In the wake of  last week’s public dialogue over the racist and sexist remarks made by radio talk show host Don Imus in reference to the Rutgers women’s basketball team, we are reminded of the larger issue of media accountability and the concentration of media ownership in the hands of the few. Too often it seems forgotten that the airwaves belong to the public and that media outlets are ultimately accountable to the public to serve the common good, not simply their own financial interests.

The United Church of Christ, through the work of UCC Office of Communications, Inc. has a long history of challenging racism in media and working for greater public accountability in media.  UCC General Minister and President John H. Thomas, in a statement released in response to the remarks of Don Imus, calls for Imus to “express his profound regret to the Rutgers team, resign, and use the next months to determine how he might use his talents to contribute to a culture no longer awash in the racist, sexist, anti-Semitic and homophobic rhetoric of radio and cable talk show hosts.”

Indeed the public airwaves should be used to enhance the common good, by accurately and fairly reporting the news, including diverse voices in public dialogue about important issues facing our country and the world, and promoting a respectful, thoughtful and constructive exchange of opinions and ideas.  If the media were more justly owned and run, there would be people of color involved in producing Don Imus’ show, people who would not have let his remarks slip by unchallenged.

The despicable remarks of Don Imus present an opportunity to call for greater accountability on the part of media outlets.  Media executives should be held accountable for serving the public good and representing diverse voices in a responsible and respectful context.   Racist, sexist, homophobic and anti-Semitic remarks do not serve the public good. 

Urge the Federal Communications Commission to insure greater media accountability by holding to ownership rules that keep large media companies from getting even bigger.  To send a fax or e-mail message to FCC commissioners urging them to hold the line on media consolidation, click… www.ucctakeaction.org/donimus



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