Three companies have decided to pull their advertisement support from KRXQ 98.5, better known on-air as "98Rock," following a controversial discussion about transgendered children on the station's breakfast show "Rob, Arnie & Dawn." During the May 28th discussion, show presenters Rob Williams and Arnie States read from a news article describing a male child in another state as being permitted to enroll in school as a female. "God forbid if my son put on a pair of high heels, I would probably... MatthewKeys Chrissy comment-9013 2009-06-07T03:23:48Z 2009-06-07T03:23:48Z I heard the shows inciting violence toward transgendered folks and transgendered children. I do believe in free speech, but not when its used to promote transphobia violence. I have family in the Sacramento Stockton area and now feel I must carry a firearm to defend myself from the violence sanctioned by these two idiots. In fact maybe a few friends to cover my back might be an idea. Christina Chrissy 2009-06-07T03:23:48Z mark comment-9005 2009-06-06T18:37:52Z 2009-06-06T18:37:52Z You can do as you chose whether you support these ex advertisers or not. Ain't living in America GRAND? mark 2009-06-06T18:37:52Z mark comment-9004 2009-06-06T18:34:26Z 2009-06-06T18:34:26Z Lets recap shall we One side uses ABUSING CHILDREN to get ratings and MY side says...."OH HELL NO" I like my side's position in the long run, and I would have a lot of trouble if I supported the first side, or if I sat SILENT and did NOTHING., and still look at myself in a mirror mark 2009-06-06T18:34:26Z whtzingal comment-8999 2009-06-06T16:58:12Z 2009-06-06T16:58:12Z How would the advertisers feel if in support of Rob Arnie and Dawn we pulled our business from them. I thought that this country was founded on freedom of speech. But I guess that is only if everyone agrees with you. Anyone who listens to the show would know that they are shock radio. Get over it people! J whtzingal 2009-06-06T16:58:12Z evilshelly comment-8991 2009-06-06T14:47:03Z 2009-06-06T14:47:03Z yes, just a joke, and i freely support their right to make awful jokes. im just tickled to death advertisers are pulling money in order to NOT support such awful jokes. isn't our country great? id say ill never listen to the show again, but i'm an honest sort, so ill have to admit that i can't stand the show and never could. id wish those two have gay kids, but, hell...i like gay kids, so, no. shelly evilshelly 2009-06-06T14:47:03Z mark209 comment-8989 2009-06-06T12:05:59Z 2009-06-06T12:05:59Z So, with so much emotion put into your dislike for this show and its hosts I wonder what will you say or do when the show is still on next year and the advertisers that left are back? This is also a question for those that have said they won’t shop at these advertisers for leaving in the first place, will you go back to these stores? I’m in no way guaranteeing that the show will survive this, I hope they do and would be surprised if they don’t, I’m really just curious as to what you will do with all this anger and emotion. This is a touchy subject of course but you all seem to really want to agitate each other as apposed to working together to better society… “they must go, they are a terrible show, they are terrible people…” and so on Vs “freedom of speech, turn the channel” Someone above me posted something about how if the show had approached the topic a different way, used more neutral language, this would have never happened. Can’t the same be said of the people offended by the show? What if GLAAD had called the show before saying or doing anything publicly? What if they had instead tried to engage a real dialogue with the show and not go the media sledgehammer/we are going to get your advertisers route? Is it possible they missed a golden chance to sway people to their cause that would have had an enormous effect on public opinion? This show does after all carry a large amount of ratings. In the end your arguments hurt your own position (some of you more than others) I long for the day when this country learns that it is more effective to convince someone your right instead of just bashing them over the head with your opinions till they get tired and give