Racism at iHeartMedia
(Racism: Part 1 of 3)
This is the first in a series of three editorials about racism. Some people willl have you believe racism no longer exists, and functions only as something contrived from legendary images from old films like "Gone With the Wind (1939)." Racism endures, especially at iHeartMedia's Omaha flagship station, NewsRadio 1110 KFAB. Here, take a look at the play-by-play.
06-05-19
On Jun 14, 2019, at 3:02 PM, Voorhees, Scott <ScottVoorhees@iheartmedia.com> wrote:Trip,
While it’s not normal to insult the station for which you want to work by implying racism, you certainly got my attention. While we don’t currently have an open 30 minute window in our schedule, I’m interested in hearing an audio sample of your style, and some idea of the topics you’d discuss if given an opportunity.
Thank you, and have a nice weekend,
--Scott Voorhees
NewsRadio 1110 KFAB Program Director / Host: 9-11am
https://kfab.iheart.com/featured/voorhees
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/1110kfab
iHeartMedia | Omaha, NE
5010 Underwood Ave.
Omaha, NE 68132
o 402-561-2030
America’s #1 Audio Company
Reaching 9 out of 10 Americans Every Month
From: trip.reynolds@icloud.com
Subject: Re: A show on KFAB
Date: June 14, 2019 at 5:04:01 PM CDT
To: "Voorhees, Scott" <ScottVoorhees@iheartmedia.com>Hello, Scott:
Thank you, very much, for responding.
Most respectfully, I did not insult KFAB; point of fact:
1. I detailed skewed and racially insensitive broadcast content conveyed on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. by Chris Baker (Note: I was insulted!); and
2. I raised two questions:
(a) “What card does KFAB’s lily-White on-air talent roster represent?
(b) "Is KFAB afraid of a little color?
Scott, you’ve heard this before, "If it looks like a duck, if it walks like a duck, if it quacks like a duck, it’s a duck." Frankly, if KFAB’s on-air talent elects to convey skewed and racially insensitive content, shouldn’t KFAB expect feedback from members of your broadcast audience who wield much greater subject matter expertise and significantly more diverse work experience than KFAB’s on-air talent? Well? Simply put, as a subject matter expert in all human resource disciplines, including AA/EEO/ADA and diversity, the easiest way to avoid “anyone" from implying racism, as a direct result of KFAB’s broadcast content, is by not broadcasting racist content, and by hiring and promoting a qualified and diverse staff, duh!
YOUR COMMENT: I’m interested in hearing an audio sample of your style.
RESPONSE: For the past several years, I’ve focused more on writing editorials (click here and here) than on producing audio/video content. Consequently, the wealth of my audio/video content is not readily available. Nevertheless, here are a few samples:
Open Letter to Citizens of Omaha regarding the Omaha City Council
https://youtu.be/B5hm9qKFm1gThe Ward Connerly Interview
http://www.reynos.com/CTI22/CTI22-VIDEOS/MP4/WARD%20CONNERLY%20INTERVIEW.mp4Doing a voice over
https://youtu.be/-wh_-bJgjso
YOUR COMMENT: and some idea of the topics you’d discuss if given an opportunity.
RESPONSE:
TOPIC 1: 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION - As validated by my editorials, I thoroughly support President Trump. Unfortunately, based on the 2016 presidential campaign, it’s highly unlikely print, broadcast, and internet-based media will objectively and accurately collect and report candidate data. Plus, it’s unlikely print, broadcast, and internet-based media will moderate objective political debates. As an on-the-air talking point, I’ve created an interactive template for both print, broadcast, and internet-based media that is blatantly objective and accurate, advertiser friendly, and I’d like to enlighten KFAB’s broadcast audience accordingly.
TOPIC 2: THE REPUBLIC OF LAKOTAH - Why has the U.S. Federal Government ignored the Republic of Lakotah (https://youtu.be/8tEuaj4h8dw) while constantly giving preference to illegal aliens from south of the U.S. border? Equally important, why have all of the presidential candidates ignored this issue (http://www.republicoflakotah.com/steps-to-sovereignty/158-year-stuggle-for-justice/). My interest is not to be confrontational, but to establish a dialogue with key stakeholders, especially residents of Nebraska, to prioritize Native American rights over the rights of illegal aliens.
TOPIC 3: WHAT HAPPENED TO JAPAN - Back in 1989, Japanese statesman Shintaro Ishihara wrote, “The Japan That Can Say NO” to champion Japan’s might as world political, economic, and military power and the second highest GDP; and that, in the wake of WWI, Japan no longer needs to cower to the U.S. Unfortunately, China has usurped Japan’s prominence, and it’s highly unlikely Japan will be first among equals ever again. I’m prepared to discuss the subject in great detail, with quests, and acquiring original advertising/sponsors from both China and Japan.
