http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfb9f7yFYgw
http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/03/05/rush-limbaugh-sandra-fluke/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/03/04/7th-advertiser-pulls-out-limbaughs-show/
Rush Limbaugh, a nationally syndicated radio host, recently called a law student, Sandra Fluke a "slut" and a "prostitute". This because of her part in the debate over women's rights to birth control. Many advertisers then left his program almost immediately. He then offered an apology, which you can read about in the two articles that I provided, and decide what you think about it...(don't worry, since this is a "political" argument, I made sure to get a point of view slanted from both directions). And here's where my questions come in...but please try to make sure that we don't debate the issue (women's right to birth control) that he comment surrounds, we can talk about that in class, but I want the discussion here to focus on the reactions of the advertisers and Rush Limbaugh.
1. How do you think the advertisers (including AOL, Tax Resolution Services, and Citrix) handled to the comments? Would you have dropped your ads from his show?
2. What do you think about Limbaugh's apology? Was it sincere?
3. How well did Premiere Radio Networks handle the issue? Would you have handled it differently? The same way?
4. Do you think that Rush Limbaugh's reputation/radio program will suffer because of his comments?
1. I think that these companies handled this they way they felt necessary for your company. If what Rush said goes against what your company stands for then I think the decision they made shows what they stand for and how they feel about this subject matter. I personally would not have dropped the show, after saying what he has Rush has made a big spalsh causing more people to tune in. It was said that his radio station picks up a large amout of viewrs. Radio hosts are always saying contraversial things, thats a risk you have to take when signing your comapny up to use your ad during there on air time. I feel as though this will blow over like the rest of all the other contraversies on the radio
ReplyDelete2. I think his appology was not sincere, He said what he did so he would not get in trouble with his radio station. Even after he said it he still said that she should not go to a catholic college and ask for birth control.
3. I feel as though Premiere Radio handled the issues in the correct fashion, they had Rush appologize and said how he was expressing his right to speech. The only thing further they could really do is fire him and I personally do not htink that is necessary because many radio hosts have done things like this in the past. I would have most likely handled this situation int he same way and given Rush a warning about his behavior.
4. I think that his radio program will not suffer because he may loose some sponsers but because of what he has said he will also gain some followers because of the big fuss. Many people are nosy and interested so I am assuming they will now listen to his radio so they can hear what is going on with his appolgy and if he has anything else to say about the matter. Rush also said he has been turning down sponsors over the years so im sure he will be able to fill the spots of those who have left.
1. I think that the companies who withdrew from advertising on his show were smart. Companies need to be aware of their values and beliefs and practice these everywhere, even when associating with other companies. This reminds me of Dan's blog post about Apple and FoxConn. Apple's beliefs may be a complete contradiction soley because they do business with a company who cares so little about the humanity of their workers. Companies who advertise on Limbaugh's show need to be aware of this and take action as they see fit. If they don't, there could be suffering consequences.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel like Limbaugh's apology was sincere at all. When you apologize for something you assume blame and take responsibility. Limbaugh did not do this, and instead, starting taking shots at the Democrats. When you apologize to someone you don't say: "I'm sorry, but I was acting the way you do." Limbaugh did just that and for that reason, his apology completely counteracts its purpose.
I think that is was crucial for Premiere Radio to acknowledge this situaion and rectify it somehow. Making Limbaugh apologize on air was the ethical and moral thing to do. This also might help to restore some of the company's damaged image. They could have suspended Limbaugh from air or even fired him, but I think they realize that people who support him will still listen to him, especially since this is such a controversial issue.
I think that Limbaugh and the radio station will suffer from this event, but I think the people who will lash out will be based on their political views and stance on the issue. I think that many women, regardless of their political stance, will retract from listening to him or supporting him. I think that men will be more forgiving. I do feel, though, that Limbaugh will continue to be supported by enough people to keep him successful in the radio industry.
1. How do you think the advertisers (including AOL, Tax Resolution Services, and Citrix) handled to the comments? Would you have dropped your ads from his show?
ReplyDeleteI think that advertisers handled this incident well. Companies need to make sure that those they advertise with or are spokespeople for are in line with the same ideals and principles that the company stand for. I think that Rush Limbaugh can push the limit and companies are fine with that, but when they personally attack certain groups, especially with this attacking women who use birth control with is a large number of women, it crosses the line and his comments were so blunt, that companies don't want to be associated with that message representing their company. I would have dropped my ads from Limbaugh because his statements were too personal and general in who he offends and they do not represent my beliefs or that of ones i would want my company to believe in.