in…maybe one day… mark209 2009-06-06T12:05:59Z Matthew Keys comment-8984 2009-06-06T03:54:44Z 2009-06-06T03:54:44Z Add now AT&T and McDonald's to the list of advertisers who are no longer supporting KRXQ over the Rob, Arnie & Dawn controversy. Matthew Keys 2009-06-06T03:54:44Z jammie123 comment-8981 2009-06-06T02:09:20Z 2009-06-06T02:09:20Z Buh Bye RAD. What is simply amazing to me is that many of you here think this is a freedom of speech issue. These "Hosts" have been abusive and vulgar since day one. It's about time the rest of the nation sees them for what they really are. Talentless, arrogant and abusive. jammie123 2009-06-06T02:09:20Z sturzl comment-8977 2009-06-06T00:44:01Z 2009-06-06T00:44:01Z I wish I could thumbs up you one hundred times. sturzl 2009-06-06T00:44:01Z sturzl comment-8976 2009-06-06T00:42:24Z 2009-06-06T00:42:24Z How do you know? I really like to hear. Thanks. sturzl 2009-06-06T00:42:24Z bbbbmer comment-8975 2009-06-06T00:33:19Z 2009-06-06T00:33:19Z Speech that foments and incites is not 'FREE SPEECH', especially when that speech incites violence against a class of people or an individual. I happen to be Jewish, and because of my family I am hyper-aware of pre-WWII stories about 'Kristallnacht', where the media, then primitive by today's standards, promoted inhuman and licentious conduct against Jewish and other minority individuals and groups, including homosexuals, that resulted in harm to countless victims of this legitimized hate. The public owns the airwaves, and licensees exist to provide a service, including public service. Hate, in all its expressions and forms, does not serve the public. Licensees have a responsibility to ensure public benefit and not to harm public safety. Expressions of hate that foment and incite, such as those made by the KRXQ licensees/airhost personalities against the LGBT community as it struggles for civil equality. Their actions are reprehensible, and I am gratified that advertisers are pulling their support of this trash. I do not advocate censorship however. I *DO* advocate regulatory oversight when hate-radio or other hate-media promotes speech that actually harms groups or individuals, such as the tie between Bill O'Reilly's comments about one Dr. Tiller, the ob/gyn physician who was murdered last week at the hand of an adherent to right wing zealotry against abortion providers. The KRXQ hosts went way too far, perhaps stupidly, perhaps cynically as a calculated effort to boost ratings. Nonetheless they now need to be held accountable for doing so, for their speech can potentially harm others, and was made very irresponsibly. This sort of 'entertainment' is merely a currying to the basest fears and angers of a stupid audience at a time when these same people are seeking to blame anyone for the problems that no doubt plague their lives. In doing so, the KRXQ hosts' actions are like shouting 'fire' in a crowded theater, where no fire exists. Their conduct was an outrage, and this MUST stop! bbbbmer 2009-06-06T00:33:19Z breadandcirce comment-8972 2009-06-06T00:11:43Z 2009-06-06T00:11:43Z Aside from the fact that free speech has more to do with the ability to speak freely without the government coming after you for it, and the fact that these radio jocks work for a corporation, the most important part is that they HAD their free speech. They said it. "Free speech" doesn't mean that there aren't consequences for one's actions. Speak as freely as you want, but be prepared to face the music. breadandcirce 2009-06-06T00:11:43Z Sac123 comment-8967 2009-06-05T23:45:30Z 2009-06-05T23:45:30Z guitar center pulled their advertising yesterday make that nine. Sac123 2009-06-05T23:45:30Z mark comment-8966 2009-06-05T23:36:14Z 2009-06-05T23:36:14Z @Bill uh the difference is Dixie Chicks made a pretty timid comment about the most powerful politician on EARTH, saying they were embarrassed to be from the state. Whereas Rob and Arnie picked on the MOST acceptable group to discriminate against ....transgender people. Even then these big manly men went after NOT ADULT trans people....no they decided to spew vile hatred at KIDS.......gosh ain't ya proud of the warriors? mark 2009-06-05T23:36:14Z mark comment-8965 