In my previous post about a phone call with apologetic program manager Tim McNamara, I asked all of you if we should try and cut a deal with the station and move on, or if we should continue to pressure them until the tape is heard.
The response was mixed.
There are all sorts of ideas about what the station should do to mend fences with the bike community; from showing up to Breakfast on the Bridges and running PSAs, to having the host bike commute for a month and issue a public apology.
Other people think that cutting a deal with the station is not sufficient and that pressure must continue to be applied until the FCC (or someone else) can hear the recording. One commenter put it this way:
“Regardless of what amends are made and what forgiveness is extended, FCC action is still needed–and lobbying the FCC (and securing release of the recorded broadcast) should not be negotiable. Why? Because federal investigation and any penalties that follow could set a precedent.
The outcome could help curtail shock-jock bullying of not only cyclists but other potentially vulnerable groups–not only here and now, but years in the future and across the country.”
It’s important to note that this program is heard in 13 other cities. Would the station pony-up for PSAs and donations for all of them too? I doubt it.
There are people who think this site has blown the situation way out of proportion. One comment said my handling of it has been “equally distasteful” as the host himself. Here’s an excerpt:
“I think BikePortland.org needs to take a serious look at its role in this process.
What I am questioning is the way BikePortland handled this. The sense of urgency and daily updates that constantly pushed for some sort of action contributed greatly to the overall perceived problems.
You are not really any different than P.K. (as an entity) and you made some of the same exact mistakes that they did last week.
I lost respect for this site over the last few days, not gained.”
I appreciate that comment and believe me, I have questioned my role in this many times. While I don’t contend that I’ve done a perfect job, I have tried my best to both express my concern for the situation while allowing the community to act in the way they feel is most approriate.
Trust me, I could have been much more pro-active in leading a protest but I am trying to walk a very fine line between being a journalist and a concerned advocate for public safety.
I know I have not been 100% objective but that is not the purpose of this site. This site is the work of only one person (me). There is no staff, mission statement, or Board of Directors.
Now, onto the missing recording.
The broadcast of the July 13th show has still not surfaced. This comment echoes the frustration of many people in the community:
“I’d tell Tim that we will decide on the course of action once we hear the full broadcast. It has been said repeatedly that the bike communtiy is reacting to something out of context, so how can we give a proper response without hearing the whole thing firsthand?”
McNamara called me again yesterday and vehemently maintained that he does not have the recording. I have trouble discussing the issue with him because I don’t believe he is telling the truth. I simply cannot accept that a radio station does not have access to a recording of their own show. McNamara has been in the radio business for 30 years and I think he’s been around long enough to know that if the tape comes out, he could be in some serious trouble.
On the advertiser front, I have confirmed that Les Schwab has pulled all their ads with the station and that the American Red Cross is very concerned and waiting for the outcome to make a decision. I have unverified reports that PGE Park and the Clackamas Fire Department have either pulled out of partnerships or are considering doing so.
Plans to have cyclists show up to Grant Park during a Jammin 95.5 picnic tomorrow are also making the rounds. The Police are well-aware of the situation. They have met several times with the cyclist organizing the picnic and they have even paid a personal visit to program manager Tim McNamara.
While I appreciate and understand the intentions of having cyclists at the park, I also know it’s a very tenuous situation that might not go as planned. Regardless of the good intentions, the radio people will think we’re there for the wrong reasons. If you go, please be mindful and put your best foot forward.
Who knows, maybe we’ll all end up playing frisbee and eating hot dogs together. That’s a photo I’d love to take.
Thanks for reading.
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I’d like to respond to the allegations that what you’ve done is publicizing the situation is on par with PK’s comments – I totally disagree.
Several times in the process you’ve discouraged emotionally-based responses that use or provoke violence towards the station and its employees. Several times you have asked “what should we do” rather than charge off in one direction. You have been careful to clarify that you did not have (and still don’t) all of the information; you have provided full disclosure of your knowledge of the incident and your role as a journalist and community member.
Considering the challenges presented by the situation, I think your handling of the situation has been admirable.
