut down the opposition, the mark of someone who can't win a debate. Gee, I bet these WFTL detractors support the Unfairness Doctrine, too...as long as it only applies to conservatives.

 

[smedge2006]

Unless you were hired to be an engineer or some non-content related position, I don't believe you "helped" Air America or progressive talk in any way. WFTL should have detractors -- it way underperforms its signal and has been badly managed by James-Crystal. Palm Beach County is not exactly fertile ground for talking points conservative talk.

 

[icycool7227]

Boohoo, radio host got on them for not going on their show. This guy is a Nancy, instead of standing up for he decides not to spread his message because the people may not agree with him. Way to stick by your guns. Bottom line is no one "assaulted" anyone and there were no death threats, some moron got on a PA and did what morons do - cause trouble. If I was there and someone said over the PA all "heterosexual males must die" I would laugh and say "wow someone wants to get fired," I would then get my bags and go. No one knew these guys were gay or were targeting them. Get over it.

Excuse me but I must step in here and say something. To me, it sounds like it was a form of death threats. You obviously must not be gay or bi to just laugh it off. Seriously, there are bad people out there and the airport would be one of the worst places to make a threat as there is air flight transportation there. Gay or not, I would not be one that would take that as a joke, meant to be one or not.

Nancy? I agree, you did not read this through carefully and are making comments to the OP who was just troubled by the situation. Nothing wrong with that. Not trying to be rude but please don't post until you have all your facts straight and have read everything, simple as that. Also, watch your language too as I don't care for that kind of talk.

 

[DaleGriffin]

Boohoo, radio host got on them for not going on their show. This guy is a Nancy, instead of standing up for he decides not to spread his message because the people may not agree with him. Way to stick by your guns. Bottom line is no one "assaulted" anyone and there were no death threats, some moron got on a PA and did what morons do - cause trouble. If I was there and someone said over the PA all "heterosexual males must die" I would laugh and say "wow someone wants to get fired," I would then get my bags and go. No one knew these guys were gay or were targeting them. Get over it.

Excuse me but I must step in here and say something. To me, it sounds like it was a form of death threats. You obviously must not be gay or bi to just laugh it off. Seriously, there are bad people out there and the airport would be one of the worst places to make a threat as there is air flight transportation there. Gay or not, I would not be one that would take that as a joke, meant to be one or not.

Nancy? I agree, you did not read this through carefully and are making comments to the OP who was just troubled by the situation. Nothing wrong with that. Not trying to be rude but please don't post until you have all your facts straight and have read everything, simple as that. Also, watch your language too as I don't care for that kind of talk.

You don't like that kind of talk? Too bad. No one knew these guys were gay, those are the facts.

 

[Inventor989]

smedge: I help lots of people who I disagree with politically. My former boss was a Democratic Party official after we worked together in radio. When he was taken into confidence by the Drobnys as the groundwork for the network began, I was asked to help in their recruitment process. At least two people in the programming management team were hired partly as a result of that collaboration. One of them worked for me directly before moving to Air America. That person later ran for Congress as a Democrat.

As for WFTL, I don't live in the Palm Beach area and, given the way Democrats act as Stalinistas there, I can't imagine ever making my home in such a totalitarian place (too many high power Cuban AM signals getting in and polluting their little minds, I guess). I can't comment on WFTL's level of competence generally.