Two Boston radio stations with conservative lineups replaced regular programming, including Rush Limbaugh, with shows featuring local Democrats who lauded the late Sen. Ted Kennedy.
Sen. Ted Kennedy, 1932-2009 |
The RadioEqualizer reported listeners to WRKO radio, instead of Limbaugh, heard words of wisdom from convicted felon and former House Speaker Tom Finneran, a Democrat "best known [for] circumventing a voter-approved cut in the state income tax."
Finneran, known, according to the RadioEqualizer, as "Tommy Taxes," normally is on the air during the morning drive but for today, "a choked-up Finneran told listeners that Kennedy's passing was much more difficult to experience than he'd believed and discussed 'the positive economic impact' of Ted K's reign."
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"According to an inside source within Entercom/Boston's cluster of stations, WRKO has been 'inundated' with angry callers objecting to the censorship of Limbaugh," the report said.
RadioEqualizer reported that at WTKK-FM, "the timeslot normally occupied by conservative Michael Graham was given to local liberal advice talker Mel Robbins, who used the time to deliver syrupy tributes to Kennedy."
"Given the unexpected actions by WRKO and WTKK's respective corporate owners, it's hard to consider this anything other than a form of self-censorship that could make a number of foreign tyrants proud," the report said.
At the SaveWRKO.com website, the commentator wrote, "Ted K’s passing provides the elitist, establishment media a chance to flex its muscles, perhaps for the last time."
"Even token conservative Michael Graham's WTKK-FM slot has been overtaken by flaky quasi-liberal talk today. A touchy-feely weekend advice talker is filling-in and providing syrupy, sugar-coated love letters to Ted K. No wonder the ratings are in the toilet," the commentary said.
One website reader added, "Today of all days, you would think WTKK would want a news / political person … Even if there were not major breaking news, does it make sense to have a self-help guru covering a political talk show?"
Sen. Kennedy, D-Mass., died late last night at his home in Hyannis Port, Mass., after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 77.
His family announced his death in a brief statement released early this morning.
"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," a family statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice."
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