One of the strengths of BikePortland.org is that it serves to unify the cycling community by providing information. The actions you’ve encouraged are constructive and non-violent and to a level that I’ve seen as appropriate, I beleive that encouraging positive actions and community involvement, as you have, is a good thing.
I appreciate the caution that you’ve posted in regards to showing up to their picnic. For those that are going – please don’t let the hot weather affect your clear thinking. In other words please try to avoid creating a conflict that would reflect poorly on the broader cycling community.
I think the situation is simple:
a company has make statements with support and incite violence against a part of the community. Legal action should be taken. It is inappropriate use of public airways, it can hurt people.
if you listen to the radio managers comments on air, he doesn’t beleive this, he talks about us as crazies, he put up listener comments online that supported violence against cyclist.
I’m am also concerned that folks think that the “bicycle community” needs to come to a consensus about this. If you think that the managers comments were enough, fine, get started on the PSAs and using this as an opportunity to teach them and use the medium.
but if you are activism or legally-minded continue with the process of outting what happened and getting the stations permit removed.
We don’t all have to agree, we don’t all have to do everything together.
Now, get to it!
Jonathan:
As far as I’m concerned, this incident has been the shining moment for Bike Portland. This is exactly the reason that this website must exist and you have been exemplary in your handling of it.
I only found one comment that said otherwise. I think that person is way off-base and may be basing their judgement on comments rather than what you have written and done.
another thought,
I know several people who have been in conflicts with cars in the past few days. this is effecting safty. if the managers say basically “we are so sorry that we upset the crazy dangerous bike community” it doesn’t help make the city safer.
personally, I think that bike rules of the road should be on the car drivers test. I think that anyone who is renewing their test should have to take a class on any new rules of laws since the last time and have to learn all the bike laws of the past several decades. anyone in a accident with a cycle should have to a take a class with the BTA.
Saying your sorry doesn’t make the situation okay. when what you’ve done is illegal.
Thanks for the support in response to that comment. In addition to comments I have gotten some direct emails saying similar things.
That being said, I feel fine about my role in this and I have received plenty of support from the community already. Thanks.
And Jordan, I totally agree with your comments. We don’t have to agree on what to do next and each person should continue to do whatever they feel is necessary.
I can assure you that pressure is still being applied to the station and there is a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes.
I hope to have updates soon.
it has something to do with the fact that the radio station has not only pushed dangerous ideas out into the minds of car drivers, but that the radio station is doing this TO MAKE A PROFIT. Profit based on the encouragement of harm to innocent people is what governments are supposed to do, not media companies.
Jonathan I think you have done a good job trying to report on the radio issue. The truth needs to come out and the only time available for this to happen is now. I do not think you are guilty of stiring up the pot; the radio host brought that on himself.
I appreciate your efforts to calm down immature and hostile elements of the bike community. These riders do a disservice to all riders, and are probably the in-your-face type of rider that helps provoke these types of situations. I know when I’m in my car I see unacceptable behavior every week. Wednesday I was driving on Sandy near 75th and two Wheelman with years of riding experience were happily riding side by side and taking 1/3 of a lane while going about 15mph. On Monday a surley young rider swerved out of the bike lane in front of my car by the Franz Bakery and then snarled at me as if to be in a car was to be in a compact with the devil. He continued to swerve in and out of the lanes as though cars did not exist. If I were not a bike rider and paying attention I might have easily hit him.
What is needed in this situation is understanding and accountability. Cyclists need to understand the needs of motorists and drivers need to appreciate the needs of cyclists. Angery swering, threats, and name calling will only make things worse. At the same time, individuals who operate bikes, cars, or radio stations in a reckless and unsafe manner need to be confronted and held accountable. Now is the time the station must be pressured to be honest about what they are talking about on the air. It is also the time when cyclists and drivers need to extend a little extra courtesy and understanding out on the highway. This has been one of the greatest summers in years. Help everyone have a good time.
Peter Pellegrin
Jonathan, turning your hobby of this site into a platform for eveyrone to voice their opinions and follow local events is a great achievement. I wouldn’t worry much about maintaining strict journalistic integrity (as in, not expressing your own opinion) – hell, it’s allowed to be your own blog as well. I think you’ve done a great job.
