AUDIO: 'Rob, Arnie & Dawn' hosts apologize for transgender comments

[cboy4]

You know, I have to cautiously respect people who admit they were wrong. Most ignorant right wingers would never do such a thing. I hope I'm not being played, in that these DJ's hopefully aren't puting on a show in order to increase ratings and or save their jobs.

I think Kim Pearson, mother of a transgender teen, who appeared on the show said it best afterward. "An apology was definitely in order and an apology was given -- but actions speak louder than words," she said. "I'm happy that they apologized. I think it was the right thing to do. But people will be watching."

===================

98 Rock first hour of apology show----> http://robarnieanddawn.com/audiofiles/06.11.09%2001%20Hour%20One%20Of%20Transgender%20Response.mp3



By Bill Lindelof
[e-mail]
Published: Thursday, Jun. 11, 2009 - 8:16 am
Last Modified: Thursday, Jun. 11, 2009 - 1:43 pm

A Sacramento radio team issued an on-air apology this morning for making offensive comments about transgender young people that prompted a community outcry.

The on-air personalities of the "Rob, Arnie & Dawn" show on 98.5 KRXQ-FM have been off air this week after heated reaction to comments made May 28 about transgender teens. On that broadcast, Rob Williams and Arnie States labeled transgender people "freaks," "weirdos" and "drama queens."

"Our audience made clear that we had made it seem that we endorse or allow or encourage the harming and abuse of children, the bullying and vilifying of those who are different, and singling out of transgenders for harm," said Williams. "I want you to very clearly understand that I proudly and fully apologize for those comments completely."

He said he was sorry that the show made it sound as if the disc jockeys tolerate harm or mocking of teens.

"If you hurt a child in any way," Williams said. "If you joke about hurting a child in any way, if you advocate or tolerate hurting a child in any way, the 'Rob & Arnie and Dawn' show will stand against you."

http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1938351.html



This June 2002 file photo shows Arnie States, left, Dawn Rossi and Rob Williams, hosts of KRXQ's "Rob, Arnie & Dawn" show.

Go To KRXQ.NET

I know that you are probably aware of the recent comments made on the Rob, Arnie and Dawn Show, which have clearly upset, and caused pain to, many who heard them. I regret that, as those remarks do not represent my beliefs, or those of Entercom. We have always encouraged, and will continue to encourage, everyone on the Rob, Arnie and Dawn Show to exchange diverse and, at times, provocative points of view. These recent comments, however, were not just provocative; they were hurtful, and, they were unacceptable.

The show that aired today was intended to provide an open forum to candidly discuss the complex issues of sexual identity, and to be a positive and thoughtful consideration of this topic. We can’t undo the hurt that may have been caused, but we can foster a greater level of tolerance and understanding by people on both sides of the issue. I believe that today’s program began that process.

(The podcast of today’s show is available at http://www.krxq.net/pages/4572809.php.)

JOHN GEARY
Vice President / General Manager
Entercom Sacramento
[e-mail]

[coyotespaw]

1. I've always found that it's best to accept the apology

but at the same time, keep an eye out for repeated behavior. Forgive swiftly, but don't forget. It does seem, from listening to the podcasts, that they realize that they've stepped in a big pile. It also seems that they realize that they were dicks who were commenting on something that they knew nothing about, and that they're willing to learn. I could be wrong.

[GodlessBiker]

3. Indeed. Apology accepted. If they do it again, they're toast.

[LostinVA]

2. Whatever -- they are just CYAing so they don't get fired

You don't say that kind of stuff only as a joke. I'd never tell Black or Jewish jokes for a laugh.

[cboy4]

4. I'll be monitoring .. like I said, I may be completely wrong.

But if by chance, they advocate for and defend transgendered people in the future because of what they've learned about this ugly episode and their ugly ignorance, then I'll accept the advocacy.

I think it sends a bad message to tell people who eventually and honestly see the light of day/come to a truly honest change of heart -- that they're worthless to us not matter what because we refuse to believe them.

There's otherwise no incentive for the ignorant to bother changing and helping us if they know they can't win trying to do the decent thing.

[donheld]

5. So what ever happened about this?