KOSU, Stillwater, Oklahoma
takes pride in Oklahoma music. The dual-format station offers ample helpings of
Americana, rockabilly and alternative rock music. However, one of KOSU’s
signature programs – For the Sake of the
Song – is now missing from the schedule.
The show was cancelled
after host Greg Johnson commented on the August 19th program about
President Donald Trump.
His one sentence rant – Trump has got to go – led to
the immediate cancellation of For the
Sake of the Song.
Now fans of the program have taken to social media to
protest what they consider to be KOSU’s hasty, cover-your-ass, response.
 |
| Greg Johnson |
Greg Johnson had been an
important ally for KOSU. For over 25-years, Johnson has owned The Blue Door, a popular music venue in downtown OKC. He had hosted For the Sake of the Song on KOSU since
2014.
The program celebrated the craft of songwriting, featuring contemporary
folk and Americana artists. Guests have included Jimmy Webb and Harry Nilsson.
Having a visible presence
in downtown OKC is important for KOSU. The station originates some of its
programming from the heart of the city.
KOSU competes head-to-head with KGOU from
nearby Norman for bragging rights and revenue from the state’s largest market.
KOSU’s abrupt exit from
the partnership was lightning swift. Johnson was told without warning the day
after he made his on-air comment. According to a report in the Daily O'Collegian [link], KOSU’s station
director, Kelly Burley, posted this statement regarding Johnson’s firing on the
KOSU website:
“We recognize the discord in our current political
climate, but we are dedicated to reporting facts in our news coverage and
providing a haven of respite in our entertainment coverage. Careless words
could affect KOSU’s ability to keep its license as a non-commercial
broadcaster.”
Johnson told local media
that his comment about Trump should have not been a surprise:
“I’ve been very outspoken about this president and
the threat he presents to our democracy. I say ‘resist’ at the end of every
show; I’ve done this since inauguration day.”
 |
| KOSU underwriting promo |
Fans of For the Sake of the Song see the cancellation
as a chilling act of censorship. Comments appeared quickly on KOSU’s Facebook
site as well as other social media pages.
“I loved listening to "For the Sake of the
Song," and KOSU in general. As a longtime NPR listener and fan of Oklahoma
generally, I was startled to hear that the show has been taken off the air because
the hosthas been critical of our current president. I hope you will revisit
this decision and reinstate the show. I know I won't be back to listen until
you do.”
“Great stations are built
around freedom of expression. Please bring Greg's show back. Sounds like a
warning will do, and he would let the songs do the speaking in the future. For
the sake of the songs, please do the right thing here.”
SPARK NEWS RETURNS
Frequent readers of this
blog know that my reporting is a part time effort. I do full time consulting
for various clients to pay the bills.
I publish this blog because I hope public
media, and public radio in particular, can continue to bring trustworthy,
noncommercial information and ideas to America. This blog is one way to make a
difference.
In mid August I added a
major new client and needed to clear my desktop to begin my work for them. So I
took a couple of week’s off from blogging.
I did take the time to
refresh the site, including these changes:
• I know that lots of
readers stop by for the latest ratings information. I am now using a separate
page so that Nielsen Audio data will be easier to access. Look for the tab “Nielsen Noncom Ratings” on
the right side of the page.
• I’ve switched my blog
name from SPARK! to Spark News. To me, Spark News, sounds more active and lyrical.
• I deleted the picture of
me that was in masthead. I was tired of
looking at it and thought you probably were too.
• I revised, and hopefully
simplified, the page navigation and appearance. As always, I appreciate your
comments. You can email me at
publicradio at Hotmail.com.
I hope you like the changes!
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