Dear Source:
Bonny Corbeil, The Wall Street’s Journal [WSJ] story about Roger Morgan and Virgin Islands Senators is “lighthearted” because the reporter is well informed about the FCC inquiries into WYAC 93.5 FM (“Free Speech” station) and its violations of FCC rules and regulations. There are no assaults on Constitutional Rights before the FCC. Mr. Morgan leases the right to broadcast. There are FCC rules and regulations that apply. The rules allow for any citizen to object to a license transfer, if there are violations. Your senators have objected to a transfer of that license to “Rain Broadcasting” (Roger Morgan) because “Rain Broadcasting” has violated several FCC rules. Petitioning the FCC to deny a transfer of a license because WYAC 93.5 FM has violated FCC rules and regulations is a far cry from denying you or anyone “Free Speech.”
If the FCC denies the transfer, WYAC 93.5 FM and Roger Morgan can continue to broadcast. It would simply mean that “Rain Broadcasting” must operate under a lease, instead of getting the license themselves. There is no attempt to silence anyone, but instead we need to avoid rewarding “Rain Broadcasting” with a license when they have demonstrated that they never intended to and probably never will follow FCC Rules and Regulations. As a law abiding community, all residents are charged with the responsibility of following rules and regulations that apply to our actions.
Bonny Corbeil, I have a radio talk show every Saturday on 970 AM WSTX radio. My talk show allows you to talk directly with me, your senator. I host the show. It runs from 9:30am to 11:30am and I take calls from anyone. We also broadcast live on the internet at www.wstxam.com. In addition, there are many other talk shows that you can call if you don’t want to speak to me directly. So Ms. Corbeil, you are not being denied “Free Speech”; rather your Senators are protecting you from those that may be violating certain basic and fundamental rules that govern the radio airwaves.
If I were to ask you or Roger Morgan for a public apology for the misinformation, disrespect and utter disdain you both have shown for our community, you would probably laugh. However, I think Roger Morgan owes the public an apology for misleading the public about several matters, including the FCC matter. You should be thanking your senators for exposing the violations of the FCC Rules and Regulations. Now you have the facts, the irresponsible behavior you suggested in your article, really is attributed to WYAC.
Last, I want to comment on references to the Klu Klux Klan. If the shoe fits, wear it. The clan referred to blacks as buffoons, monkeys and many other derogatory names, to promote segregation, inequality, racial discrimination and hatred. If you listened to “Free Speech” over WYAC during the failed recall efforts, you would believe that the disrespect, venom, and hatred spewing from callers and encouraged by Roger Morgan, were reminiscent of klu klux klan activity. In an era when we need ethnic, religious, and social harmony, this radio station appears to be promoting divisiveness, and segregation within our community.
Thank you for your letter because it gave me an opportunity to respond with the facts and truth. Feel free to call my radio program so that we can discuss this further.
Senator Ronald E. Russell
27th Legislature of the Virgin Islands
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