Published: Last Updated Wednesday, June 10, 2009 10:15 PM PDT
Armenian groups to protest remarks
The Unified Young Armenians, known for its organization of the annual genocide demonstration in Hollywood, announced plans for a protest at 10 a.m. Friday against remarks made during a May broadcast on KFI in which radio hosts suggested getting rid of Armenians as a way to relieve an overburdened health-care system.
The comments, made May 13 on Bill Handel’s morning show on KFI-AM (460), have included the suggestion that officials sell off Glendale as a way to “get rid of” Armenian immigrants. A producer on the show then said, “What the Turks started, Bill will finish.”
Responding the growing criticism, Program Director Robin Bertolucci last week called the segment a “crazy over-the-top parody” that was taken out of context.
Armenian community leaders have argued the segment was racist and have said the radio hosts would never have never directed the same comments toward xxxs or other more politically powerful ethnic groups.
The protest is scheduled to take place at 6640 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles.
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KFI AM 640 & Bill Handel Protest Against Anti-Armenian Attacks
KFI AM 640 & BILL HANDEL PROTEST AGAINST ANTI-ARMENIAN ATTACKS
Recently Bill Handel on KFI – suggested reducing the U.S. population to save the government money. Then came a wisecrack about starting with the Armenians and selling Glendale . So far, it’s just tacky, and par for the shock-radio course.
One person who heard this called and e-mailed to complain. The upshot? The e-mail was read and mocked again no surprises, but then came; “What the Turks started, Bill will finish.”
Imagine if similiar comments were made against xxxs or Blacks! They would turn the world upside down until they got justice! It’s time we do the same and stop being so passive. If you are truly offended by this, then take 10 minutes out of your day and do something about it.
You’ll certainly want to hear the two clips. Unfortunately, you can’t hear the real offender off KFI’s website. Why? They’ve taken down that show from their website. Hmm, wonder why that is? Fortunately, they were downloaded ahead of time and are now available.
Radio Recording: KFI & Bill Handel Attack Armenians
To contact these people, here are some options;
snail mail address:
3400 W Olive Ave Ste 550 , Burbank CA 91505
e-mail:
Robin Bertolucci, Program Director, KFI AM640
[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
you can also go to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website and file a complaint with them.
KFI station numbers:
Main : (818) 559-2252
Programming: (818) 566-6476
Corporate headquarters:
Clear Channel, 200 East Basse Road , San Antonio , TX 78209
210/822-2828
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
Let’s flood these people. Let’s fill up their voice mail system. You can find some other numbers for them online as well.
KFI AM 640 & BILL HANDEL PROTEST TOMORROW, FRIDAY JUNE 11th at 10AM
This Friday June 12th 2009 at 10am we are asking that everyone from the Armenian Community in LA Country to be present for a protest against KFI AM 640 and Bill Handel for his Racist and Outlandish Remarks about the Armenian Genocide and against Armenians living in Southern California!
They are giving Bill Handel a Star on the Hollywood walk of fame. We will gather across the street or nearby to protest while media coverage is there. Mr. Handel refuses to apologies in regards to the comments that where made on his show; “what the Turks started Bill will finish!”
This is ignorant and outrageous and should not be tolerated!
Date: Friday June 11th, 2009
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM
Location: 6640 Hollywood Blvd & North Cherokee Ave
(Just past 3 blocks EAST of Hollywood & Highland)
For More Information contact Joseph Marashlian at (818) 971 – 5065 or [email protected]
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