YOUR COMMENT: we don’t currently have an open 30 minute window in our schedule
RESPONSE: If you have on open-end (at-will, 30-day notice, etc.) broadcast contract for some of your content, and if I provide advertisers/sponsors to generate greater revenue than your current on-air talent, will a 30-minute or 60-minute window become available?
I welcome your feedback!
Have a great day!
Trip Reynolds
FaceTime / 402-418-8424
Skype / tripoetry
http://www.reynos.com/bio.htm
This entire communication is copyright © 2019 by Trip Reynolds, except where noted. This communication, including all attachments, is confidential and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s), and is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521, and is proprietary and legally privileged for the sole use of intended recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Unauthorized recipients please contact the sender by reply e-mail and acknowledge destruction of the original message, attachments, and all copies. No part of this communication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the copyright holder. Any attempt to obtain commercial gain can result in civil and/or criminal prosecution.
From: trip.reynolds@icloud.com
Subject: Re: A show on KFAB
Date: June 18, 2019 at 5:57:08 PM CDT
To: "Voorhees, Scott" <ScottVoorhees@iheartmedia.com>Hello, Scott:
By the way, here’s a link to the original letters I sent to the Omaha City Council: http://www.reynos.com/CTI22/letters.htm
YOUR COMMENT: and some idea of the topics you’d discuss if given an opportunity.
RESPONSE: The recent article, “Omaha City Council considers 3-minute time limit on public speaker; hearing postponed” by Omaha World Herald’s Aaron Sanderford failed to address the “big” point of Omaha City Council politics. It’s the history and practice of Omaha City Council to limit, circumvent, or curtail input from citizens. Note the following facts:
1. The City of Omaha and Cox Communications strategically planned the destruction of community/public access television in Omaha; reducing the number of community/public access channels from 8 to 6 to 4 to 1, and then limited the length of all broadcast content to 30-minutes of pre-screened/pre-approved content.
2. Remember a city called, Elkhorn, NE? Annexing cities has been a very effective method for the City of Omaha to strategically reduce or eliminate public comment and civic involvement.
3. Most importantly, it’s the demonstrated practice for the overwhelming majority of members of the Omaha City Council to blatantly avoid any kind of regular, sustained interaction with the public. Here’s proof: http://www.reynos.com/CTI22/letters.htm
PROJECTION: Frankly, the citizens of Omaha should be thankful the Omaha City Council allows any kind of public speaking at any council meeting. In the future, citizens should expect a council ruling that anyone wanting to speak before the Omaha City Council must complete “Form 123XYZ” and submit it, thirty-(30) days in advance, for pre-approval, before a regularly scheduled once-a-month "public" council meeting.
ASSESSMENT: In summary, the Omaha City Council makes the rules, and the Omaha City Council defines if and when it will allow any exception to its rules. Despite being elected to “represent the people,” it’s the practice of the Omaha City Council limit, circumvent, or curtail any dissension from the “public,” and the Omaha City Council does not want the “public” involved in its business. Sad, ironic, but true.
As Omaha’s premiere steward of broadcast radio in metro Omaha, here’s a golden opportunity for KFAB to address the real reason for potholes (discussed by Chris Baker at 4:50 PM today) in Omaha - which is the failure to the Omaha City Council to effectively plan and manage city government. Unlike your current on-air staff, I know exactly how street and sanitation and public works departments should be staffed to effectively and promptly maintain city streets. [The amount of equipment, supplies, materials, time required to make repairs, and the size of a street crew assigned to make repairs is a finite, zero-based budget calculation. So, why doesn’t the Omaha City Council plan accordingly?] How can your on-air staff hold "public figures” accountable when they lack subject matter expertise in public/private sector, profit/non-profit, union/non-union, multi-site/multi-state, and international environments, including aerospace, public education, financial services, health care, gaming, IT, retail, manufacturing, municipal government, property/casualty insurance, and yes, even broadcasting?
Yes, there’s value in surrounding Chris Baker, and other on-air talent, with support staff who primarily function to add fluff to the broadcast, but “intelligent” fluff that’s strategically designed to empower critical thinking and positive civic involvement by the broadcast audience mirrors and truly validates KFAB’s Nielsen ratings. Likewise, given that the City of Omaha has historically understaffed and underfunded street maintenance, the conveyance of sound business acumen in direct contrast to the City of Omaha’s negligent management will also validate KFAB’s prominence within the business community.
Again, I welcome your feedback!
Have a great day!
