http://www.startribune.com/local/12234561.html

Protesters press KQRS for firings, apologies

The radio station said it has fulfilled its commitments to atone for
remarks that insulted Indians.

By Terry Collins, Star Tribune

Last update: December 6, 2007 — 11:20 PM

Community leaders from across Minnesota protested Thursday outside KQRS
Radio, more than a month after the station apologized for making
insensitive comments about Indians on its popular morning show.

More than 70 people from the Communities of Color Council of Many Nations
demanded that KQRS (92.5 FM) fire host Tom Barnard and co-host Terri Traen
and that the station's owner, Citadel Broadcasting, stop programming
"rooted in prejudice, bias and discriminatory stereotypes."

The group gave a list of demands to KQ attorney David Valentini urging the
station to apologize in print and electronic media outlets and on its
website. The group also wants to host a weekly half-hour program.

"We're not going to stand for it," said council member Clyde Bellecourt.
"We are going to teach Minnesota the truth about who we are as a people."

Valentini said Thursday that the station had met its commitments, including
issuing on-air apologies, running public service announcements on KQ and
two sister stations and hiring two Indian interns.

"We came to an agreement, and we lived up to it," Valentini said. "As for
the station firing Tom and Terri, it's the No. 1-rated morning show in the
U.S. It's not happening."

The controversy began Sept. 18 when Barnard and Traen discussed the high
suicide rate in Beltrami County, which includes the Red Lake Indian
Reservation. Traen mentioned genetics and incest "up there," and Barnard
took a shot at the Shakopee Mdewakanton for failing to help Red Lake with
proceeds from its profitable Mystic Lake Casino.

Terry Collins • 612-673-1790