There’s some controversy brewing as to whether the owner of AM 950 Air America Minnesota has a policy banning the discussion of gay marriage, abortion, and gun control.
The controversy began when Nick Coleman, Star Tribune columnist and talk show host on 950, went on hiatus at the end of July and then submitted his resignation on August 8. Part of his reason for leaving involved the dismissal of a board operator, and most suprisingly, a company policy that prohibits on-air discussion of gay marriage, abortion, and gun control. From Centrisity that has been digging deep into AM 950:
“6. Certain Subjects Prohibited
JR Broadcasting will not permit discussion of the issues of gun control, abortion, or gay marriage. It is the policy of JR Broadcasting that discussion around these issues tend to be more sensationalistic than substantial. In order to provide for reasoned, substantial discussion of other issues, JR Broadcasting prohibits discussion of gun control, abortion, or gay marriage. Exceptions to this policy can be obtained prior to broadcast by request in writing to the station Manager.”
According to Janet Robert, AM 950 Station Manager, the original policy was just a draft and the final policy is this one [via Lloydletta]
“Because certain hot button social issues such as gun control, abortion, or gay marriage tend to arouse strong emotions among our listening audience, JR Broadcasting wishes to be respectful in discussing these issues. It is the position of JR Broadcasting that persons often hold positions on these issues as deeply held moral beliefs that therefore deserve respect, and focus on these issues can undermine the very opportunities we seek to advance.
In the event a host should ever wish to discuss these issues on the air, JR Broadcasting requests that the host notify the station manager prior to airing the discussion.”
This is indeed a better policy, however the credibility of the station further suffers when we understand who Janet Roberts is [via Strib]:
“Robert ran for Congress in 2002 as a Democrat but did not embrace the party’s liberal positions on abortion and gun issues.”
We don’t yet know where Roberts stands on gay rights, but Air America will need to do some serious damage control. I don’t recall much discussion, if any, on the proposed amendment to end domestic partnerships and ban civil unions and same-sex marriage in Minnesota during the past session.
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Update: If you are here from RadioEqualizer, please keep in mind that I, and probably the rest my readership do support Air America. They do a hell of a lot better job with the news than that fat-ass drug addict Rush guy. But we also expect progressive radio to be accountable to it’s audience.
Update 2: I moved this to the bottom so it won’t distract from the real story, and to add to my Rush-bashing. Orcinus gives us a look at how Rush deals with the opposition: deport them.