Archived Movable Type Content

November 19, 2004

Banned in Tampa: Update

Here’s the latest update on my suspension from WMNF.

Again, thanks to all who have contacted myself and or WMNF to support my cause.

At this moment, I am trying to set up a meeting with Station Manager Vicki Santa and Program Director Randy Wynne to see if we can hash things out.

I have until Tuesday (or maybe Wednesday, depending on how the rules are interpreted) to file a grievance over the handling of this situation, and I will do so if I feel it is necessary.

The oddsmakers say there’s a chance that my punishment may be lightened, but I’m not holding my breath, and at this point, Randy has said that I have lost my show, so even if my “indefinite” suspension is lifted, I may be a programmer without a show.

I maintain that Randy overreacted and I think that he is now trying to justify his actions after the fact by crying “intent to shock,” but regardless of the merits of the charges against me, I should have been given the courtesy of a face to face meeting and an opportunity to explain or defend myself before a verdict and punishment were meted out.

Had Randy arranged a face to face meeting, it’s quite possible that we could have dealt with the problem immediately to everyone’s satisfaction.

Many station volunteers are irate at the way things were handled, and feel that station management is abusing its power in this case.

There is now an easy link right there on the left in the sidebar which will take you to all of the posts relating to this developing situation.

Oh, and if you haven’t already, or if you have more to say, contact Vicki (vicki@wmnf.org) and or Randy (randy@wmnf.org) and tell them just how you feel about this whole mess. Both can be reached at 813-238-8001.

Posted by Norwood at November 19, 2004 11:16 AM
Comments

As much as *I* don't have a particular problem with anything you did on the show, I cannot blame WMNF in an atmosphere where the local TV station didn't air Saving Private Ryan on Veteran's day for fear of FCC repurcussions because of foul language.

It's B.S., but it's the country we're living in right now.

Posted by: Mike at November 21, 2004 01:12 PM

Well, maybe you can't, but I can.

Because it's precisely the dedication and sacrifice of volunteers like Norwood that have made WMNF the best radio station I've ever listened to. So the minute that WMNF sees the possibility of trouble looming on the horizon, they cut him loose and pretend they don't know him - and that's supposed to be okay?

It's cowardly, is what it is. And extremely disappointing.

Posted by: spencer at November 22, 2004 04:30 PM