Fresno Protest Against Media Bias at KMJ Radio

A dozen protesters from the Committee for Media Accountability, acting in conjunction with The Fresno Center for Non-Violence, demonstrated outside the studios of KMJ Radio today to call attention to pro-war media bias, targeting KMJ, the local station where the bias is most obvious.

We had contacted Mr. Al Smith, KMJ Radio station manager, in writing and by telephone requesting a meeting to discuss our concerns, to no avail. On October 9, 2001 we advised Mr. Smith in writing that we would come to the station to ask for a meeting. At KMJ, two of our representatives asked the receptionist if they could meet with Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith was not available. The receptionist said that Mr. Smith would contact our representatives to set up a meeting within a reasonable amount of time.

We intend to present our grievances at the forthcoming meeting. We are asking Mr. Smith to address the following concerns:
1. KMJ talk shows are extremely biased and promote exclusively conservative views
2. Hosts belittle and dismiss callers with liberal perspectives
3. The station generally panders to hate, verbally attacking vulnerable minorities

During the demonstration several of us attempted to call in to the Bill Manders talk show being broadcast at the time. Only one caller got through to the telephone screener who hung up on him when the caller identified himself as a demonstrator. The talk show host acknowledged our presence calling us names such as kooks, crackpots, and peacenicks.