Trip Reynolds
FaceTime / 402-418-8424
Skype / tripoetry
http://www.reynos.com/bio.htm
This entire communication is copyright © 2019 by Trip Reynolds, except where noted. This communication, including all attachments, is confidential and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s), and is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521, and is proprietary and legally privileged for the sole use of intended recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Unauthorized recipients please contact the sender by reply e-mail and acknowledge destruction of the original message, attachments, and all copies. No part of this communication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the copyright holder. Any attempt to obtain commercial gain can result in civil and/or criminal prosecution.
From: trip.reynolds@icloud.com
Subject: Re: A show on KFAB
Date: June 18, 2019 at 7:55:31 PM CDT
To: "Voorhees, Scott" <ScottVoorhees@iheartmedia.com>Hello, Scott:
Most respectfully, the language I’ve used is very specific. I did NOT call you and your co-workers racists.
A single act of apparent racism does not necessarily define someone as racist (again, I proudly support President Trump), however, I clearly conveyed the comments and vocal characterizations used by Chris Baker were racist. There’s a "big" difference, but unfortunately, it appears you do not see this distinction. Most respectfully, you would greatly benefit by meeting with me face-to-face so I might enlighten you (and your broadcast staff) with some cultural and ethnic sensitivity. As I stated in my original correspondence, “I really detest when people “play the race card,” but instead of addressing Chris Baker’s racist diatribe, you’ve elected to “personalize” only certain aspects of my previous email upon yourself, and you’ve elected to ignore other detailed aspects of my previous email. My "issue” is the “broadcast content,” not the person.
Scott, as with KFAB’s on-air talent, you do realize there are no "people of color" on iHeartMedia Executive Leadership team, right? Oh, but you want Native Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Black people to believe racism does not exist, despite the perpetual existence of the “glass ceiling,” really? Regretfully, iHeartMedia and KFAB are just unable to find any qualified, literate, capable, educated, experienced, and talented people of color with subject matter expertise and related proficiencies in broadcasting, right? Oh, but you’re looking and you support “diversity,” right? Ha! Ha! Ha! Oh, we’re (people of color) supposed to keep waiting for “change” to occur. Or, even better, we (people of color) should start our own broadcasting companies, which is a great idea until White owned companies (as usual) intentionally, strategically prevent or limit our access to markets, real estate, and technologies. Scott, this is old news; I’m not whining, I’m not complaining, I’m simply stating what is. As you stated, “I’m a big boy,” so deal with it. The real deal? As with all mid-size and major market, White-owned and controlled radio and television broadcast media, KFAB’s commitment to on-air diversity is confined to it's perpetual search for a suitable, “Obama-like” but overtly conservative broadcast talent, and yes, I understand, because I’m a big boy, too!
Unfortunately, too many White people have wrongly adopted a “politically correct” mantle that “racism no longer exists, or that sexism no longer exists; that we’re all equal now, yada, yada, yada . . .” Wake-up, Scott!!! Equality never happened, just ask the Republic of Lakotah, and in the absence of significant change, equality will never happen.
YOUR COMMENT: As a first step here, I’d like to find a news-based reason to have you join me on the air some morning soon between the hours of 9 and 11. - when you find something you’re especially passionate about you’d like to share with KFAB’s listeners – please let me know.
RESPONSE: Prior to meeting on-the-air, at your earliest convenience, let’s have a casual face-to-face meeting, which is much better than email-based communications. As validated by my posted editorials I have an interest in many subjects. For example, I’d like to discuss the size of the democratic presidential candidate pool and how the print, broadcast, and internet-based media fail to provide objective and accurate information about candidates; that we (voters) should be able to evaluate how candidates stack up at a glance, but that media intentionally refuse to make the “assessment process” easy. Back in 2015, I sent a proposal to the Republican and Democratic Headquarters, and the national broadcast networks, to prompt them to provide a much more linear, fact-based approach to the presidential debate. I received absolutely no feedback. KFAB’s broadcast audience will greatly benefit from my simple tool which I’ve updated for the 2020 presidential campaign.
In summary, when might I meet with KFAB staff to discuss cultural and ethnic sensitivity? Plus, when might we meet for a casual face-to-face?
Again, I welcome your feedback.
Have a great day!
Trip Reynolds
FaceTime / 402-418-8424
Skype / tripoetry
http://www.reynos.com/bio.htm
This entire communication is copyright © 2019 by Trip Reynolds, except where noted. This communication, including all attachments, is confidential and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s), and is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521, and is proprietary and legally privileged for the sole use of intended recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Unauthorized recipients please contact the sender by reply e-mail and acknowledge destruction of the original message, attachments, and all copies. No part of this communication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the copyright holder. Any attempt to obtain commercial gain can result in civil and/or criminal prosecution.
