Members of the University community voiced their displeasure at a forum Thursday about ongoing discriminatory remarks heard on KUGN, known as “the voice of the Ducks.” The University has a contract with KUGN-AM that grants the station exclusive rights to carry Duck athletic programming in the Eugene-Springfield market.
But the affiliation concerns some students and faculty who say racist and intolerant opinions are stated by some of the station’s nationally syndicated talk-radio personalities.
ASUO Intern Allison Sprouse said KUGN talk show hosts Michael Savage and Michael Medved were the ones responsible for making the offensive comments. At Thursday’s meeting, Sprouse distributed a collection of statements made by the pair.
“The white race is being snuffed off the planet through immigration,” Sprouse read aloud, attesting that she heard the statement while listening to KUGN on May 1. According to information provided by Sprouse, a KUGN talk show host was also quoted as saying, “I’m beginning to think that women should be denied the vote. Their hormones rage; they are too emotional.”
KUGN Program Director Bob Bosche said that while Savage and Medved sometimes make offensive comments, their shows are nationally syndicated and extremely popular. He added that KUGN’s talk show programming is separate from the broadcasting of Duck sporting events.
The Multicultural Center Board of Directors called Thursday’s meeting to inform the campus community about the issue and brainstorm ideas about appropriate courses of action.
ASUO Co-Multicultural Advocate Eddy Morales said that while the student government does not support racism or bigotry, it has not yet taken an official stance on the issue.
Vice President for Administration Dan Williams said he is aware of concerns that have been expressed by students, staff and faculty regarding the University’s affiliation with KUGN, but he noted that the issue is complex.
The State Board of Higher Education prohibits institutions from making contractual purchasing decisions for political reasons, Williams said. Free speech is also an issue, given that the University doesn’t have the authority to dictate what is appropriate for talk-radio hosts to say, Williams added.
Bosche said KUGN wants to serve the interests of its listeners and doesn’t want to embarrass the radio station, the community or the University.
“We don’t set out to offend anybody,” Bosche said. “But we’re somewhat locked in because we can’t pick and choose which part of the show to carry.”
Bosche said KUGN is not trying to stir up controversy. It is the station’s responsibility to get the best ratings possible and to satisfy its advertisers, Bosche added. Despite complaints regarding Savage’s and Medved’s shows, Bosche said he has received a lot of positive feedback from listeners.
“We want to be responsive to the needs of the community,” Bosche said. “And we would absolutely consider changing programming if it doesn’t fit the needs of our listeners.”
University student Shayna Snyder, along with several others at Thursday’s meeting, expressed disapproval of the University’s connection with KUGN.
“It reflects on all of us really badly,” Snyder said.
Another community forum to discuss the University’s affiliation with the station is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Oak Room at the EMU. Students, staff and faculty who wish to learn more about this issue are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions and concerns.