Left-bashing

The apparent political swing to the right going on around me has me agitated. I was listening to Q107 this morning, thinking that they've come a long way to combat the sterotype of the classic-rock listener as a blue-collar, insensitive male, when I heard John Derringer's scathing thoughts on David Miller followed by a ridiculous song mocking left-wing supporters (ironically based on John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance"). I was really disappointed, so I sent a note to Blair Bartrem, Program Director at Q107. Here's my note and his response.

What I wrote:

As a long-time listener of Q107, I'm disappointed by the overt left-bashing I heard this morning on John Derringer's show.

One of the great things about Canada is that individuals can express their political opinions freely. However, as a media outlet you risk alienating listeners when you include extreme political views in your morning program.

Many of my friends and co-workers listen to Q107. We're generally left-leaning and work in creative professions. We were kids in the 70s who spent our 20s listening to alternative rock stations like CFNY, but switched to Q107 as we grew older. We became tired of the anger-driven rock and fart jokes offered on CFNY, but couldn't stomach the candy floss being played on stations like MIX 99.9. We love the quality music and knowledgeable DJs at Q107. We're the best kind of customer: we're converts.

But today I felt let down. I'd thought that there was a place at Q107 for left-leaning creative types like me and my friends. I hope I wasn't wrong.

The concerned reply from Mr. Bartrem:

It was just a joke. We're having fun.

Have a great weekend.

Blair Bartrem
Program Director
Q107