Post by Okwes on Sept 24, 2007 8:44:30 GMT -5
Hello everyone,
I wanted to send out a quick update about what has transpired over the past day with conversations with both the Daily Buzz and WFTV.
Both stations were swamped with calls and emails both yesterday and this morning, thank you everyone who took the time to do this! I spoke with the GM, Sandi Gehring this morning, she stated to me that on this mornings show, the Daily Buzz did a formal apology regarding the statements made by their anchors degrading Native ceremonies. The show making a formal apology was a good step, however she commented about "IF" anyone was offended by this, obviously this shows that this apology was empty words, that she and the show still do not fully understand or acknowledge the meaning and impact of these statements made. My response was that there is and was no IF about it, alot of people are offended, otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation, nor would they have been bombarded with calls and emails!
Sandi also stated to me this morning how their show has "poked fun" at all religions, not just Native American and that they also "poke fun" at sexuality. This is not only completely inappropriate but appalling and extremely racist. This is a major issue at this point, that will continue to be addressed. This is not acceptable behavior for any media venue to be considering acceptable for their viewing audience.
Audrey with AIM FL has also been instrumental in this dialogue with both shows and other contacts, we will be continuing to work together to get this resolved. We both feel that this needs to continue to be addressed, as this issue runs much deeper than originally expected.
Both Audrey & myself have requested multiple times since yesterday to receive the audio clips and/or text to yesterday mornings show and now also this mornings. We want to review exactly what occurred, so we can proceed accordingly. We have both been denied access at this point, told it wasn't possible, which we both know isn't so. We will be continuing to push this issue and get these, one way or another.
I asked Sandi to email me a letter with the formal apology in addition to exactly what was said this morning. She stated she would be doing this by the afternoon, so waiting to see what it says. Frankly, as I already said.........its empty words, they are backpedaling and hoping that this issue will just go away.......and its not going to. We are all well aware of what occurred with Don Imus's racist comments and the outcome, which was a appropriate repercussion for him. These racial and uneducated statements with the radio and tv shows must be stopped once and for all, so we need to keep pursuing this.
Mention was made about contacting their sponsors, which would be a good step to take next week........think we should stand by and see what they do next first. So we have all the info and hopefully the audio to the shows. This will give us more leverage with their sponsors when that time comes.
ok, we will keep everyone posted as we go along!
In peace & solidarity,
Tamra
www.NDNnews.com
www.protectsacredsites.org
"Providing news and information about Native American Issues & Causes"
"Helping to make a difference for our people in Indian Country, one day at a time. What will you do today to help make a difference?"
"Our sacred lands are all that remain keeping us connected to our place on Mother Earth, to our spirituality, our heritage and our lands; what's left of them. If they take it all away, what will remain except a vague memory of a past so forgotten?"
I wanted to send out a quick update about what has transpired over the past day with conversations with both the Daily Buzz and WFTV.
Both stations were swamped with calls and emails both yesterday and this morning, thank you everyone who took the time to do this! I spoke with the GM, Sandi Gehring this morning, she stated to me that on this mornings show, the Daily Buzz did a formal apology regarding the statements made by their anchors degrading Native ceremonies. The show making a formal apology was a good step, however she commented about "IF" anyone was offended by this, obviously this shows that this apology was empty words, that she and the show still do not fully understand or acknowledge the meaning and impact of these statements made. My response was that there is and was no IF about it, alot of people are offended, otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation, nor would they have been bombarded with calls and emails!
Sandi also stated to me this morning how their show has "poked fun" at all religions, not just Native American and that they also "poke fun" at sexuality. This is not only completely inappropriate but appalling and extremely racist. This is a major issue at this point, that will continue to be addressed. This is not acceptable behavior for any media venue to be considering acceptable for their viewing audience.
Audrey with AIM FL has also been instrumental in this dialogue with both shows and other contacts, we will be continuing to work together to get this resolved. We both feel that this needs to continue to be addressed, as this issue runs much deeper than originally expected.
Both Audrey & myself have requested multiple times since yesterday to receive the audio clips and/or text to yesterday mornings show and now also this mornings. We want to review exactly what occurred, so we can proceed accordingly. We have both been denied access at this point, told it wasn't possible, which we both know isn't so. We will be continuing to push this issue and get these, one way or another.
I asked Sandi to email me a letter with the formal apology in addition to exactly what was said this morning. She stated she would be doing this by the afternoon, so waiting to see what it says. Frankly, as I already said.........its empty words, they are backpedaling and hoping that this issue will just go away.......and its not going to. We are all well aware of what occurred with Don Imus's racist comments and the outcome, which was a appropriate repercussion for him. These racial and uneducated statements with the radio and tv shows must be stopped once and for all, so we need to keep pursuing this.
Mention was made about contacting their sponsors, which would be a good step to take next week........think we should stand by and see what they do next first. So we have all the info and hopefully the audio to the shows. This will give us more leverage with their sponsors when that time comes.
ok, we will keep everyone posted as we go along!
In peace & solidarity,
Tamra
www.NDNnews.com
www.protectsacredsites.org
"Providing news and information about Native American Issues & Causes"
"Helping to make a difference for our people in Indian Country, one day at a time. What will you do today to help make a difference?"
"Our sacred lands are all that remain keeping us connected to our place on Mother Earth, to our spirituality, our heritage and our lands; what's left of them. If they take it all away, what will remain except a vague memory of a past so forgotten?"