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Approach to Dr. Laura |
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Compiled by GayToday
"During the last two weeks, some of you have expressed concern about GLAAD's recent work concerning Dr. Laura Schlessinger and her move to television. Although some of this criticism has been hard to hear, we know how important it is to listen. And we've been listening," said Garry. She continued: "Close to two years ago, media monitor volunteers brought the homophobic rhetoric of Dr. Laura to GLAAD's attention. A self-proclaimed "moral warrior," Dr. Laura's radio program reaches millions of listeners daily. Our path began with the unique approach of direct conversation with the adversary herself. "We then mobilized the community to raise concerns and thousands of you did. We monitored radio broadcasts daily and used those transcripts to raise awareness about Dr. Laura's rhetoric with both glbt and mainstream media. This campaign was also intended to garner the attention of Paramount and it did, leading to a recent meeting with key executives there to discuss its deal for a television show with Dr. Laura to premiere this September. (for more details on GLAAD's Dr. Laura campaign, click: www.glaad.org/glaad/eyeonthemedia/drlaura/drlaurachron.html
"Our recent meeting at Paramount included senior executives of Paramount Television, the co-presidents of Paramount Domestic Television, the head of Paramount Syndication, the executive producer of the upcoming show and the executive producer of Dr. Laura's current radio show. "From GLAAD, I was there along with our communications director, Steve Spurgeon and the meeting lasted nearly three hours. We did a lot of talking but, using direct quotes, let Dr. Laura speak for herself. "We provided them with numerous examples of vitriolic homophobic monologues and educated these executives about her primary source of research, the Family Research Council. Samples of quotes from the FRC webpage offered stunning illustrations to them of the depth of prejudice in Dr. Laura's words and her sources. "When Paramount made this deal, Dr. Laura's rhetoric was not top of mind for them. With GLAAD's work and our collective voices, they now know. Paramount didn't just buy controversy when they bought Dr. Laura; they bought trouble. "In this first meeting, we made solid progress. First, GLAAD was adamant that Dr. Laura's opinions not be unopposed in this show. Secondly, we looked for assurances that credible research be cited in any discussions on homosexuality. Paramount assured us on both of these points. Our third request, the critical one -- that we be assured that Dr. Laura not defame the gay community -- remains unfinished business. And it is GLAAD's intent to finish it. "I acknowledge that since this first meeting with Paramount two weeks ago, we have not given the glbt community enough information -- about what we've planned and about what we as a community can do together. So here's what's next. "A letter was sent to Paramount today requesting a second meeting within the next seven days to continue that conversation. We will ask for direct assurance -- in writing -- that Paramount has a zero tolerance for defamation directed at the gay and lesbian community (or any group) by Dr. Laura Schless inger. "We are hopeful that Paramount will see such a request as an opportunity to illustrate a fundamental sense of fairness towards all of us. Without an assurance of this sort, we'll call on Paramount to pull the plug on Dr. Laura and will ensure that our power as a community is felt. "A few comments on our tactics and the steps we'll be taking:
GLAAD recommends the sending of individual protest letters about Dr. Laura to: Frank Kelly Paramount Domestic Television 5555 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90038 Critics Are Not Mollified
"We need to be on the offensive, not continually on the defensive. "Our only acceptable position is not 'the freedom to publicly debate with homophobes', but, an end to the kind of spewed, continued hatred that reinforces, not just the violence against us, but our youth's high suicide rate. Words are as damaging as deeds. "Dr. Laura's spewed hatred is as violent as any single act committed against one of us. Only, it is aimed at all of us. One should not negotiate with terrorists, especially an emotional terrorist like Dr. Laura. Our bottom, and only line must be for Paramount to cancel Dr. Laura's show. And the pressure must mount immediately!" |
GLAAD's Joan Garry (left) released a letter today replying to criticism of GLAAD for not being aggressive enough against Dr. Laura's upcoming TV show 
Robin Tyler 
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