A spokesman for the local Anti-Defamation League office said the ADL had rebuffed an invitation to take part in a radio program which has aired “blatant anti-Semitism.”
The program is WXUR’s “Freedom of Speech” and the invitation was extended by Edward Roper vice-president of WJUR Media. Samuel L. Gaber, director of the ADL regional office here, called the bid “a belated attempt” to give “a false picture of impartiality” to support disavowal “of biased presentations.” He questioned the right of the station to keep its license.
The ADL official cited as “anti-Semitic hate-mongering” a WXUR program of August 16, 1965 in which the then moderator, Tom Livzey “engaged in and encouraged the broadcasting of anti-Semitic canards.” He added that anti-Semitism was “no more debatable than is pornography or Communist propaganda” and that broadcast of such material by a radio station indicated failure to comply with the legal standard “of serving the public convenience, interest or necessity.” He said a copy of his letter was sent to the Federal Communications Commission.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.