Morning Team Fired After Comments About City Benefits For Transgendered. Then, Apologizes.

[Colorado Media Newsroom]

From All Access:

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ENTERCOM Rock WBZA (98.9 THE BUZZ)/ROCHESTER, NY has fired morning duo KIMBERLY AND BECK following on-air remarks over new transgender benefits for City of ROCHESTER employees caused an uproar.

TWC NEWS reports KIMBERLY was quoted as saying, "The services that will be paid for under the new coverage: gender reassignment surgery, psychological counseling, because you're probably a nut job to begin with, that's my opinion, hormone therapy, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery."

Later on TWITTER, KIMBERLY posted, "Freedom of Speech includes the freedom to offend others. You aren't granted a right to not be offended in this life #getoverit #ROC."

VP/GM SUE MUNN released this statement, “This morning, ENTERCOM fired KIMBERLY AND BECK effective immediately. Their hateful comments against the transgender community do not represent our station or our company. We deeply apologize to the transgender community, the community of ROCHESTER, and anyone else who was offended by their comments. We are proud of our past work on behalf of the local LGBT community and we remain committed to that partnership."

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[Colorado Media Newsroom]

From All Access:

447

YESTERDAY we reported ENTERCOM Rock WBZA (98.9 THE BUZZ)/ROCHESTER, NY fired morning duo KIMBERLY AND BECK following on-air remarks over new transgender benefits for City of ROCHESTER employees caused an uproar.
We reached out to them, and received the following:

"We are very sorry for the hurt and pain we have caused anyone, especially those in the Transgender community and their friends and families. What we said and the manner in which we handled ourselves was wrong; we take full responsibility and we deeply apologize to any and all that we offended.

"Our attempt was to discuss a controversial healthcare issue; however our lack of sensitivity and understanding of the Transgender people and their plight created 12 minutes of radio we that wish we could take back.

"We fully understand ENTERCOM’s position and their decision to dismiss us. It is their right and we accept their decision and our responsibility in it.

"ENTERCOM has been and will continue to be a strong advocate for the LGBT community and we are proud to have been helpful in ENTERCOM’s efforts over our 13 years with the company.

"It is our hope that this situation can be a time of learning and understanding about the Transgender community and not a time for additional anger and insensitivity. This is a community of individuals who struggle painfully to be themselves and find the support and comfort they deserve. We believe that this can be a chance for all of us to stop the ignorance and find our humanity."

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