Jackson, Tenn. radio host off air after Facebook comments

Created on Wednesday, 21 November 2012 12:30 Last Updated on Friday, 28 December 2012 08:59 Published on Wednesday, 21 November 2012 12:30 Written by Associated Press Hits: 1255

JACKSON, Tenn. (AP)—A popular Jackson radio personality is off the air for now after posting racially inflammatory comments on Facebook.

Bill Way, host of "It's Your Turn" on WNWS-FM, posted the comments on his personal Facebook page over the weekend.

BILL WAY

They were aimed at people who voted for President Obama.

Way apologized on air on Monday.

Station president Carlton Veirs then read a statement saying the station does not condone Way's remarks.

"We're discussing his comments and apology," Veirs said. "Considering the gravity of the situation, for now, by mutual agreement, Bill is taking a few days off."

The Associated Press obtained Veirs' statement from the station.

HARRELL CARTER President, Jackson-Madison County NAACP

Harrell Carter, the president of the Jackson-Madison County of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People said it was irresponsible of someone in Way's position to make such offensive comments.

According to eurweb.com, Carter said that on Friday, Way posted the following on his Facebook page: “A short message to Obama voters. To vote for him with a 9.2 unemployment rate, a (expletive) of Benghazi lies, $16,000,000,000 in debt and an Israeli war, (a derogatory reference to the sex scandal involving David Petraeus), a pimp walking prez married to cheetahs daughter ... expect what you will most certainly get. bye bye medicare. hello homeless ... I love America except for the idiots.”

"We're asking for a change of direction and attitude from one of Jackson's most famous and entertaining talk show hosts," Carter said in a telephone interview. "It is unconscionable, the language he used for the president of the United States and the first lady."

Carter said he used to work at WNWS and knows Guy personally.

"This was out of the clear blue sky," he said. "I don't know what the circumstances were, but this was surprising and disappointing."

He said any discussion of the country's problems needs to begin from a position of mutual respect.

eurweb.com contributed to this report.