Radio legend Bob Grant had been slated to receive Radio & Records’ Lifetime Achievement Award at its March seminar program. After lobbying by an unnamed individual, the group has rescinded its award to the radio giant. It has also suddenly added to its program the controversial “reverend” and radio pygmy, Al Sharpton.
"Award Withdrawn
Upon further review and consideration of Bob Grant's complete body of work, Radio & Records has withdrawn its decision to present the 2008 News/Talk/Sports Lifetime Industry Achievement Award to Mr. Grant. R&R is sensitive to the diversity of our community and does not want the presentation of an award to Mr. Grant to imply our endorsement of past comments by him that contradict our values and the respect we have for all members of our community."
From a post on the New York Radio Message Board comes the observation, “At this point, R&R ceases to be representative of the industry and is now taking on the role of a political advocacy group. . . Censorship and discrimination based on one’s point of view knows no boundaries. This thing is dangerous and its growing.” Another poster noted, “it seems like somebody put pressure on them, and that they are caving. Do we want to trust a company like that as a major news source for the radio industry?”
Fellow WABC host Mark Levin started out his show this evening calling the radio group’s action disgraceful. And Grant, interviewed earlier by Hannity, was quoted in a column by the Radio Equalizer saying, “it’s a sad day for America because it means that an absolute kook who has no credibility has forced a company to bend to his will.” Hannity also mentioned that there may be further action from other radio hosts regarding a boycott of the March R & R program.
Grant’s own show was pre-empted by sports this evening, which also pre-empted the guaranteed avalanche of reaction by his legions of fans.
Lets face the truth. Radio & Records is not “sensitive to the diversity” of any community. It is pandering to and taking the side of political correctness fascists who represent no community.
Audio of Levin’s full comments are available at MarkLevinFan.