2. What do you think about Limbaugh's apology? Was it sincere?
No, I think Limbaugh didn't expect the overwhelming negative backlash, and now he is apologizing to keep the stations playing him, the advertisers paying, and the people listening. He averaged approximately 15 million listeners he wants to keep them. The problem with his apology is it went right back to being negative again if not about fluke then about the left. Also i don't think Limbaugh thinks he is wrong, so it would be hard for him to be sincere when he doesn't believe in the apology he is giving.
3. How well did Premiere Radio Networks handle the issue? Would you have handled it differently? The same way?
I think Premiere Radio is walking a fine line. They know Limbaugh screwed up and he should have to acknowledge that immediately, but they also know he has a strong following and brings in viewers and revenue. It's not a clear cut issue with all Americans that he was wrong. There are people who would disagree and think he did nothing wrong, as there are people who think he is wrong in his convictions. The best thing the radio company did is make him apologize in public and now they can move forward.
4. Do you think that Rush Limbaugh's reputation/radio program will suffer because of his comments?
No, it will not. Limbaugh is known for his antics and extreme right wing opinion. I think that his loyal following will stay loyal, the advertisers who left have left, he can bring in some right wing advertisements that can fill their spots and believe in his message. He has made comments that have shocked us before, and I believe he will continue to do so.
Rush Limbaugh paved the path for his future by allowing his emotions take over what comes out of his mouth. In no situation would it have been appropriate to call any women a prostitute or slut, especially when referring to an intelligent law student from Georgetown University. I believe that yes, advertisers took the correct step in dropping Rush’s show because his image has been tainted. A few years ago, a radio talk show host named Imus had referred to Rutgers Women’s Basketball team as a bunch of “nappy headed hoes”. This controversy discontinued Imus’s radio show because of the negative image he brought to the station.
ReplyDeleteIt was enough of an eyebrow riser to hear Rush call Sandra Fluke a “slut”, but to hear him continue to rant and belittle a women in three more radio shows and using more rash terms in reference to Ms. Fluke is totally unacceptable.
Limbaugh’s apology was bogus. I felt the entire time he was looking to saver his image when at this point it is almost impossible. You do not make yourself a credible nor knowledgeable person when referring to women as prostitutes in a heated debate.
The Premiere Radio Networks handled the situation by forcing Rush to apologize. I do feel that either firing Limbaugh or putting him on probation from continue his radio show would be my next step of action. Having the ability to use choice words as Rush did should have consequences and he should be reprimanded.
I do feel that Rush Limbaugh’s reputation and radio program will suffer in the next few weeks because of his comments. At the other hand of this argument, I am sure Rush gained some followers because of his rash comments and views on the issue at hand. This issue has become a national media topic and will continue to get interest from followers of the debate over women’s rights to birth control.
1. How do you think the advertisers (including AOL, Tax Resolution Services, and Citrix) handled to the comments? Would you have dropped your ads from his show?
ReplyDeleteI think that the companies did a good job at handling the comments. I wouldn’t have dropped the advertisement because people need to know the truth of what went on as well as what was associated with other companies. Companies who advertise on Limbaugh’s show need to realize what the actions they are going to take.
2. What do you think about Limbaugh's apology? Was it sincere?
I do not think that Limbaugh’s apology was sincere. I think that he knew that he had messed up but he still felt the way he did about what he had said. In a way he just wanted to make a known apology so he could kind of hid back in and maybe people will forget.
3. How well did Premiere Radio Networks handle the issue? Would you have handled it differently? The same way?
I do not think that Premiere Radio handled the issue very well all the pretty much said was that he is a guy that can say what he wants, its his opinion. They said that Limbaugh tried to add some humor to illustrate his political point. All and all he cares about himself and if that means that he needs to fire rude comments to a young women then he is wrong.
4. Do you think that Rush Limbaugh's reputation/radio program will suffer because of his comments?
I do believe that with his comment and the way he acted afterwards will tarnish his radio program as well as reputation. If he has a sincere apologize I might think different about my answer. When people do not care about what they say and think they can simply just get away with it.
1. How do you think the advertisers (including AOL, Tax Resolution Services, and Citrix) handled to the comments? Would you have dropped your ads from his show?
ReplyDeleteI think that with the content of the debate and response of Limbaugh it was smart for the companies to drop him, as stated many times if your company does not agree with the values and statements then they should not chose to advertise. He let his true feelings shine through and offended a large group of people. Limbaugh has been known to make brutally honest comments before but it is a smart decision for companies who don’t want to be associated with his beliefs to drop him.
