Text of the call to action email alert:
On a day designed to celebrate the local diversity of our community, WFLA News Channel 8 was paid to air “Speechless: Silencing the Christians”, a one hour misinformation piece reflecting views that incite harm and hate against our citizens. The airing of this infomercial coincided with the celebration of St. Petersburg Pride as well as the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots which as you know began our journey to full equality. Hundreds of calls and emails were in protest to WFLA News Channel 8 unfortunately our concerns went ignored. What is at question here is not the Freedom of Speech or the Freedom of Religion, what is at question if the ethics of their actions and the lack of concern they have for our families, friends and neighbors in Tampa Bay.
When asked about airing the program, WFLA’s Manager John Scheuler stated they usually don’t screen for content, but that they didn’t think this program was hateful or vitriolic however he added that those who “chose the homosexual lifestyle might be upset by the strident tone”. The lack of concern in airing that infomercial was repugnant and it is clear now that WFLA chose to increase their bottom line instead of care for this community.
Other stations around this great nation recognized the hateful message crafted into this infomercial and chose NOT to air it. Even after our pleas to not air this propaganda, WFLA chose to ignore the will of concerned citizens. We the citizens of Tampa Bay refuse to allow this company to railroad us into accepting their actions. We ask that all fair minded people stand with us and let your voices be heard and stand with us against the unethical actions of WFLA and their parent company Media General.
Contact Scott Campbell, scsmc7@gmail.com, phone 727-455-3065 Cell or R. Zeke Fread, Director Pride Tampa Bay. pridetb@verizon.net, Home: 813-251-0693. Cell: 813-367-6792
Click here to see the Homophobic Propaganda Show.
What: A peaceful demonstration to protest Media General’s anti-gay programming.
Who: Fair-minded people willing to stand up to hateful anti-gay attacks.
Where: Media General HQ- 202 S Parker St Tampa, FL 33606-2395
When: July 15th – 4:30 P.M. Press Conference, followed by a 5:30 P.M. Demonstration