2009-06-05T23:31:16Z 2009-06-05T23:31:16Z Yeah after EIGHT Major National corporations suddenly drop all their ads, those OTHER sponsors are going to rush to invest on this crud show. got any other bedtime stories....huh.....Bill? or is it Jim Fox or maybe Rob???? mark 2009-06-05T23:31:16Z mark comment-8964 2009-06-05T23:28:20Z 2009-06-05T23:28:20Z Rob and Arnie moral of this story........."pick on somebody your OWN SIZE" you pick on little KIDS, and we'll come at you like a lioness with her cubs endangered. mark 2009-06-05T23:28:20Z Ben Ilfeld comment-8963 2009-06-05T23:15:15Z 2009-06-05T23:15:15Z So back in the old days we heard this stuff on the radio? Ben Ilfeld 2009-06-05T23:15:15Z Ben Ilfeld comment-8962 2009-06-05T23:13:45Z 2009-06-05T23:13:45Z Just to be clear on the issue: The Sacramento Press has not taken any of mrlucky2u posts down. I suppose that he is referring to another site. We do have terms of use and we will enforce them, particularly if language or unnecessary personal attacks pop up on this or any thread. Ben Ilfeld 2009-06-05T23:13:45Z Bill451 comment-8961 2009-06-05T22:45:58Z 2009-06-05T22:45:58Z This is complete rubbish. Rob, Arnie & Dawn continue to be the number 1 rated morning show. I'm sure there will be other advertisers ready to line up to take the places of those who dropped. In this country Freedom of speech continues to go by the wayside. I recall a certain country group given their opinion about a president and were ripped off the radio. I guess this kind of thing will continue to happen until we all walk in line. Bill451 2009-06-05T22:45:58Z Matthew Keys comment-8960 2009-06-05T22:35:00Z 2009-06-05T22:35:00Z Technically, seven. Wells Fargo wasn't an advertiser on KRXQ during the controversy and hasn't advertised on the station for a year, according to their statement to GLAAD. The story is being updated here as well: http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-news-radcontroversy0605,0,4345342.story Matthew Keys 2009-06-05T22:35:00Z Nataniasmom comment-8936 2009-06-05T22:20:50Z 2009-06-05T22:20:50Z "Nissan does not support the views expressed during the May 28th broadcast on the Rob, Arnie and Dawn in the Morning show on KRXQ. Our advertising purchase with this show ended June 1 and we will not renew it." http://glaadblog.org/2009/06/05/update-nissan-wont-renew-krxq-advertising-contract/ 8 sponsors gone and counting: # Chipotle # Snapple # Sonic # Bank of America # Verizon # Carl’s Jr (CKE Restaurants) # Wells Fargo # Nissan North Americ Nataniasmom 2009-06-05T22:20:50Z Bill451 comment-8933 2009-06-05T22:06:49Z 2009-06-05T22:06:49Z ridiculous that advertisers are pulling because they don't accept violence toward children. Arnie obviously wasn't advocating violence. Everyone is so PC these days. Crazy Bill451 2009-06-05T22:06:49Z Matthew Keys comment-8932 2009-06-05T22:02:26Z 2009-06-05T22:02:26Z This comment was great. It reinforces the idea that without listeners, readers and viewers, a broadcast product isn't much of one. It takes a village...to support a radio show. Matthew Keys 2009-06-05T22:02:26Z Matthew Keys comment-8929 2009-06-05T21:42:44Z 2009-06-05T21:42:44Z The Sacramento Press has certain terms of use regarding their website, which includes what appropriate an inappropriate dialogue is. I've seen editors ask commenters and contributors to keep their dialogue civilized before; they don't appreciate it when one user attacks another. It's not censorship. It's a facilitation for civilized dialogue. You can make your point to someone without getting nasty. Matthew Keys 2009-06-05T21:42:44Z mrlucky2u comment-8928 2009-06-05T21:37:45Z 2009-06-05T21:37:45Z Thank you for that mrlucky2u 2009-06-05T21:37:45Z David Watts Barton comment-8926 2009-06-05T21:21:58Z 2009-06-05T21:21:58Z No shortage of freedom of speech here! David Watts Barton 2009-06-05T21:21:58Z Mak comment-8925 2009-06-05T21:14:25Z 2009-06-05T21:14:25Z Nope. its not a "free speech issue". They can stand out on the streetcorner and spew their garbage all they want, but if we, the listeners are paying their meal ticket (indirectly, by supporting the business that advertise on the show) then they're accountable to us. I don't