From: trip.reynolds@icloud.com
Subject: Presidential Debates and Broadcast Media are Stupid?
Date: July 2, 2019 at 6:14:29 AM CDT
To: "Voorhees, Scott" <ScottVoorhees@iheartmedia.com>Presidential Debates and Broadcast Media are Stupid?
http://www.tripoetry.com/Letters/reynoldsrap.htm#debateYour thoughts?
Trip Reynolds
402-418-8424
tripoetry.com/editorials
From: trip.reynolds@icloud.com
Subject: For Your Information
Date: July 11, 2019 at 8:00:14 AM CDT
To: "Voorhees, Scott" <ScottVoorhees@iheartmedia.com>FYI
In summary, I’ve asked you several questions, but you’ve elected not to respond except to erroneously personalize my communications and declare yourself a victim. Conversely, I’ve responded to all of your questions, but again, I’ve received no feedback. Accordingly, I’m providing the attached document as a professional courtesy, and I will not contact you again.
Why is it necessary for KFAB's racially-and-sexually-skewed broadcast practices to ultimately fall prey to public scrutiny by the FCC, social media, your sponsors, vendors, cultural and civil rights organizations, elected officials, and the general public, which will be counterproductive to KFAB's business and fiscal operations? There’s no need to respond.
Have a great day!
Trip Reynolds
402-418-8424This entire communication is copyright © 2019 by Trip Reynolds, except where noted. This communication, including all attachments, is confidential and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s), and is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521, and is proprietary and legally privileged for the sole use of intended recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Unauthorized recipients please contact the sender by reply e-mail and acknowledge destruction of the original message, attachments, and all copies. No part of this communication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the copyright holder. Any attempt to obtain commercial gain can result in civil and/or criminal prosecution.
On Jul 11, 2019, at 8:10 AM, Voorhees, Scott <ScottVoorhees@iheartmedia.com> wrote:While I apologize for letting our conversation fall through the cracks during my two weeks of 14-hour-days with people on vacation, followed by the long Independence Day weekend and the ensuing catch-up, I do agree with you on one point: This will be the end of that conversation.
Good luck to you, Trip.
--Scott Voorhees
NewsRadio 1110 KFAB Program Director / Host: 9-11am
https://kfab.iheart.com/featured/voorhees
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/1110kfab
iHeartMedia | Omaha, NE
5010 Underwood Ave.
Omaha, NE 68132
o 402-561-2030
America’s #1 Audio Company
Reaching 9 out of 10 Americans Every Month
From: trip.reynolds@icloud.com
Subject: Re: For Your Information
Date: July 11, 2019 at 10:11:36 AM CDT
To: "Voorhees, Scott" <ScottVoorhees@iheartmedia.com>There was no need to contact me, but nevertheless, you make excuses, excuses . . . you make excuses.
Sad.
This entire communication is copyright © 2019 by Trip Reynolds, except where noted. This communication, including all attachments, is confidential and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s), and is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521, and is proprietary and legally privileged for the sole use of intended recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Unauthorized recipients please contact the sender by reply e-mail and acknowledge destruction of the original message, attachments, and all copies. No part of this communication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the copyright holder. Any attempt to obtain commercial gain can result in civil and/or criminal prosecution.
iHeartRadio is supposedly committed to diversity.
https://www.iheartmedia.com/Diversity
There are no people of color on iHeartMedia's Executive Leadership Team
https://www.iheartmedia.com/about/our-team
BOB PITTMAN CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RICHARD J. BRESSLER PRESIDENT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER WENDY GOLDBERG EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER PAUL MCNICOL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL GAYLE TROBERMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER JOHN SYKES PRESIDENT OF ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES STEVE MILLS GLOBAL CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Let's recap:
1. I detailed skewed and racially insensitive broadcast content conveyed on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. by Chris Baker.
2. KFAB elected not to address my concern about comments made by its on-air staff.
3. KFAB elected not to respond to my concern about its lack of cultural and ethnic diversity, or its lack of sensitivity to a diverse broadcast audience.
4. Despite online posturing of an alleged commitment to diversity, neither KFAB or its owner, iHeartMedia employ people of color in a senior leadership role.
Again, I really detest when people “play the race card,” but what card does KFAB’s lily-White on-air talent roster represent; what card does iHeartMedia's lily-White senior leadership team represent?
If it walks like a duck,
smells like a duck,
looks like a duck,
quacks like a duck, and
defecates like a duck . . . it's a . . .I welcome your feedback.
Trip Reynolds
trip.reynolds@yahoo.com
Reynolds' Rap
June 10, 2019
© 2017-2019 Tripoetry. All Rights Reserved.
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