Political correctness — again
Apparently based on an ages-old controversy, a key radio industry trade publication has unexpectedly rescinded a lifetime achievement award it had intended to award to conservative talk radio legend / WABC host Bob Grant (pictured right).
Scheduled to be given to Grant by Radio & Records at its March talk radio convention in Washington, the honor was withdrawn after a pressure campaign led by an as-yet unnamed individual.
Late this afternoon, R & R posted this strange note on its website:
Upon further review and consideration of Bob Grant’s complete body of work, Radio & Records has withdrawn its decision to present the 2008 News/ Talk/ Sports Lifetime Industry Achievement Award to Mr. Grant.
R&R is sensitive to the diversity of our community and does not want the presentation of an award to Mr. Grant to imply our endorsement of past comments by him that contradict our values and the respect we have for all members of our community.
If his work was good enough before, why not now? It’s another win for “diversity”, whatever that means.
Other talk show hosts have been quick to respond to the controversy. Just minutes ago, Sean Hannity interviewed Grant about the flap, with Grant telling listeners, “it’s a sad day for America because it means that an absolute kook who has no credibility has forced a company to bend to his will.”
Hannity noted the hypocrisy of baggage- laden Al Sharpton being invited to speak at the convention while Grant is shut out. His response: “of course there’s a double standard!”