Howard Stern: Reverberations Continue

I am really shocked by the actions of radio station KLSX management concerning the National Hispanic Media Coalition boycott of the Howard Stern show in light of Howard Stern’s tasteless, derogatory comments about Latino singing star Selena, shortly after her murder. KLSX General Manager Bob Moore’s editorial decrying the coalition boycott as “. . . trying to limit our free choice” was pathetic (Calendar, April 27).

I have been a fan of rock ‘n’ roll music for almost 30 years, which puts me into the category of a fan of classic rock ‘n’ roll. Music from my generation was well written--both in melody and in words. In fact, many of these songs had a message of peace, tolerance and love of fellow woman and man. I now find it totally disgusting that KLSX would air Stern alongside the songs that fought the banal ilk presented in Stern’s show.

How in good conscience can KLSX play John Lennon’s “Imagine,” while Stern offends another ethnic group? How can KLSX play Crosby, Stills & Nash’s “Teach Your Children” while Stern teaches hateful and derogatory jokes? Will KLSX continue to play the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” while Stern degrades another defenseless soul? Will KLSX continue to play the fine Latino rock of a Santana or a Los Lobos while continuing to air the Stern show and defending his right to insult and defame all Latinos with his sick observations on the slaying of Selena?

I plan my own boycott of radio station KLSX and already deprogrammed it from my car radio. I will not patronize the advertisers who associate with this station, nor will I attend concerts or events sponsored by KLSX. I will encourage my friends and family to do the same. I will do everything I can to support the efforts of the National Hispanic Media Coalition boycott. I will pursue these efforts until radio station KLSX takes Howard Stern off the air and publicly apologizes to the Hispanic community and the Greater Los Angeles community at large for airing and supporting such a program.

DONALD A. BENTLEY

La Puente

A small item in Calendar (Morning Report, April 29) says as much about the plight of our country as the Oklahoma City bombing. Linda Ronstadt had words with Robin Quivers and told the “Tonight Show” audience that Howard Stern is offensive and extremely irresponsible. Your report failed to mention that the audience booed Ronstadt.

It is obvious that the majority of Americans have made their choices. The beautiful, loving voice of Linda Ronstadt is booed while base ugliness in the form of Robin Quivers and Howard Stern (with whom she appears) is applauded. Some people never stop to consider the consequences as they pledge their loyalty to Stern and his ilk--the modern purveyors of disrespect and divisiveness.

JANICE HARDING-SMITH

Long Beach