In April 2006, George Takei visited Dallas during an HRC tour. As a longtime terrestrial Stern fan, I wanted to ask Takei why Howard and Artie Lange always drop F bombs. While Stern’s listeners use every disparaging term in the minority handbook, Stern and Lange never utter the N word — out of respect for African-American co-host Robin Quivers.
When that interview ran, I got a truckload of “disappointing†e-mails from Dallas Morning News advertising editor Jon Garinn — because I didn’t approach the Takei interview in the same spoon-fed manner that every other gay cheerleading journalist took.
In December 2006, when I interviewed Jennifer Hudson, Garinn wrote Dallas Voice a letter — calling my professionalism into question because of Takei interview.
Well, yesterday, Lange finally self-destructed on-air and resigned. Lange had been arguing with his assistant, which nearly became physical. And Lange even said, “I hope he dies of AIDS.â€
Since going to Sirius satellie, I haven’t had the pleasure of listening to Stern (whom I worship). And while researching yesterday’s Lange fiasco, I came across this Gay.com article, which said:
[Lange] also maintains an unlikely but genuine friendship with openly gay actor and recurring Stern star George Takei. As his mentor, Takei even convinced Lange to do a public service announcement for gay-equality group the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), pledging $100 for each on-air use of the word “fag.”
The undeniably funny Lange is obviously working through more than just his internalized homophobia. And I hope Takei and the rest of Stern’s gay fans are in Lange’s corner before he turns into another John Belushi.
The headline says it all: “Kusner takes full credit.” When I took Mr. Kusner to task for his ambush-style journalism, I noted that he was grandstanding. He clearly covets glory and attention, to the continued discredit of Dallas Voice. When journalists become part of the story, their role as an impartial observer is compromised on several levels. When journalists crow about what they’ve done, it’s grandstanding, pure and simple. Mr. Kusner’s lack of objectivity too often has been problematic for Dallas Voice readers. They have repeatedly questioned his motives, and rightly so.
And advertorial editors — like Garinn — never compromise their objectivity.
Advertorial editors make no pretense of objectivity. We are what we are. Our task is to craft custom messages for our clients or to produce content that provides a positive environment for our advertisers. Mr. Kusner may consider me a gay cheerleader who simply parroted Mr. Takei’s story, but I delivered the message that our client — Coming Out Project DFW — expected me to deliver. My assignment was to present a positive image of a gay role model, and to do so in a context that general readers could relate to. Mr. Takei’s coming out story was not only timely but relevant. That he was able to frame the same-sex marriage issue by his childhood experience in American internment camps was compelling and made an important contribution to the discussion. Where Mr. Kusner errs repeatedly is in constantly pushing his personal agenda while masquerading as a journalist.
You ladies need to simmer down now!!! Ya’ll need to have a Dynasty styled throwdown at J.R.’s and utilize the stairway for your finale. That could be an entrance Jenna Skye would appreciate. I’ll be standing and modeling with my Belvedere Cosmopolitan in tow.
Jon – As anyone who has been ambushed by Kusner’s abusive style knows, he’s out to tear everyone else down to prove something about what a great journalist he is. And why does no one complain to the owner of the Voice? Because they are afraid their groups will no longer get any coverage if they say anything. My advice to anyone who gets a call from him is to slam down the phone. If you don’t tell Kusner what he wants to hear, he’ll slam the phone down on you anyway. He’s not only done it to me, but to friends in other groups as well.
I’ve complained to Robert Moore, publisher of Dallas Voice. In fact, the letter I wrote to Dallas Voice (which is linked above) was an e-mail I sent to Mr. Moore. I contacted him from my Dallas Morning News account thinking we would have a strictly professional exchange. Instead, I received no response from Mr. Moore and my e-mail to him appeared in the paper as a Letter to the Editor. Had I been contacted in advance I would have clarified that my message was not intended for publication. Needless to say, I have been reluctant to comment since then, although I’ve certainly had good reason to do so. The latest incident involved Mr. Kusner’s unprofessional conduct at a Chelsea Clinton appearance. He not only questioned Ms. Clinton in a way that clearly revealed his bias (“Why can’t your mother stoop low enough to grant full, equal marriage rights for same-sex couples? Or is the word ‘marriage’ too sacred for the Clintons?”), he also boasted about it in a front-page “news analysis.” One can only conclude that Mr. Moore retains Mr. Kusner for reasons other than his journalistic integrity or interview skills.
Does this Jon Garrin work at Rod Dreher’s Dallas Morning News. The newspaper that is probably the most homophobic in this United States of America. The same DMN that made fun of Tammy Faye Bakker when she passed away? The same DMN that refused to support the most experienced candidate for Mayor because he was gay? The newspaper that has such a close connection to Jesus that he validates their parking?
Jon, how many times a month do you think Rod Dryhole and his beard, do a bit a subtle gay bashing? Where is the GLBTQ section of the paper?
How many people at the DMN have their lips surgically implanted on George W. Bush’s ass?
The Dallas Morning News does nothing but permeate the concept that Dallas is a bible thumping, homophobic, racist, red neck hick town.
At the very least, you should clean the shit off the windows in your glass house before throwing anymore stones at Mr. Kusner.
At the risk of sounding pedantic, I’d like to enlight Mr. Jett and Kia on an essential point: Most newspapers have a clear division between news and editorial, and between news/editorial and advertising.
Regarding news/editorial: There are separate departments for news and editorial, each with a distinct mission. The paper’s managing editor runs the news coverage. This coverage must be as objective and multifaceted as possible. The paper’s editorial coverage is, by definition, interpretive and opinionated. American newspapers have a long tradition of participating in the great debates of the day, of seeking to be a protagonist and trying to persuade readers to a particular viewpoint. News doesn’t dictate editorial coverage, nor does the editorial department dictate news coverage. It is unfortunate, therefore, that Mr. Jett feels the need to paint the entire Dallas Morning News organization with such a broad brush. Mr. Dreher’s opinion is not necessarily that of The Dallas Morning News, nor of the many gay and lesbian people who work there.
Regarding advertising: There is a a clear delineation of duties between those who produce advertisements and those who produce advertorial content. At The News, I work with a team of seasoned writers and editors who create and edit content for special sections, vendor sections, custom publications, retail content projects, marketing collateral, classified advertorials and daily features. Although I hold a master’s degree in journalism and I have worked on the news side, I have no desire to work as a “real journalist,” contrary to Kia’s assertion. I enjoy the challenge of working closely with clients to develop custom messages by producing content that grabs readers’ attention and holds their interest.
Where Mr. Kusner does a disservice to Dallas Voice readers is in editorializing the news — allowing his bias and opinion to hold sway over his coverage.
I must say very interesting exchange.
As to Robert Moore, I to have contacted him over the content of his paper, and choices that were made.
Informed him that once I was in a position that allowed me to spend a lot of money advertising, and if I ever end up in a situation like that I would spend my money elsewhere. Sadly someone who i considered a dear friend took great offense to my email and has chosen to write me off. I have always been told by that friend that Advertising and Editorial don’t mix, for which i so disagree. Robert has alienated a lot of the community over the years and I just see it getting worse.
As for Daniel’s style I must admit I have not noticed that, but then again i chose which issues I allow to affect me.
Having met Daniel and knowing some of his close friends I find him charming and witty. And by this blog posting willing to stand up for himself.
PJW
Jennifer Hudson called, she wants her dignity back
John Garrin called, he wans a job as a real journailist
Mark called, he wants his 15 seconds of fame
Daniel Kusner called, he wants to be an advertorial editor
Jack E Jett called, he wants a conservative blowjob
PJW called, he wants a huge ad budget