New York, NY, January 26, 2005 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the apology from New York radio station WQHT-FM "HOT 97" for airing an offensive "Tsunami Song" that used ethnic slurs and made light of the humanitarian disaster in Southeast Asia.

In a statement posted on its Web site, HOT 97's corporate parent Emmis Radio apologized to listeners and announced that those responsible for the song, including the morning host, Miss Jones, have been indefinitely suspended.
 
Joel J. Levy, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

We commend Emmis Radio and HOT 97 for showing corporate responsibility by taking swift action in response to this incident by making clear to its listeners and the public that the company and its management will not tolerate derogatory or racially insensitive content.

While there are some issues that are open to parody, making light of the horrific humanitarian tragedy in Southeast Asia is clearly beyond the bounds of decency and taste.  This song was totally insensitive and offensive on a number of levels, and should have never been aired.

While we are pleased that the station has done the right thing, we hope that Miss Jones understands the impact of her statements, and that words can have consequences.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.