have the right to speak that way in my business to my customers. Why should they? Mak 2009-06-05T21:14:25Z mrlucky2u comment-8924 2009-06-05T21:12:43Z 2009-06-05T21:12:43Z So why not follow suit and not listen to their show? I am not upset at people for asking places to pull their ads. Likewise I will not shop anywhere that does because I believe they are cowards for doing so. What I don't like is people saying that RAD condone child abuse. It's slander and completly untrue. You are only saying it to get your way. mrlucky2u 2009-06-05T21:12:43Z Mak comment-8923 2009-06-05T21:11:15Z 2009-06-05T21:11:15Z Radio shows aren't free. They're paid by advertisers, who in turn are paid by me, the customer.. These idiots are perfectly free to stand on any street corner and spew their crap all day long, but they aren't entitled to a JOB to do it. I couldn't insult a customer at work that way...why should they feel they can do so ON MY NICKEL? I hope they lose their show over this. Mak 2009-06-05T21:11:15Z mrlucky2u comment-8922 2009-06-05T21:07:22Z 2009-06-05T21:07:22Z The awesome part about all this, Rob Arnie and Dawn will continue to thrive and be happy long after you all find something else to complain about. mrlucky2u 2009-06-05T21:07:22Z Mak comment-8921 2009-06-05T21:05:49Z 2009-06-05T21:05:49Z Hey...no one's stripping them of their rights. We just don't have to PAY them hear it. If I was in a restaurant, and a waiter said those things to me, I would walk out. If I was in a supermarket, I would complain to the manager, and leave. If the manager wants my business, he'll throw the bigot out on the street. Pulling the "freedom of speech card" isn't a charge card. Mak 2009-06-05T21:05:49Z mrlucky2u comment-8920 2009-06-05T21:05:24Z 2009-06-05T21:05:24Z Really? You are not allowed to say anything bad about anyone? Sounds like a violation of freedom of speech to me. Physicall bashing is not even part of this discussion, we are talking about words on the radio here. Furthermore the majority of the comments against RAD are centered around "condoning violence against children" which is absolutly obsurd. Calling someone a "freak" and saying the have "mental" issues is an opinion and if you don't like someones opinion then don't listen to it. You don't strip away their right to have that opinion. It is thigns like this that will eventually ruin our country. Furthermore, you have no idea (unless you work for the huff) what I said, and I know for a fact it did not violate the terms. It simply was not posted because I don't agree with 99% of the comments there. mrlucky2u 2009-06-05T21:05:24Z Mak comment-8919 2009-06-05T21:02:36Z 2009-06-05T21:02:36Z No, its not free. If they want to pump out this crap on their own dime, then fine...but they can't expect people to stand around and PAY them to do it. Mak 2009-06-05T21:02:36Z mark comment-8918 2009-06-05T20:47:05Z 2009-06-05T20:47:05Z it's OUR country ....babycakes and your Right to have hate spewed to enjoy your morning drive,doesn't stack up so well against protecting little KIDS. mark 2009-06-05T20:47:05Z sturzl comment-8917 2009-06-05T20:44:30Z 2009-06-05T20:44:30Z "this is America and if you dont like it get the hell out of my country." Oh yeah, you just scream acceptance. If standing up for transgender children doesn't make me look any better to you, too bad. You and I don't have the right to hurl insults at your boss or our customers without being fired. Why shouldn't they be held to the same standards as the rest of us? This is not a free speech issue. I would never get away with saying what they said at my place of employment. If they were getting arrested for what they said then it would be a free speech issue. sturzl 2009-06-05T20:44:30Z Nataniasmom comment-8916 2009-06-05T20:44:24Z 2009-06-05T20:44:24Z Private websites, like the Huff, have terms of use agreements. When you make the account so that you can post you agree to their terms. If what you say violates their terms, your post will not be published. On a private server, website, station, they can censor anyone they want. And as I said above I do not care if people don't like people that are different then them. I do care when they verbally or