I’m not going to the picnic. The radio show’s comments could be interpreted as inciteful; gathering angry bikers to a radio event is similar. There may be forum for insightful discussion, but a city park at 100 degrees isn’t my idea of one.
The radio show does not lose broadcasts, since they are required to maintain them for FCC and advertiser review. You are being given the runaround there, but perhaps the producer is trying to wait out this attention. This is regretable since it will surface from a listener soon enough, then perhaps from other channels – and then we have to deal with this all over again. sigh.
Overall, I’m glad pubescent radio is again reminded to grow up, even if they don’t.
Jonathan, you have done a great job! You are in a mixed role as a blogger – reporter and advocate. These are roles that cannot be simultaneously managed in a classical sense. Blogging is a new format and no one can fairly assess your work solely as a reporter, or an advocate.
I am convinced that KXJM is not being honest with us on this entire issue. Their apology and denials sound like the results of coaching by an attorney. I think they are in some reasonable fear of civil or legal actions and behaving accordingly.
To those who think the bike advocates have over-reached, I ask you to reframe the issue in terms that might be more familiar.
Parents – How would you feel if KXJM were to joke about throwing rocks at your children while at play? Then invite callers to tell their stories about similar pranks?
Children of any age – How would you feel about KXJM joking about knocking canes or walkers out from under their aging parents or grandparents?
Home owners – How about joking about shooting out windows with BB guns for a fun weekend night out?
Pedestrians – Would you think it funny to hear tales about running people down in crosswalks to teach them a lesson? Or just shooting a few with paintball guns, just for sport? (Oh, we wouldn’t really do it!)
Family of military in the wars – How about joking about fragging officers when they irritate you with dangerous orders? Or friendly fire on fellow soldiers that annoy you?
Flyers – Do you want to hear jokes about creating real or fictitious bomb scares on the airlines? I don’t think the TSA would find much humor in it.
Minorities of any kind – Do you think it is cute to hear jokes about lynchings or get dead oppossums laid out on your doorsteps? Hey! It was just good fun!
So do we “play along to get along?” Or do we stare these devils right back in their faces and take control of the ugly situation they deny, a situation that we did not cause, but one that has the ugly echoes of all kinds of evil that has been fought in the persuit of dignity and fairness.
That said, I think few if anyone who has had a role to date can dispassionately work this out. There are people who are trained and skilled at finding and implementing reasonable resolutions. I know that Sam Adams has a professional mediator on his staff. Perhaps he, or someone else can step into the fray and help find a good and just solution.
Cheers.
I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Jonathan for his blog, and for his coverage of this — it’s important to have this information discussed out in the open.
As a result of the discussion, I’ve certainly learned something. I hope PK has as well. In fact, I’ve gained some respect for him if he really has gone on bike trip(s). I’d love to take him along om my daily commute, and at the end of the ride, tally up the ratio of driver infractions to distance ridden and see what he thinks. That would be a great foundation for a discussion with PK (and by extension, his frustrated listeners) of courtesy, convenience, and perceived in/justice on the roadways.
Despite what’s implied by my harsh comments to one of the early posts on this issue, I do know the laws of the road — both for cars and for cycles — and I follow them. Conversely, knowledge of the laws regarding cyclists (e.g., when to yield to them) is either not known or not followed by many people in cars: people who, statistically and realistically speaking, are much more of a danger on the roads than cyclists will ever be.
Thanks for the forum, and here’s to future open discussion & understanding.
I think the responsible parties should work a day at Transerve. That should be sufficient bicycle related punishment for anyone.
Jonathon,
I believe you have been doing a great job remaining as objective as possible with such volatile subject.
I just submitted a (small) donation via paypal and I’d invite others who value your objectivity to support BikePortland in this way as well.
PS – It was good meeting you ‘face to face’ last night.
DP
Jonathan,
I think you have done a great job covering this issue. I’m sure it has been taking a huge amount of time and adding stress to your life. Thanks!
Now where to go from here. I think the fact that the station manager has accepted responsibility is key. Let’s face it, sometimes our employees do things that make us want to crawl under the table, and I’ve felt that knot in the stomach that he must have felt listening to those idiots getting him and his station in deep s–t.
