Wednesday, October 08, 2008

The Radio say's it's sorry

Some people might tell you that an apology is a sign of weakness. This may or may not be so. But to do so in broadcasting is definitely not. Whoever has the mic is in charge and do not forget that. until the mic is handed over, apologies are meaningless.

I recently picked up the book "My Bad" and found an entire chapter of radio apologies. Below are a few of my favorites. I implore you to read the book. Note the weasle words, the non-apologies and the truly vile deeds. The chapter is long and detailed.. I may have to do a part II eventually.
"WNEW regrets the unfortunate incident that took place. We apologize to anyone who has been offended, and have taken measures to ensure that it does not happen again."
-Ken Stevens, GM WNEW (New York, NY) after DJs Opie & Anthony spurred a couple to have sex in St. Paticks cathedral on air.

"It's an instance we would like to put behind us."
-Beverly Rice, GM of WDEZ (Wassau, WI) after DJ Terry T asked listeneres to call in and tell Auschwitz death camp jokes.

"Unfortunately I used inappropriate words in describing my concerns. These concerns, especially when taken out of context, sound insensitive and unfeeling. that was never my intent."
-DJ David Gold KLIF-AM (Dallas, TX) after suggesting that a boxcar of illegal aliens that suffocated in a box car enroute to America "gor what they deserved."

"We would like to say publicly that employees involved were told then: this incident was inappropriate and unacceptable. The promotion could be viewed as ofensive and derogatory. We sincerely apologize to our employees and anyone else for any offense that has been taken."
-Steve Bornstein, President ABC broadcasting after KLOS (Los Angeles, CA) DJs Mark Thompson and Brian Phelps gave away garden tools referred to as "Black Hoes" both over the air and to black co-workers spurring a sexual harassment lawsuit.

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