We are enclosing a copy of our correspondonce to radio station WFIR regarding the Michael Savage "Savage Nation" show which airs nightly on the local Roanoke station.

If you believe programs such like this are detrimental to your community, feel free to let the station know.

WFIR
3934 Electric Road S. W.
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
Office (540) 345-1511
Fax (540) 342-2270
Newsroom (540) 345-5955
Email: wfirnews@hotmail.com

Dear WFIR Program Director,

WFIR Radio carries the Michael Savage "Savage Nation" broadcast Monday through Friday night of each week.

I know you must be aware of MSNBC's firing of Michael Savage over recent outrageous comments made on his weekend television show. This is not the first time Savage has been guilty of spewing hate and venom which we believe contributes to a climate of fear, intimidation, and violence against members of the gay community and other ethnic minorities.

In September 2000, one of the worst hate crimes in America occurred here in Roanoke. We believe those who have the power of persuasion, especially those in the media, have an obligation to the community to act responsibly. We do not believe you would give the KKK, Aryan Nations, or other known hate groups three hours of airtime to spread the kind of hate that incites people to violence and perpetuates discrimination. You should not give the Savage Nation this forum either!

Your station should not silence free speech however, when that speech becomes dangerous to community interests, you play a role in the negative consequences which may arise from providing a platform and forum for it.

We call upon WFIR to reconsider airing the Savage Nation. We believe it has absolutely no socially acceptable redeeming values in a community like Roanoke. We cannot force you to remove this program but surely you can find something else to air that is not dangerous to a large segment of our community and their loved ones.

Savage's diatribes are not only directed at the gay & lesbian community. There is hardly an ethnic minority anywhere that is not deeply offended by this program. Roanoke has a large ethnic community as witnessed by the popular Local Colors festival. There are many of us working to create a safer environment for ethnic and other minorities. The good work of many local organizations is undermined by this gay bashing, hate mongering, ethnic trashing broadcast.

It is time for you to put your community's interest above ratings and follow MSNBC's lead in ridding society of this cancer! We ask you to do so and to do it before some fringe nut case influenced by Savage's vile conduct, carries out an assault on citizens our wonderful city.

Thank You,
Eddie R. Ratliff
Executive Director
Roanoke7, Inc.

On the web at http://www.roanoke7.com

Roanoke7 (R7) is a non-profit 501(c)(3)agency that educates and advocates for stronger, safer communities through anti-hate programs that advance understanding of diversity and minorities. Out to Change (OTC) is a diversity project of Roanoke7. Contributions are tax deductible as permitted by law.

Roanoke7 was honored this year to be in the company of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Internationl Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission as Top Ten Finalists for the 2002 Subaru Rainbow Leadership Award. Thanks to all who cast a vote for Roanoke7.