physically bash and attack people that are different then themsleves. Nataniasmom 2009-06-05T20:44:24Z Nataniasmom comment-8915 2009-06-05T20:38:54Z 2009-06-05T20:38:54Z A 6th company has just pulled its advertisements. Verizon will no longer run ads on the radio station. http://glaadblog.org/2009/06/05/verizoncarl/ Sonic, Verizon, Carls Jr. Snapple, Cipotle, Bank of America. Nataniasmom 2009-06-05T20:38:54Z mrlucky2u comment-8914 2009-06-05T20:38:05Z 2009-06-05T20:38:05Z You guys are so cute :) I love that my comments on your page don't get posted, a perfect example of sensorship just as you want to sensor the Rob Arnie and Dawn show. But yet you come here to spout off your garbage. mrlucky2u 2009-06-05T20:38:05Z meko comment-8913 2009-06-05T20:34:08Z 2009-06-05T20:34:08Z By putting ads on a show, sponsors are paying the show to say what they say. They are responsible for the content when it is out of line. This means that when someone says stuff like: "If the kid ever gets to be eighteen," States said, "and says 'I still feel like a woman!' you say, 'Get out! Go be a freak! And understand, SON, that society will never accept you because we still have some moral judgment." "A boy who wants to wear a dress is a freak. A nut." "I look forward to when they go out into society and society beats them down. And they wind up in therapy." "Allowing transgenders to exist, pretty soon it becomes normal to fall in love with the animals," McDonald's is paying them to say it. meko 2009-06-05T20:34:08Z Nataniasmom comment-8912 2009-06-05T20:32:36Z 2009-06-05T20:32:36Z 5 companies have pulled their ads now. If they had said "i don't like transgendered people." "I do not believe that kids are old enough or mentally competent enough to make a decision concerning their gender identity." "I don't agree with the parents who allow their children to make this step into being transgendered." "in my opinion this is wrong and should stop." If that had been the way they addressed this issue, most of the people that are upset would never have heard about it, never cared. Because you are right people can express their opinions, they should. They did not do this, they called them names, insulted them, used hate speech and defamation. There is a huge difference. Nataniasmom 2009-06-05T20:32:36Z mark comment-8911 2009-06-05T20:17:28Z 2009-06-05T20:17:28Z Carl's Jr also dropped their ads......YAY!!!!! "Hey everyone, it's Carl's Jr. for lunch today! Dear Concerned Reader, Thank you for your email. We have pulled all of our ads from KXRQ. (they got the call letters wrong) We did this as soon as the matter was brought to our attention. We appreciate your concern and thank you for contacting CKE Restaurants on this matter. Regards, CKE, Public Relations Guest Response Line: (877) 799-7827 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-rowe/krxq-sacramento-radio-hos_b_210637.html?page=2&show_comment_id=25207401#postComment from Huffington Post thx bluheron mark 2009-06-05T20:17:28Z mark comment-8910 2009-06-05T20:07:09Z 2009-06-05T20:07:09Z it's spelled censorship, and free speech is usually protected from GOVERMENT censorship, but hate speech, violent insurrection, assasination, and yelling fire in a crowded theater are exceptions. btw these two hate jocks have had to pay TWO $55,000.00 fines for inappropriate sexual content. THIS is strike THREE.......toss em out mark 2009-06-05T20:07:09Z mrlucky2u comment-8909 2009-06-05T20:05:24Z 2009-06-05T20:05:24Z You are so full of it. Rob Arnie and Dawn have done more to help kids than any other radio personality in the Sacramento Area. Their yearly Rob Arnie and Dawn A-Thon helps to raise 100's of thousands for US Davis childrens hospital. Not a single remarg any of them has ever said in their history of radio has condoned violence against kids. Do not let Marks slanderous remarks fool you. Think what you will of Rob and Arnies opinions, you can disagree with them all you want as your American right. But do NOT try to strip away or deny them of their American right to have that opinion. mrlucky2u 2009-06-05T20:05:24Z mark comment-8908 2009-06-05T20:00:27Z 2009-06-05T20:00:27Z McDonalds and Wells Fargo Bank PLEASE step up and join