Charlotte Area -- Take Action! Don't Be Left 'Speechless'

I recently spoke with one of ENC's supporters - a straight ally, yay, you rock! - about the recent airing of a misleading, antigay infomercial that was shown in the Charlotte TV market a couple of days ago.

"Speechless: Silencing the Christians," was produced by the American Family Association (one of those groups who give Christians a bad, bad, bad name) and it's chock full of venom and lies against LGBT folk.

You can see the whole awful, inflammatory, defamatory video over on Pam's House Blend.

glaadBLOG also caught this and has some great information on it.

If you live in an area served by WJZY, the CW affiliate for the Charlotte area, then I urge you to contact them to complain about the show. (Obviously it's better if you've seen some of it!) It was broadcast this past Saturday night from 9-10 pm.

WJZY-TV (The CW)- Charlotte, North Carolina

Joe Heaton, Programming Manager
(704) 944-3340
jheaton@wjzy.com

Will Davis
Vice President and General Manager
(704) 944-3305

The company's standard line is "It's a paid airtime slot, and groups with a different viewpoint are welcome to produce their own video and buy airtime." (Of course, if this video talked about Jews, or Muslims, or African-Americans the same way it talks about gay folks, I daresay the TV station wouldn't be quite as sanguine about it. The fact that it's a screed against a segment of their viewers should be enough.)

When you contact them, be polite but firm. Let them know that you object to their programming choice because it's hatemongering and that you are concerned that an out-of-state group is trying to foster an environment of hostility and fear in your community. Your opinion will be noted.

Then let them know you plan to share your POV and concerns with some of their advertisers.

And then do it.

And then write a letter to the editor of your local paper.

It's all about the benjamins. If you create any kind of stir around their ad revenues, they'll think twice before showing programs that attack a portion of their viewing populace.