(Long Island, NY) Citing ‘grossly irresponsible‘ use of public airwaves, the Fair Media Council filed a formal FCC complaint against local broadcast outlet, WKJY KJOY 98.3 FM Long Island, yesterday.
Further, FMC issued complaints with WKJY’s parent company, Connoisseur Media LLC, and to Connoisseur Media Long Island’s WKJY General Manager David Widmer. The complaints called for termination of the station’s morning show, after the show staged a story that generated national attention and was since discovered to be a hoax.
FMC Executive Director Jaci Clement wrote, in part:
“The show hosts illustrated severe lapse of judgment in creating the hoax. Sound judgment again eluded them with their explanation that they created the hoax in an attempt to open a dialogue on a particular issue. The fact is, their recklessness cannot be justified.
“Allowing the show to continue to air would be a complete disservice to the Long Island community, as well as to our local radio broadcasting market. Eliminate it, then fill the time with something that serves the public convenience and necessity.”
Noting station management briefly suspended the morning show hosts, Clement noted: “Such an action fails to address the gravity of the situation. Essentially, the hosts earned a few days off following an ill-advised publicity stunt. The Long Island public deserves better treatment than what WKJY’s on-air personalities have afforded them. It’s deeply disappointing, and tremendously troubling.”
About FMC
The Fair Media Council is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization advocating for quality local news as vital to the health and well being of the community. FMC is one of the oldest media watch organizations in the country, and the only organization of its type to provide programming to create a media savvy public.
