CLEAR CHANNEL REBUKES MICKELSON’S “FACTUAL ERRORS” ON HIV/AIDS

Submitted by admin on Thu, 2010-08-26 10:54

Clear Channel Communications issued an on-air statement prior to today’s Jan Mickelson radio show correcting “factual errors” in the radio host’s commentary last week regarding HIV/AIDS.

Last Thursday, WHO Radio’s Mickelson called public service announcements regarding HIV/AIDS “propaganda” and claimed AIDS discriminates against “the stupid behavior of homosexuality.”

In the week since the remarks, One Iowa worked with our partners at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), urging Clear Channel to correct the misinformation.

Clear Channel responded today by saying the remarks “confused strong opinion with medical fact, and contained factual errors regarding HIV/AIDS, it’s spread and current efforts to inform the public about this disease.”

“Jan Mickelson’s comments on HIV/AIDS are reprehensible,” said One Iowa Executive Director Carolyn Jenison. “Stigma and discrimination surrounding the discussion of this epidemic are barriers to prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Clear Channel did the appropriate thing in responding to and correcting this misinformation.”

“We thank Clear Channel for addressing this issue in an on air clarification, to ensure that WHO-AM’s millions of listeners will have the facts about HIV/AIDS, and dismiss the highly offensive, anti-gay and misinformed statements made my Jan Mickelson last week,” said Cindi Creager, GLAAD Director of National News. “We’ll continue to pay close attention to future broadcasts, and Mickelson’s defamation will not go unchallenged.”

Last Thursday’s comments from Mickelson continue a pattern of anti-gay commentary, including a heated interview with openly gay GOP presidential prospect Fred Karger just the day before.

Audio of Clear Channel Statement

Audio of Mickelson’s original comments (Begins at 51:25 mark)