RAB Cuts Staff, Deals With Fake Memo

Putting Out The Fire

The RADIO ADVERTISING BUREAU announced the elimination of five positions TODAY (1/15), a 10% staff reduction, and a hiring and salary freeze, but the news was overshadowed by a fake memo sent by e-mail to several members of the media in advance of the official word. The fake memo listed names and salaries of three executives at the RAB along with insults directed at those executives and allegations of sexism at the organization, all sent with Pres. JEFF HALEY's return address.

The RAB sent a statement out to the media late THURSDAY stating that the fake e-mail was "a malicious attempt to damage the organization ... filled with factually inaccurate and malicious accusations designed to embarrass and damage the RADIO ADVERTISING BUREAU ... The RADIO ADVERTISING BUREAU is conducting an investigation into how this occurred, and who perpetrated this misinformation. We will explore any and all remedies to ensure that the individual, most likely a terminated employee, accepts responsibility for this damaging act.

"The content of this fraudulent memorandum is entirely baseless. The RAB is proud of its inclusive track record, and will not be bullied by the cowardly acts of an individual who chooses to make anonymous false accusations. We regret any embarrassment or difficulties that this act of vengeance has caused for our employees and former employees."

The actual HALEY e-mail to employees read, "I want to let you know that effective today the RAB exercised a 10% reduction in staff in response to the current economic environment and its impact on our 2009 budget. In addition we will institute an immediate hiring and salary freeze until such time that conditions permit a different consideration. These decisions were not easy to make and in no way reflect upon the performance of the RAB or any one of our highly valued colleagues. It is a simple necessity of our times that our organization shape itself to meet the needs of its members in the most efficient and effective way possible.

"Rather than share the specific details of each staff change, I would ask that you spend some time with your manager over the next few days to learn how the changes affect your role and share how you think we might be able to better serve the industry during these tough times. I thank you for your input. Today is a time for us to appreciate the service our departing colleagues gave to the RAB and to wish them well in their future endeavors. Tomorrow is the chance for us to shape our organization for the future success of Radio and our members."

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