Vancouver radio station CKNW has apologized for broadcasting an offensive question involving the prime minister's wife, the health minister, and a former governor general.
The incident happened Tuesday during a cross-platform simulcast of the "Jeff O'Neil Show" from CFOX and the CKNW morning show, which was being guest-hosted by Global TV anchor Chris Gailus and sportscaster Squire Barnes. Both radio stations are owned by Corus Entertainment.
Gailus and Barnes were preparing to interview federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau later that day.
O'Neil suggested that they ask Trudeau who he would "eff, kill, or marry": Laureen Harper (the prime minister's wife), Health Minister Rona Ambrose, or former governor general Michaëlle Jean.
Gailus joked that the CKNW station manager was having "a conniption fit" down the hall, then said in passing, "So disrespectful."
"No bad ideas, right?" said O'Neill.
"No bad ideas, no stupid questions," answered Barnes.
Listen to the segment at around 7:30:
Reaction was swift. HuffPost B.C. blogger and social justice advocate Trish Kelly was among those who demanded an apology.
"There is no time and place for positing the assault of women or advocating for violence against women. There is no room for a conversation that flippantly discusses violence against women," she told CKNW.
Daisy Kler, a crisis worker at the Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter, pointed out that being on someone's kill list is a reality for many women and children, reported the station.
Others took to Twitter to express their disappointment.
Another CKNW host, Justin "Drex" Wilcomes — who was criticized for asking Premier Christy Clark what it was like to be a MILF — tweeted in defence of the episode.
A few hours later, CKNW brand manager Ian Koenigsfest went on air to apologize:
"I've reviewed the tape and on reflection, I personally don't find that funny. I think it's offensive to women, and at the first opportunity I have now, I want to apologize to the women and men who listen to CKNW who heard that this morning. It's certainly not in the spirit of this radio station and I offer an unreserved apology for that."
O'Neill's suggested question did not make it to the actual interview with Trudeau.
.@JustinTrudeau, @sbarnesglobal & @chrisgailus@CKNWhttp://t.co/M0mBgzq4fdpic.twitter.com/cUnIh6gJrr
— Amelia John (@amelia980AM) December 16, 2014
UPDATE - Dec. 17, 2014: CFOX and the Jeff O'Neil Show issued an apology on its website on Tuesday evening: "We recognize now that the segment we did with the CKNW morning show and Global personalities was in tremendously poor taste to not only women, but all members of our community.
"We hold our colleagues at CKNW in the highest regard, as we do our media friends at Global television. We are sincerely regretful that our thoughtless actions have potentially tarnished their reputations."
Global anchor Chris Gailus also tweeted in response to the uproar:
(H/T The Georgia Straight)
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