I do think he is making a mistake by not releasing a copy of the show, but that is basically annoying, not a reason to ignore his desire to make it right.
Personally I think the best things to ask for are things that will promote better relationships between cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. Rather than PSA’s, which I think people tune out just like commercials, I would like to see announcements or discussions within the show about how road rage kills drivers, cyclists, and peds alike, and how can we reduce it.
Having the station be a sponsor or joint sponsor for an event like Hottest Day of the Year Ride would also be great, especially if some of their on-air folks participated.
I say once they are on your side, leverage that. Don’t shoot them for their previous mistake; you’ll hit your foot. If handled right that mistake could end up with them in the pro-cycling camp, when in the past they just ignored it, until their little trip to the dark side.
My $.02
Dave
Dave
I think the Portland cycling community should pursue a separate course of action with each party involved.
If station management is expressing regret and a willingness to use its resources to repair the damage, then it should be accepted for what it is – an expression of goodwill toward cyclists in the largest riding community in America.
With respect to the talk show host, the community, its coalitia, and their legal represntitives, should pursue the appropriate regulatory channels available.
With respect to the ‘protest’ ride by, I believe such an action could increase the risk of escalating the current conflict of interests.
At some point, we need to decided it is time get back on our bikes and ride, and hope that due process will win out, and those that have access to it will see it through.
My 2 cents.
P.K. keeps digging himself deeper. One comment he made was something to the effect of…no one called in and complained till this jackoff put it on his website. (Not quoted because I could be off by a few words, BUT Jackoff was the exact word used). This was in the article in the Willy Weekly, and the article was done after P.K. was forced to ride downtown.
To me P.K. has learned nothing from this experience so far, and as far as I’m concerned he’s the one that needs to be headlining anything the station does to rectify this situation.
Jonathan, I’m sure its been difficult for you, but as I’ve said I’m with you and its obvious most, if not, all of the cycle community is also. Keep it up and know that we appreciate it.
ALSO, EVERYONE ELSE we should all make a small donation to the site IF possible. I made a small donation, nothing big, but I’m sure every little bit counts. Jonathan has put alot into keeping this movement going, with full pressure, and that must take much time and effort. I’m sure he’s feeling it and not having to dish money out of his own pocket I’m sure will help.
All,
My comments of the negative ilk towards BikePortland are largely in a devil’s advocate sense.
Michael more eloquently and succinctly stated the crux of my issue with BikePortland’s handling of P.K. in a comment above:
“You are in a mixed role as a blogger – reporter and advocate. These are roles that cannot be simultaneously managed in a classical sense.”
It is worth restating that because he’s spot on. All I really was trying to say is that BikePortland still has an audience that will put emphasis on different aspects of the statements on the site (journalistic, personal, and advocate/political). In some ways this site is more confusing along those lines than anything P.K. will ever do, as their show is plainly entertainment.
Though I agree the site is unabashedly, and to its credit, a blog for great PDX Bike events, the lines became extremely blurred during this incident. And while the statements on the main page were generally even-handed, they’re also part of a feedback loop that includes the comments. Comments are in effect part of the integrity (and quality) of the site.
Finally I would just point out, that my comparison between BikePortland and P.K. is of their handling of the process, not the content in question. I think any reasonable person would agree P.K. was out of line.
This is just food for thought, and it was a discussion I did not see on this site.
S
All,
I would just quickly point out that the excerpts from my original post are a bit out of order. My original comment is a little more verbose and not so “wham bam, you suck” as they seem in this posts’ quote.
Reading the original source is a good thing. P.K. would be wise to listen to that advice.
S
I really don’t think the station is going to do anything. If they do anything its going to be a PSA that everyone that listens to will just tune out. I can almost guarantee you won’t see that crew out biking anywhere so that line of idea isn’t going to work.
The only thing that will make these people realize they did something wrong is the money. They don’t care about anything else. If having a guy on the radio reading bedtime stories in Ben Stein’s voice got better ratings than the Playhouse then it would be on the radio. The only reason they capitulated is because sponsors started pulling out.