2. What do you think about Limbaugh's apology? Was it sincere?
In regards to his apology, I mean there is a difference between saying sorry and actually being sorry, and I’m sure he knows he messed up but I don’t personally think that he truly meant his apology because his feelings towards this subject were so blunt and disrespectful.
3. How well did Premiere Radio Networks handle the issue? Would you have handled it differently? The same way?
I feel that Premiere Radio Networks didn’t do the best job of handling this situation but they are put in a rock and a hard place. They know the content of Limbaugh’s radio shows and he has a large group of followers who like what he talks about. I think by providing the public with an apology is a good way to at least apologize to the people he has offended and for the Network and Limbaugh move on from this.
4. Do you think that Rush Limbaugh's reputation/radio program will suffer because of his comments?
Like I said before Limbaugh is known for his extreme opinions and what he talks about on his radio show, so I think for the amount of people who he upset he will mend the relationship to an extent but for the most part I feel that people who listen to his show weren’t affected by it and will continue listening for his next outrageous comment.
1. How do you think the advertisers (including AOL, Tax Resolution Services, and Citrix) handled to the comments? Would you have dropped your ads from his show?
ReplyDeleteI believe the former advertisers for Limbaugh's radio station reacted very appropriately. Companies such as AOL do not need to be involving themselves in ethical debates, especially ones as personal as this controversy. I definitely would have removed my ads as well, as I would not want my company's name tossed into the fire. Even though I primarily identify as a feminist, I would make this decision without the involvement of my own personal beliefs. Rush Limbaugh is a man who does not think first about how his actions or words will impact others or various public audiences. I would not want to advertise with a person who behaves so irrationally or irresponsibly. Not a great connection for a business partner to say the least.
2. What do you think about Limbaugh's apology? Was it sincere?
No, his apology was simply stated because a person of higher authority strongly suggested or even enforced Limbaugh to make a statement. Limbaugh is in the hot seat, and his reputation is on the line. If I were Limbaugh, I would not have wasted any time in publicly apologizing. The sweet satisfaction I have here as a democrat? Limbaugh knows he's an idiot, and made a highly unintelligent statement. There is a fine line between an opinion and offense, and there was no need to justify his belief with demeaning and demoralizing words. I think Limbaugh has caused a defamation of character for a young, bright, an empowered female law student. I am happy to see that Fluke took the high road in this situation, and did not let the controversy spin out of control from her side of things.
3. How well did Premiere Radio Networks handle the issue? Would you have handled it differently? The same way?
Exactly as the radio stations had done, perfectly. I would not have handled this situation any differently, if anything I would have been the very first network to pull.
4. Do you think that Rush Limbaugh's reputation/radio program will suffer because of his comments?
I think eventually, people will move on. This is a hot topic of debate, especially since last week's floor was all men. Female activists were already outraged, so this issue just brought everything to a greater level. This is not the first time Limbaugh has said things he shouldn't, and he doesn't exactly have an "angelic" reputation for lack of better words. His reputation has certainly taken a blow, but he will bounce back in due time. I bet he will find himself in the public eye shortly for something else controversial, but this time with a lot less female listeners.
I think the advertisers handled themselves well, they were clearly under pressure whether or not to drop their ad or not. The thing to take into consideration is the companies want to look at their image as a whole, and if their image is going to get hurt by leaving their ad then they will drop. I would have dropped my ads from his show because the backlash might have been more than I would want to deal with. I want my ad to be positive and being affiliated with those comments are not going to portray that. This world is becoming more and more sensitive, and advertisers need to be aware of the places they want to advertise their products.
ReplyDeleteRush’s apology was really fake, he was just not into it and it was evident. He was not even sincere about the “being sorry” aspect of an apology. He went on to contradict it and continue to take shots at people (democrats). If you are going to apologize for your actions or words, at least show some improvement. This is a good example of what not to do.
I think they did some of the right moves in this situation, they made him apologize which was not sincere, but it was a good PR move. By doing this they got some respect back, but I believe they should have let him go like most of us think. You have to suspend him at least to gain some respect for those that were affected by his comments.
I think it will affect him in the short term, because this is something that should never happen on the radio but does. Radio hosts are always saying controversial things to spark interest and talk on their station. I think this will be a topic of discussion for a little while but will eventually blow over if he can continue to produce other more conservative but well-designed topics on the radio.
