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Report: Controversial WBAB Bit Draws Criticism
May 12, 2006 at 9:34 AM (PT)
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COX Rock WBAB/LONG ISLAND morning guys ROGER & JP are in hot water over a bit they produced that takes aim at Latino immigrants, reports NEWSDAY. The bit, a fake commercial for "Wetback Steakhouse," invited Mexican workers "to take a break from all that weed-whackin' and standin' on the side of the road waiting for work and come on down to the Wetback Steakhouse."
The bit has drawn criticism from local Latino merchants amd immigrant worker advocacy groups, and the station has responded by ceasing to air the ad and by removing it from the station's website, where at one time it was listed among "ROGER AND JP LISTENER FAVORITES."
We poke fun at all people equally, including ourselves
WBAB spokesman TODD SHAPIRO told NEWSDAY that the station did not mean to offend anyone, and also pointed out that no one has called to complain about it.
"We at the radio station have provided entertainment and parody for over two decades," he told the paper. "We recognize the rights and feelings of all of our listeners and in no way did we mean to offend or insult anyone."
He added, "We poke fun at all people equally, including ourselves ... However, as always, we listen to the communities' wants and needs ... We apologize to anyone offended by it."
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