Imus Not the Only One

Marc Fisher of The Washington Post writes in his blog on April 11 about a Stroudsburg, Pa. radio host who was fired after referring to Don Imus' now infamous three seconds of racial insensitivity (nappy-headed hoes), as "the phrase that pays."

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2007/04/the_phrase_that_pays.html

The Pocono Record has more on the story, though the clichéd lede and paucity of pertient details creates confusion as to the context of the local host's remarks — though it seems like he made a poorly premeditated attempt at humor, much worse than anything Imus said.

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070411/NEWS/704110348/-1/NEWS01

The Record reports, "Bill Sheridan, programming director at WSBG and WVPO, said he didn't hear Smith's show Tuesday, but that he is looking into the incident." Sounds like the same snap judgement that the people calling for Imus' removal are using — reaction without deliberation, understanding or context.

The Record continues:

Robert Hillman, the head of the Pennsylvania Relations Commission's Monroe County Advisory Council, said he didn't hear the show but has received numerous phone calls about the comments.

"This is just the dumbest thing I've ever heard," Hillman said. "With everything that is going on with Imus, to say that is just plain unbelievable. I can forgive Imus a little more quickly, it was a slip for him. This seems to have been thought out."

While Hillman is probably right, his logic is troublesome. The comments by the local radio host, Gary in the Morning, might have been the dumbest thing he has ever heard — but it's also something he never actually heard. There is also a case made for an increased diversity of choices in local radio — something that leans against the convergence and consolidation minded ways of the mega corporations that own the stations.

Banks said what makes the comments worse is the lack of local radio choice — WSBG is the only major FM station based in Stroudsburg — means impressionable ears may have heard it.

"That's what kids listen to on school buses," he said. "It's also the only station we can pick up around here that has weather and road conditions."

Stay tuned.