The bottom line is that being lovely dovey by taking them cycling or getting them to serve lunch isn’t going to mean a thing for them. They won’t learn and next time it will be something like the gay community or the mentally disabled community (oh wait they already did that). Letting this lie is just leaving the trash in the woods for someone else to pick up.
All the arguments have been heard regarding having the Grant Park picnic vs. not having it… it’s going to be happening tomorrow, but it’s also going to be fun and non-confrontational.
We still could use some things, especially anohter BBQ grill which I would be happy to transport to the park (depending on where from). Post here or email jasun at pnxcorp dawt com if you want to pitch in.
We hope to see you there (at about NE 33rd / NE Thompson) between 11:30A – 3:30P at the park. Just look for the cyclists having lots o’ fun and eating great food.
Message (edited) from Jasun:
Hi All,
So there is a picnic this Saturday…
I could really use some help in promoting and planning this picnic and getting the word out for people to show up.
http://web.pdx.edu/~jasun/haters/picnic.html
Specifically here is what I need help with:
– I am printing up 1000 fliers and could really use some help handing them out to cyclists.
– Ideas on how you want the picnic to go. The web page is only what I could throw together at last minuet.
– PDOT. Can someone contact PDOT to get some safety material to pass out. I have a message out with Adams office to get some stickers.
– Can someone make up an information sheet explaining what and why we are doing this. (I’m taking care of this, suggestions appreciated – organic brian)
– Media. Can someone step up to contact TV, KBOO and other media that you can think of.
I know that some think that by giving the radio station attention is helping them out. I totally respect that point of view. However, people need to know and take action on this … or the station will learn that by giving money to the right associations they can do what ever they want. There can not be a NEXT time for them.
jasun
I really think that Jonathon did not exhibit the correct way of writing a story and making noise out of it. This is one of the reasons why people get mad over something so stupid. I have been a writer before and took classes on journalism. The main rule is to never just get one source and one source alone, and that’s what happened. There is only one source, not multiple. Many people who listened to the taping have said that he mentioned UNLAW abiding bikers, and many people can relate to that. My friend was actually hit by a biker who was dumb enough to not stop when he was supposed to. Though I do like the forum, I simply wished that more research, and checking on sources would of helped, instead of chasing something that isn’t there.
The D.J. and station manager are not sorry at all. If you listen to their comments on the air after the fact they negate anything that might have been said in private. In fact, I’m sure they consider the whole episode a smashing sucess (how else could they have generated this much publicity).
The lines in the sand have been drawn. There is no changing his mind about cyclists. Any donations or contributions are tainted and should be refused.
Continue complaining to the FCC and advertisers, and consider a civil lawsuit. Surely one of our bicycle and/or progressive attorneys is willing to work on this?
One more thing – I don’t think anyone should make any concessions or agreements on behalf of the bike community until the station releases the recording of the show. It’s public information that should be made public.
SO there are no similar complaints in the other cities the show airs in? I find that hard to believe.
I really lack tact and reasoning. I read things on here, and it sort of levels me out. This is a valuable resource for me, and likely for others. Keep up the good work.
You are doing a fantastic job, Jonathan.
1. Get the tape.
2. Realize that Tim McNamara has previously promised to “keep the Playhouse crew on a short leash.” See the last line of their 3rd WW rogue of the week of 2003 at http://www.wweek.com/editorial/2929/3956/ .
His handling of this situation indicates a rather long leash, or no leash at all. The consequences this time have to be more than promises to behave better.
3. Don’t go to the 95.5 picnic. They are a radio station. They’ll bring along a loud sound system. Bicyclists will have to shout to be heard over the music. If things go badly, they’ll say that the bicyclists started shouting at them for no good reason. And it’s going to be 100 degrees.
I talked with Tim McNamara (the station manager) on Thursday by phone, it sounded to me like he was sorry about the consequences he was suffering and not about the attitudes of the show hosts. He talked mostly about how much he’s suffered due to the controversy, and wasn’t interested in talking about consequences for the show hosts but rather token gestures that the station can make. Pretty unimpressive. For the hours I spent listening to the (completely disgusting and totally unfunny) show on Fri, I didn’t hear any mention of cyclists having legal right to the roads, or any other motorist-education effort. I’ll bet the show hosts don’t say another discouraging word about cyclists for a long time, but what good is that to us now that the damage has been done? Motorists will continue to feel encouraged and justified in their harassment.
