[Speed Gibson,
Monday November 5, 2007 at 11:41am]
The events at KNSI
First, let me say that all 8 hours of local Saturday programming on the Patriot were very good despite struggling with the new equipment.
On the "Final Word" segment (3-5 pm), King and Michael talked to Andy Barnett, former talk show host at KNSI 1450 in St. Cloud. He was fired, ostensibly for his choice of questins for some City Council candidates, choices like abortion and same-sex marriage. More specifically, the firing was in response to complaints about those questions. The details are at True North.
My heart goes out to Andy Barnett, but from what I've read and heard, including Barnett's own account, my head is with the station management on this one. Regardless, the worst behavior by far was that of the complaining candidate(s). I again ask, why are liberals so convinced they're right yet are so uncomfortable defending them in public?
Getting back to KNSI, abortion and same-sex marriage just aren't local issues. Barnett gave a couple of weak examples showing how they could relate to other local issues, but this just isn't good enough. Frankly, I think the intent was there to embarrass the candidates. If Barnett was adamant with management as I think I heard him say he was, then yes, he'd be gone at my station, too.
On the "Final Word" segment (3-5 pm), King and Michael talked to Andy Barnett, former talk show host at KNSI 1450 in St. Cloud. He was fired, ostensibly for his choice of questins for some City Council candidates, choices like abortion and same-sex marriage. More specifically, the firing was in response to complaints about those questions. The details are at True North.
My heart goes out to Andy Barnett, but from what I've read and heard, including Barnett's own account, my head is with the station management on this one. Regardless, the worst behavior by far was that of the complaining candidate(s). I again ask, why are liberals so convinced they're right yet are so uncomfortable defending them in public?
Getting back to KNSI, abortion and same-sex marriage just aren't local issues. Barnett gave a couple of weak examples showing how they could relate to other local issues, but this just isn't good enough. Frankly, I think the intent was there to embarrass the candidates. If Barnett was adamant with management as I think I heard him say he was, then yes, he'd be gone at my station, too.
I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment based on just the audio from the date in question. However, when I get in the studio again I will try to find another prime example of his modus operandi which is an interview with Rep. Larry Hawes.
If I find that audio there will be a better understanding of how the 11/2/07 show was just that last of a long line of similar credibility-tarnishing events.