Offline
An idiotic discussion comparing toaster settings to Black women's skin colour has resulted in the firing of one jock at WGRF in Buffalo, and the suspension of two others from the station's morning show. It's also cost one of those pulled off the air his gig with the Sabres and a local sports arena and lost the station two prominent advertisers.
Rob Lederman had been with WGRF for 24 years.
What did the morning crew say exactly? You can hear the comments in the article below.
97 Rock morning DJ terminated after comparing toast to Black women's skin tones
Buffalo News: 'Morning Bull' host Rob Lederman fired, 'horrified' by his words after exchange using racist language
Offline
While comparing toast to black women's skin tones is never okay,
just imagine what would have happened a month earlier if this were to be said during black history month. I bet there would have been more than just two ads pulled!
Offline
This is why radio is dying. Out of touch Howard Stern wannabes still doing the same tired schtick that was on radio 35 years ago. Rob had a good run at WGRF, too bad it had to end like this.
Offline
This story has gone viral. So far, I've seen it in the New York Daily News, the Huff Post, CBS News, People, The Raleigh News & Observer, Yahoo, Penn Live, The Miami Herald, KABC Radio, Radio Ink, Fox News, and WYRK, which, let it not be lost on anyone, is owned by competitor Townsquare.
Offline
The station has now released an official mea culpa statement on the incident. It was read on air by 97 Rock's DJ Jickster:
“By now you’ve probably heard about some things that were said on 97 Rock this week. In a weak moment, reckless, racist words were spoken on our air. Words that echoed widely, and caused pain in this community.
Please allow us a moment to talk to you about this…and to apologize, from our hearts, for the hurt that’s resulted.
It’s so important to us that you know, this is not who we are. We’re Buffalo people — all of us committed to making our community a better place to live.
We aim to build, and we work hard all year to lift up western New Yorkers who need a hand. We rally this community to feed the hungry. We make wishes come true for children with life threatening illnesses. We raise money to fight cancer, support children’s hospitals, and a lot more.
It is our mission to make life better for everyone who lives here — to entertain you, make you laugh and make you proud of your hometown.
We know we have let you down, and for that we are truly sorry. Here’s our promise — we’ll redouble our efforts to fight ignorance and racism in our community. You can trust us to do more to help, and to unify all who call this big, beautiful, diverse town their home.
Because….that’s who we are. Thank you."
Offline
And now Cumulus has fired the entire morning crew - and the station's P.D. as well.
Entire Morning Bull radio staff at 97 Rock fired following racist incident on show