Citizens for Civility & Accountability in Media

Petition to KMJ

We are calling on radio station KMJ-AM to alter their programming in order to curtail practices that we believe to be damaging to our social fabric and to civility in public discourse. While we agree the government must protect the rights of free speech we also believe that we, members of this community, have a right to speak out against hate speech.

We are specifically concerned about the 90-plus weekly hours of prime-time programming comprising the shows of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levine, Glenn Beck, Inga Barks, Ray Appleton and others.

This kind of unreasoned rhetoric, which KMJ unleashes daily, has been, and can be again, a contributor to actual acts of violence perpetrated by people urged on to extremism by the kind of programming that monopolizes their prime-time air.

As custodian of public air space, KMJ has a responsibility larger than making profit. They have the civic responsibility—at the very least—to not do damage to the society that they are part of, to promote the idea of truthful information, respectful debate and lawful dissent.



OUR PETITION: what it is, what it isn't

1. This is a call for KMJ to diversify and moderate the rhetoric of their programming for the sake of public safety and community well-being.
2. This is not a challenge to the free speech of KMJ commentators.
3. This is not a legal demand for equal time for varied viewpoints.
4. This is not a threat to boycott sponsors.
5. We do say: KMJ, you are a powerful media voice in the Valley, where is your social responsibility?

KMJ, your programming can no longer be called "just entertainment" when it begins to pose a threat to the lives of individuals and to the social fabric of our community.

KMJ, live up to your claim to serve the public interest—meet with us to find mutually acceptable means to address our concerns about public safety and community well-being.