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98Rocked: Ten Advertisers Withdraw Over Transgender Comments

by Matthew Keys, published on June 6, 2009 at 6:13 PM

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In the wake of controversial comments made by morning show presenters Rob Williams and Arnie States on KRXQ 98.5 FM, nine companies have responded by either discontinuing or agreeing not to renew advertisement support on Sacramento's rock station.

The nine companies -- Chipotle, Snapple, Sonic, Bank of America, Verizon Wireless, Carl's Jr., Nissan North America, AT&T and McDonald's -- all announced through the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) that they were withdrawing support from KRXQ, known on-air as "98Rock," which is the flagship station for the popular "Rob, Arnie & Dawn Show."

"McDonald's has a proud legacy of diversity and inclusion," read a statement prepared by McDonald's USA LLC. "The views expressed by (Williams and States) are not consistent with our core values. As such, we are in the process of withdrawing advertising from KRXQ until further notice."

Wells Fargo Bank, whose logo was removed from the KRXQ website shortly after May 28th, issued a statement saying it was not an advertiser of the May 28th broadcast and had not advertised on the station for more than a year.

The withdrawal of support comes nearly two weeks after Williams and States made controversial comments regarding transgender children, referring to them as "freaks," "fruits" and claimed that transgendered people suffered from "medical conditions" in which they felt the need to "bring attention to themselves."

"God forbid if my son put on a pair of high heels, I would probably hit him with one of my shoes," States quipped.

Williams and States addressed, but did not apologize for, their comments in a follow-up segment on June 3rd. They also expressed disinterest in commenting to the media on the current controversy.

So far, the withdrawal of advertisement does not appear to affect station KDOT 104.5 FM in Reno, which syndicates the "Rob, Arnie & Dawn Show" along with KRXQ 98.5 FM in Sacramento.

 

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June 7, 2009 | 1:51 PM
RAD is SO gone
from their website
http://www.robarnieanddawn.com/

sometimes the good guys and gals WIN!
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June 7, 2009 | 3:59 PM
An update to this article...

http://sacramentopress.com/headline/9041/98Rocks_Rob_Williams_To_Fans_We_Have_Failed_You
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June 7, 2009 | 5:46 PM
Yes, everyone should be judged by the comments they make that you disagree with. Even Supream Court nominations.
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June 7, 2009 | 9:10 PM
I left KRXQ when the Rise Guys left. They were the coolest. I tried listening to RA&D and couldn't stand them. This just solidifies how much I dislike them
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June 7, 2009 | 9:29 PM
I will support Rob, Arnie and Dawn to be able to say Anything they want on their talk show. It's about entertainment and if people are going to pick apart a line or two out of a 5 hour show and make a big deal out of it then I just can't sit and listen to these protestors. These groups are just about advocating their singular mindset and goals and making the entiore society conform to how they want us all to accept them. Why can't we be okay that some people won't accept you and yourlifestyle? It happens. People have opinions and they express them. They weren't trying to start a group to go around beating transgenders. They were just talking. Knee jerk reactions are never good.
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June 8, 2009 | 8:37 AM
And I will, likewise, support people who want to call out morons who make bigoted statements during in a 5 hour show of juvenile drivel. And just as you " just can't sit and listen to these protesters", the protesters are letting the station and their advertisers know that they don't plan on listening to Rob, Arnie and Dawn. If you feel otherwise, then start your own campaign and let the station decide. Or maybe you can start your own radio station with your own rules.
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June 8, 2009 | 12:23 AM
They should have been kicked off the air years ago for not being funny...ever.
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June 9, 2009 | 3:09 PM
I had heard that derogatory comments toward transgendered people were made on their show, but hadn't heard what the actual comments were until now. Your article filled in the gaps for me, thank you.
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