Snapple, Chipotle, Bank of America, and Sonics to protect EVERY child mark 2009-06-05T20:00:27Z mark comment-8907 2009-06-05T19:57:10Z 2009-06-05T19:57:10Z Rob and Arnie are COWARDS and spew the EASIEST HATE SPEECH in America When hate groups couldn't jazz up the level of hatred against gays and lesbians they switched their focus to Transgender people, calling them "she-males" and attempting to frighten women in restrooms. These two clods don't even have the courage to attack adult transgender women and men.....NO they attack the absolute weakest and most defenseless transgender beings....little kids. There needs to be a line in the sand, NO CHILD is going to be abused or ridiculed to give a couple slimey hate jocks RATINGS......we are BETTER than that. mark 2009-06-05T19:57:10Z mrlucky2u comment-8906 2009-06-05T19:51:50Z 2009-06-05T19:51:50Z Congrats BofA, Chipotle, Snapple and Sonic you have all officially lost at least 1 customer for life. This is condoning sensorship, free speach is a fundamental right here in the US. They are doing nothing more than expressing their right. They are after all a talk show, that's what they do is "talk" about their views and opinions. You are not sheep if you continue to listen to them, quite the oposite actually. You are sheep if you follow the mindless crying society that is complaining about someones opinion. Jump on the bandwagon and wave your fingers at them all you want, I promis they are not going away. mrlucky2u 2009-06-05T19:51:50Z Patrick J. comment-8905 2009-06-05T19:46:48Z 2009-06-05T19:46:48Z While the Rob, Arnie and Dawn has been is awful and has been unlistenable for years, I get nervous with people trying to ban people or kick them off the air for their comments. It's a free speech issue, and satire is protected under the First Amendment. I personally find half of what I see on T.V. offensive. Patrick J. 2009-06-05T19:46:48Z Polar comment-8902 2009-06-05T19:17:00Z 2009-06-05T19:17:00Z The ones to blame aren't Arnie States and Rob Williams. They're shock jocks, and they're doing what shock jocks do. Skunks aren't to blame for stinking up places. The ones to blame are those who still listen to these morning-sickness type drive time programs, where the Imuses and Opie and Anthonies and Bob and Toms are spewing their garbage in the name of opinion, where insult and threat is supposed to substitute for humor. So, Sacramento and Reno, are you going to be sheep and keep listening to this? Polar 2009-06-05T19:17:00Z Matthew Keys comment-8898 2009-06-05T18:29:11Z 2009-06-05T18:29:11Z In an update to this article, GLAAD reports that Bank of America has become the fourth advertiser to pull support from KRXQ over the Rob, Arnie & Dawn comment controversy. Matthew Keys 2009-06-05T18:29:11Z David Watts Barton comment-8895 2009-06-05T18:09:36Z 2009-06-05T18:09:36Z Thanks for writing the story, Matthew; I think you presented both sides fairly. David Watts Barton 2009-06-05T18:09:36Z Matthew Keys comment-8891 2009-06-05T17:18:53Z 2009-06-05T17:18:53Z And yet, it's featured on the front page of the Sacramento Press. *shrug* go figure. Matthew Keys 2009-06-05T17:18:53Z gabriel17167151 comment-8884 2009-06-05T15:19:55Z 2009-06-05T15:19:55Z Listen This Is A radio Show That allows Anyone to call and express there Opinions. Good Or Bad Or Offensive. I Am A long time listener and they have offended me a number a time so i change the station. You idiots who preach acceptance need to open you eyes and look around the way you are doing this doesn't make you look any better.Now you want to tell me that i dont have the right to say what i think if it hurts someones feelings Well Last time i checked this is America and if you dont like it get the hell out of my country. gabriel17167151 2009-06-05T15:19:55Z Oracle comment-8881 2009-06-05T14:47:01Z 2009-06-05T14:47:01Z Didn't Snapple once (or still does?) sponsor Rush Limbaugh's show? Yet it pulls its advertising on a local radio show??? LOL! I didn't like having to read a dozen paragraphs to find out which companies pulled their advertising. Since it was emphasized in the first paragraph, why hide the information? Bad writing and editing, IMHO. Oracle 2009-06-05T14:47:01Z