I plan to continue talking with advertisers until audio of the 7/13 show is released to the public. I don’t buy that there is not an archive anywhere of the show, that’s ridiculous.
These are the companies I heard advertised on The Playhouse while listening on Friday (I’ll turn up contact info and re-post later): Subway (sandwiches), Home Depot, Volkswagen, Car Toys, ITT Tech, Bob Lanphere’s Beaverton Honda / Kia / Infinity, PGE, The Shane Company, Chevy trucks, Toyota trucks.
you should try and get the recording from that monday that was supposidly their pro-cyclist show. which with me being one of the people out there and listening to the show all he was doing was making fun of us for being out there and as you all heard said “fucking” on the air too, while laughing at some cyclist thing. that doesn’t sound to pro-bike to me. also, like I mentioned before it’s not just PK it was the other female host also. see you guys at grant.
Unlike the commenter you quoted above, I have even more respect for the great work you’re doing here. I think you have handled a very heated situation with grace and finesse. I also appreciate the humanity you bring to the information you deliver.
I also think that FCC action is still needed but am thrilled that some advertisers and partners of the station are pulling their financial support from the show.
Ultimately, the station cares more about the money than the message.
I think Jesse missed the part about trying to get original tapes from the 13th. And the part about multiple cyclists emailing and commenting to the same effect. As far as the writing and journalism goes: Unlawabiding?
Your efforts to get the proper information and pass it along to the cycling community have not gone unnoticed. Thanks.
FREE SPEECH!
Hey friends, Dingo the clown here, anyone can say anything right?
How about making a bunch of zines or videos detailing how much easyer it is for someone on a bike to “Give the bizzness” to a car?
We are silent (Critical Mass excluded) we move better, our fuel is cheaper, when they chase you a car person’s bod has no chance against a bitchin bicycle body in a hunderd yard dash, we have community, we are rarly slowed by rush hour traffic and we are everywhere!
I get kinda shaky when I hear “Leash” in response to someone talking, ya know why?
CUZ I ALWAYS SAY outlandish stuff to people.
If anyone ever tried to put a leash on this dingo, I’d piss my pants…or fur..or whatever.
HI JONATHAN YER DOIN GREAT MAN,HANG IN THERE BUDDY!
Has anyone listened to the show on the 20th?
PK responds after his bike ride with the williamette week.
I thought some of y’all might be interested, and I didn’t see anybody else mention it.
that’s all.
half pint,
thanks for the heads up on that. I just listened to that show. It was interesting to hear P.K.’s thoughts on the ride. He sounds like he really does now understand the magnitude of the problems and dangers cyclists face on the roads.
Most memorable quote for me was when he referenced the original show and said, “it was a bad attempt of a joke, it angered some people and I’m willing to fess up.”
Should be more in the Willy Week story on Wednesday.
Now we anxiously await PK’s apology to Jonathan for his “brainless dimwit” and “jackoff” remarks in “The Mercury”. It would also be interesting to hear Tim McNamara come correct and actually look the cycling community in the eye and say, “I am sorry”.
I look forward to the W.W. story but I can’t give this up just yet. Too much name calling and shiftiness from Rose City Radio to just sweep this under the rug.
jonathan, you’ve done a great job. this seems very energy-intensive, and it’s not the positive sort of thing bikeportland and shift and all the other bike stuff in portland is really about. thanks for sticking with it.
we’ve shown that we can successfully pressure their advertisers, and i at least am perfectly willing to keep that up, so i hope they aren’t planning to take back their offer to you of amends.
i’d like to hear the 7/13 show like a lot of other people, but i expect them to volunteer that exactly never, and if the fcc forces it out of them, it’s gonna be years from now. the fact that they removed that day’s show from their web archive when they could probably get hundreds of people to listen to it says it all. they know they screwed up.
if they’re sorry, they’ll do something seriously nice for bikes, whatever consensus dictates that should be.
it seems tricky to decide exactly what to ask for from 95.5. a web poll might help, maybe? you could try it:
http://www.pollhost.com/