Almost a week after the SS Rush Limbaugh sailed into sexist seas, @ClearChannel, which owns Premier Networks, finally made a statement. An absurd one, if I can borrow their language. AdAge reports (emphasis added):
“Premiere Networks is committed to providing its listeners with access to a broad range of opinion and commentary without condoning or agreeing with the opinions, comments or attempts at humor expressed by on-air talent,” the statement said. “We respect the right of Mr. Limbaugh, as well as the rights of those who disagree with him, to express those opinions. The contraception debate is one that sparks strong emotion and opinions on both sides of the issue. Last week, in an attempt at absurdist humor to illustrate his political point, Mr. Limbaugh used words that unfortunately distracted from the message he was trying to convey. We believe he did the right thing on Saturday, and again this morning on his radio show, by expressing regret for his choice of words and offering his sincere and heartfelt apology to Ms. Fluke.”
“An attempt”? “Words distracted”? Here are 53 examples over a three day period that illustrate why “an” is the wrong word choice and contrary to being a distraction, the words WERE the message.
As for “absurdist humor” … just listen to the man. Never mind that he’s lying about what she said, just listen. Hear any humor there? Anything that sounds like satire? What I hear are personal attacks and the equivalent of verbal rape. It’s about as funny as the Penn State scandal. May it prove as expensive to Rush and ClearChannel.
Sandra Fluke Statement To Congress : Letterhead : 2nd Hearing
Other stories: Limbaugh Fallout : 15 Advertisers, Two Stations || Irony: Thursday Is International Women’s Day || Seven Advertisers Have Dropped Limbaugh || Breaking: Rush’s Non-Apology Apology (UPDATE III) || Advertisers Begin Dropping Limbaugh || Is There No Line To Be Crossed That Would Turn Limbaugh’s Sponsors Against Him?
Petition: It’s public airwaves; ask the FCC to investigate, just like they did Howard Stern (petition modeled on FCC complaint form)
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Known for gnawing at complex questions like a terrier with a bone. Digital evangelist, writer, teacher. Transplanted Southerner; teach newbies to ride motorcycles. @kegill (Twitter and Mastodon.social); wiredpen.com