By Vice-President/General Manager Debbie Bush
I'd like to talk to you about freedom of speech, the responsibility of the media and what you the consumer can do about it.
Nearly a thousand parents and children protested outside a nationally syndicated radio show in San Francisco on Sunday. The show is Michael Savage, heard here in the Tri-State on radio station WGBF.
Recently, Savage said that autistic children are "brats" and that most autism cases are actually misbehaving children whose parents do not discipline them. The protestors want Savage to be fired for his remarks. (Click here to see a transcript of Savage's remarks.)
While we all enjoy the privilege of free speech, I find Michael Savage's remarks completely outrageous. I've reported many stories about kids with autism and I have never run across anyone with that opinion nor do I expect to.
Dozens of radio stations have made the decision to drop Savage. At this time, the local radio station isn't making any changes. So what can you do? Besides protesting or calling the station, you the consumer have the greatest power of all.
If you don't agree with what is being said or aired on radio...or television for that matter...simply turn it off. We will get the ratings, and we will hear your message: loud and clear!
To respond to this editorial, send an e-mail or call 812-253-0107. You can send a letter to me at: Debbie Bush, WFIE-TV, and P.O. Box 1414, Evansville, IN 47701.
Note: Since the editorial aired, I have received a lot of e-mail about the subject. Most criticize me for being unfair to Michael Savage. I will include many of those e-mails on our Thursday/Friday editorial. Some people say I didn't use the right links. So...here are some links you have all recommended: Savage on Autism; Mens News Daily.
