Let 98.5 The Sports Hub/CBS Radio Know that Degrading “Humor” Against Women and Transgender people is Not OK for the Airwaves

Joint Action Alert from JDI and the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition

This morning on the Toucher and Rich show on 98.5 The Sports Hub excerpts of the “Naughty Massaroti” album (http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/20/toucher-rich-naughty-massarottis-christmas-album/ ) were played. The selections chosen were “humor” pieces depicting stalking and the sexual harassment of women and the second selection was mocking transgender women.

"It's a sad day when some men continue to think it's acceptable to make light of violence against women and treat people, including transgender people, with disrespect.  Through the White Ribbon Campaign, thousands and thousands of men and boys in Massachusetts and around the world have shown that they align themselves with a more positive form of masculinity that values respect and equality as a solution to ending violence and abuse," said Craig Norberg-Bohm, Coordinator of Jane Doe Inc.'s Men's Initiative.

“This type of “humor” also contributes to a climate of intolerance to those who are transgender. Using the myths and negative stereotypes about transgender women, and the depictions described in the song to be “humorous,” are actually dehumanizing and degrading to transgender women,” said Gunner Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition.

We encourage you to send an email to Mike Thompson, Vice President of Programming for CBS RADIO Boston and asking that 98.5 The Sports Hub and the on-air personalities Tony Massarotti, Fred Toucher and Rich Shertenlieb apologize on air for these comments and request the management of 98.5 The Sports Hub receive media training on issues of sexual violence and accurate reporting on transgender communities.

Contact Mike Thompson at mike.thomas@cbsradio.com