March 6, 2003

Brian Hayes

Program Director

WZUU

706 East Allegan

Otsego, MI 49078

RE:       Steve and DC

 Dear Mr. Hayes:

 I am the President of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Greater Kalamazoo (ADC).  ADC is a branch of a national civil rights organization dedicated to the protection of the civil rights for all Arab and Muslim Americans.  In addition to having a national and statewide presence, our branch maintains a presence, including a website (www.adckazoo.com) here in Southwest Michigan.

 I am writing to address an issue of concern for our organization brought to our attention by one of your listeners.  Approximately two weeks ago, a listener who had heard the “Steve and DC” radio show contacted us. We understand that Steve and DC is a syndicated program out of St. Louis which WZUU broadcasts in the morning.

 During this recent Steve and DC radio show, the hosts made so-called “prank” phone calls to residents of Baghdad.  During these calls, the hosts peppered the person answering the phone with comments like “Go George Bush,” “Go USA!,” and “What’s your favorite radio station?”  The hosts were laughing uproariously, and behaving toward to recipient in a demeaning and insulting manner. The recipients, for their parts, were confused, and I suspect terribly frightened.

 Whether the hosts’ intent was malicious or simply sophomoric, the impact of their behavior could not be more troubling.  We are extremely concerned about the message being conveyed to listeners here in West Michigan at times such as these, when worldwide tensions exist, and threats to the safety of Arab and Muslim citizens and visitors in this country are high.

 Ordinary people, such as the victims of Steve and DC’s prank calls, should not be held up to ridicule because of their ethnic, religious or national backgrounds.  Certainly not because they live in Baghdad. The message conveyed to your listeners here is that this behavior is ok. It is not. Our organization cannot and will not tell your station or a syndicated program such as Steve and DC what they can or cannot say.  We believe in the First Amendment, and the notion that the marketplace of ideas will determine whether Steve and DC’s voices will be heard.

 There is a substantial Arab and Muslim community in Southwest Michigan.  And while they are a vulnerable community in some respects, they are also an economic community and a vocal community. We are mindful of your national and local advertisers. ADC will take all necessary and lawful steps to let other media outlets and your advertisers know the content of the material their dollars are supporting, and its concerns regarding their continued support of your programming.  This all being said, and before any action is taken, we will be grateful if you or your station's management would be willing to meet with us to discuss means by which our concerns can be addressed, and recognition given to the risks caused by such insensitive broadcast content.  You can reach me by e-mailing me at alabib@adckazoo.com. 

Sincerely,

Ali Labib

ADC of Greater Kalamazoo 

Chapter President