Censorship Alert: KFI Suspends John and Ken for Whitney Houston Crack-Ho Remark

Talk show hosts John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou were suspended indefinitely earlier this week  for some remarks they made about Whitney Houston.  “John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou have been suspended for making insensitive and inappropriate comments about the late Whitney Houston,” KFI said in a statement on its website. “Management does not condone, support or tolerate statements of this kind.”

The suspension followed comments referring to Houston as a “cracked out ho” being “cracked out for 20 years,” and remarks showing surprise that it took this long.

The station’s drastic response to a small number (dozens) of complaints  is sadly, not uncommon.  It’s particularly disappointing  given the format of the show (they’re known to be direct, blunt, insensitive, controversial) and the history of the show (John & Ken have been with KFI since 1992 and are considered one of the highest rated local radio talk shows in the nation).  In addition to their history of controversial language, they also have a track record of involvement in local issues.

The duo of course apologized, and it looks like John and Ken will be back on the air next week, but the point has once again been made– if you say something “insensitive” you are putting your job on the line.  Let us know if you think the suspension was reasonable, and if you think that apologizing was the right move.

Check out the story at latimes.com and thanks to break.com for the link and audio.