Update: Received a call from a public relations rep at the corporate office. She stated unequivocally that this ad violates their corporate policies. She promised to look into it and get back to me.
Update II: Received a written statement from corporate. See end of diary.
I admit it. I tune in to wingnut radio now and then. I find it useful to combat the malaise that I'm sure many of us have felt at times. After listening in small doses, I become more motivated to contribute, volunteer, call, write, lobby friends, and generally become more actively engaged rather than tsk-tsking about the decline of our governance and public discourse. Outrage is indeed a great motivator.
Though I disagree with virtually everything I hear from conservative talk radio hosts, I will be the first one to defend their right to free speech. But when their racist rhetoric is used as an integral feature of the corporate advertising run on their stations, it is then appropriate to take note of that so that those of us who disagree can deny our consumer dollars to those corporations who run racist advertising. Follow me after the fold and I will share with you what I heard from Michael Graham this morning on WTKK in Boston and my subsequent futile attempts to get anyone to step up and claim responsibility for the content of the ad.
At approximately 8:35 this morning EST while I was driving my son to school, WTKK radio host Michael Graham did an ad for the company 1-800-GOT-JUNK. I am sure many of you have seen their trucks and some have no doubt used their service. In short, this company will come into your home and remove junk from your basements, attics, and garages. While extolling the virtues of the company, Graham drew the following comparison between 1-800-GOT-JUNK and their competitors. I cannot rightfully enclose this in quotes, since I was in the car and couldn't transcribe the comment, so I will use italics. WTKK has, of course, refused to provide a recording of the ad or a transcript of the ad copy, citing client confidentiality (details of responses in a diary tomorrow, but I will note for now the absurdity of this position after the ad has been broadcast over public airwaves).
Graham drew a comparison between the blue-uniformed and professional employees of 1-800-GOT-JUNK and those of their competitors, who he said hang out in the parking lot of Store 24 and jump into the back of pick-up trucks in the morning. He then stated that you don't want THOSE people in your home. Capitals are used because he emphasized the word THOSE.
I'm sure there are few among us who do not understand the doggie whistle that Graham is using here.
So is this kind of advertising the brainchild of 1-800-GOT-JUNK or was it an ad lib by Michael Graham? I have earnestly tried to find out.
I have now made two calls to the corporate office of 1-800-GOT-JUNK, two calls to the local franchisee, two e-mails to the local frachisee and two e-mails to WTKK. Varying responsiveness all-around, but duck, dodge, and some silence (corporate) when it comes to explaining whose views are reflected in this ad.
I will write a lengthy diary tomorrow and give you the details of my various contacts, as well as tell you why this issue moves me to action. Hopefully I will hear something definitive by then about just how this ad wound up on the radio. If it were me, I would find a way to say something to at least temporarily address this and protect my brand within the 5+ hours since I first contacted them, but i suppose I will give them a full business day before I share with you the details of the responses I have received.
Of course, if you want to register an opinion about this, you have to look no further than the name of the company for the phone number. Let them know you will either hire the other guys or better yet, do it yourself and donate anything usable to a good cause.
Statement from 1-800-GOT-JUNK corporate office:
I appreciate you contacting us regarding Michael Graham’s comments that were allegedly made on WTKK this morning.
We do advertise with WTKK, however Michael Graham’s opinions are those of his own and not those of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
The only broadcast material 1-800-GOT-JUNK? airs must adhere to our strict brand compliance criteria. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? prides itself on having a very multicultural workforce and is made up of franchise partners from all ages, races, and demographics.
We are concerned about the blog that you have published and would appreciate it if you would correct the misinformation. We would’ve appreciated having reasonable opportunity to research the situation and respond appropriately.
Sincerely
xxxx xxxxxx
PR Manager
More tomorrow........