WDMK's Keith Washington Apologizes For Online Airing Of Aretha Call

Sorry

RADIO ONE Urban AC WDMK (105.9 KISS FM)/DETROIT personality KEITH WASHINGTON has apologized for allowing a phone conversation with the ailing ARETHA FRANKLIN on DECEMBER 8th to be aired on the station's live online video stream without her permission.

WASHINGTON issued a statement saying that FRANKLIN "has been a dear friend and colleague for over 20 years" and that he was "not aware her end of the conversation was audible to the microphone.  At no time was our conversation aired or broadcast on the radio -- like many blogs and even reputable news organizations have claimed.

"It is regrettable that anybody would characterize this as unethical when she is a dear friend," said WASHINGTON.  "All I can say is that I’ve been talking about ARETHA  to my fans for years and me sharing my feelings about her with my audience was nothing unusual for me. I love her and her family dearly.  I am troubled by how the video has been received -- not for myself, but for any pain it caused my friend.  I would never consciously do anything to hurt her or invade ARETHA FRANKLIN’s privacy. Both RADIO ONE and I regret any distress this has caused to ARETHA FRANKLIN, her family or the public."

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