1. I feel like the three companies did the right thing for their company’s image. I would have dropped my ads on his show to because I wouldn’t want the public to associate my companies to what he was saying.
ReplyDelete2. I don’t think is was sincere at all. It was something he had to do to make the situation look better for what he said. I strongly believe he really meant and thinks what he said about her and just said sorry in hopes it would all go away.
3. They handled it well. They did what the needed to do to help restore their name. I would have done the same thing it’s the most ethical thing to do.
4. I feel like right now it will suffer but down the road the rating will be back up if he filters what he talks about on the radio and doesn’t get involved with topics that could case a lot of tension or debate.
1. I believe that the advertisers handled the comments fittingly to coincide with their values. At the end of the day these companies have to look out for themselves and the old saying that any publicity is good publicity doesn’t work out so well. The advertisers had to look out for the good of their company and in doing so they decided to drop their support of the show. I would have dropped my support of his show as well. I don’t believe that he should have used the words he did to describe what she said. In fact I don’t see why he needed to address those comments it made it seem as though he didn’t have anything else to argue about so he took the obvious point.
ReplyDelete2. I don’t think his apology was sincere. His apology was merely to try to calm the situation and get the support back that he had lost. Any apology that takes another dig at the person is hardly sincere. How does continuing to question her motives and being condescending really show that he is sincerely apologetic? I think it was just a stunt to get some support back.
3. I think that Premiere Radio Networks handled the issue well because they stood by their values and allowed Limbaugh to continue because they respect his right to an opinion. It’s good to see that they didn’t jump on the bandwagon of other advertisers that dropped their support. I would have handled it the same because this is a situation that as soon as something new comes up next week everyone will forget about it and while we may take a hit we can recover.
4. I do think that both his reputation and radio program will suffer because he insulted a 3rd year law student for her opinion. Not to many people are going to take kindly to his opinion about her based on their feelings about contraception or about insulting women. He is going to have a lot of cleaning up to do to make it back to where he was.
The companies dropped their ads because the show did not represent what they stand for and did not match with their image and vision. However these radio stations are bound to make controversial comments and all those result in is increased viewership. No one likes to listen to a boring radio host with no action and drama.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the article the show reaches around 15 million people a week, and that is immense. The companies will not be associated to bad advertising but rather get exposure. In this case I think they are doing the wrong thing and missing out on a huge opportunity.
"Limbaugh issued a written apology on Saturday for calling Fluke a “slut” and a “prostitute,” after several advertisers said they would pull support from his show."
It is clear to me that he apologized after the advertisers pulled out and after the show seemed to be in danger. Had his words not resulted in negative actions, would he have never apologized?
The show is put in a difficult position they have the choice of firing the host or continuing with a apology. Maybe a fine and an apology would have been more appropriate, but I am not sure how it worked in that industry. However the apology was a good first step. Shall this happen continually I do not see any other option but to fire him.
The followers of this show are most likely on his side, they are loyal and as bad as it sounds this will not make them tune out but on the contrary tune in to hear more of this turbulent stuff.
The line between murder and physician assisted suicide will unfortunately never be drawn, well not accurately that is. Who is to say they are ready to leave this earth and neglect maybe their responsibilities such as children, family and friends. Suicide in general is a selfish act that should not be happening as often as it is. However on the other side if somebody is alone in this world, in extreme pain and tired of living assisted suicide might not be as bad as it sounds in reality.
ReplyDeleteIt is very surprising to me that a DR from Armenian heritage who are very religious would assist in self-suicide; however after reading a lot about this man I do not see his actions as an act of murder.
When it comes to that topic I am not really the right person to talk about it, because I contradict myself a lot. I believe that suicide is unacceptable but also believe everyone should be able to do as they please. In this case I can understand certain extreme cases but mostly i find it inhuman to take your own life without fighting.
I am not really from the States, but I would not like it if the states were "promoting" assisted suicide, since this could lead to an increase and to people giving up because they have an easy option. This is a definitive no for me and should be for everyone else.
The comments made by Limbaugh were disrespectful to say the least, and the backlash is being seen with the companies that have dropped from the radio show. Even though this is the most popular radio show in the United States, companies cannot support someone who can't talk about an issue respectively.
ReplyDeleteI dont believe his apology was sincere at all. It seems that he really meant what he said when he called her a "slut." The only reason he apologized is because he felt the backlash from the media and the companies that decided to cancel advertisements.
Eventually people will get over it and he will continue to have a great show with millions of listeners, but for now he must deal with the consequences behind his actions.