I just wrote to the Executive Producer of our local Rush affiliated news show

[BlancheSplanchnik]

We don't watch this station but I flipped through recently and noticed Rush-blurbs during their broadcast--that was just prior to the Haiti tragedy.

So, inspired by a post here saying that ESPN fired some jerk off who spewed anti Haiti crap, I just had to write to 13WHAM (WHAM radio here carries Rush, somewhat similar to what Typhoid Mary carried, I guess.... )

To: Alison Watts, Executive Producer 13WHAM
Hello Ms Watts,

I have a question about 13WHAM's continued alliance with Rush Limbaugh, including the promotions of his radio show during your newscasts.

Mr. Limbaugh has always been a proponent of twisted disinformation, hate, racism and misogyny--none of which has so far managed to get him the shunning he well deserves--and for that reason I don't tend to watch 13WHAM.

However, I am surprised at the hypocrisy of pushing his show as a member of the WHAM family while simultaneously supporting relief efforts to Haiti. While I support the refusal to follow Mr. Limbaugh's counsel, I am offended that you would continue to ally yourselves with him, as if his bigoted sneering were of any worth. Ethical worth, I mean, which to my mind is more important than the monetary worth he provides you.

Continuing to feature him sends viewers the message that you support and find worth in his "message". I believe such reinforcement of conservative tribalism and maliciousness erodes peoples' grasp of the difference between right and wrong, between hate and respect.

I don't expect my regard for doing the right thing to have any effect on the status quo at your station, but I did want to comment on your contribution to the ignorant, hateful and divisive atmosphere in the U.S.

Sincerely,
.....

[Lisa D]

1. Awesome letter.

I'm idealistic enough to hope that it hits the mark with Ms. Watts.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

8. Thanks!

It was cathartic, that's for sure. And it reinforces, for me, what I value.

Maybe she has some values too...... ;)

:toast:

[Laf.La.Dem.]

2. Pat yourself on the back

Very good letter (sorry to say the station will do nothing and they will keep Rush on):toast:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

5. I'm sure it won't result in anything

but I felt better!

:D

[brooklynite]

3. Not wishing to be critical...

...but if your goal is to get results, rather than just express anger, a more diplomatic letter would be more effective.

Criticizing the station for "hypocrisy" and Rush for "twisted disinformation, hate, racism and misogyny" -- even if true -- will likely tag you as someone who doesn't listen to the station at all, which is reinforced by your comment "I don't expect my regard for doing the right thing to have any effect on the status quo at your station" -- in which case no point in paying attention to you.

You would be better off with a more subtle approach of:
-- expressing appreciation of their support for relief efforts, but
-- being perplexed by their apparent endorsement of a broadcaster who demeans the relief effort (and by extension, the brave individuals risking their lives to rescue the trapped and injured), and asking if
his comments are in any way supported by the management or other members of their programming family.

Set aside ideology for a moment. The ultimate goal of the station is to see audiences to advertisers. Controversy over programming content doesn't help when their existing or potential (as far as they know) audience is disenchanted.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

6. oh, I don't mind critique

:)

really, it's just that I've never understood diplomacy. If there's bullshit going on, I never understood why you can't say so!

I'm sure it will go into the virtual circular file, but I just had to get it out. who knows, maybe there's a tiny spark of conscience in there, waiting to be ignited.

Mayyyyyyybe, later, if I'm not too busy and feeling like it might be worthwhile, I'll send another note, following your suggestions!

[onehsaquestion]

4. Here's what they read...

To: Alison Watts, Executive Producer 13WHAM
Hello Ms Watts,

I have a question about 13WHAM's continued alliance with Rush Limbaugh, blah bla blah bla blah bla blah

Sincerely,

They don't care about any of what you said and if they did, they wouldn't be in a position to make that decision. All the radio stations care about is ratings and profit. Unless you make your point by appealing to the profit motive, you'll just get lumped in with the hundreds of other e-mails thay've gotten just like yours.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

7. I know, I know

I felt better afterward, though....

:D