Opie and Anthony Fan's Air Horn "Assault" On Reporter Draws NJ Gov's Wrath

Anthony Johnson

Another OPIE AND ANTHONY fan "Assault on the Media" stunt goes awry when a fan of the XM SATELLITE RADIO hosts blew an air horn into a TV reporter's ear. 

WABC-TV/NEW YORK reporter ANTHONY JOHNSON was doing a live report on TUESDAY in OCEAN TWP., NJ when a man with an O&A sticker jumped into the shot and blew the horn in JOHNSON's ear. The station cut away from the shot before the incident could air.

NEW JERSEY Acting Gov. RICHARD CODEY issued a statement TUESDAY (12/6) that read "Encouraging fans to intervene in live news shots is inappropriate and dangerous. Today a fan sounded an air horn in a reporter's ear and this action may result in permanent hearing damage for the reporter who was harassed. Reporters are professionals who provide a great service to the public by delivering news. They should be treated with respect and not antagonized as part of a radio show gag. I won't tolerate anything less in our state. The person who committed this act should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I wish Mr. JOHNSON a speedy and healthy recovery." 

(Reporters) should be treated with respect and not antagonized as part of a radio show gag.

No charges were filed against the fan, although if JOHNSON does suffer permanent hearing damage, an assault charge could result. OPIE AND ANTHONY's instructions to listeners for the "assaults" instruct fans not to touch, injure, or fight with reporters or producers.

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