Sun. July 30, 2006
Chicago, IL -
Chicago’s V103 (WVAZ-FM) responds to a report on ChicagoPride.com. In a story originally published on Thursday, July 27, we reported that V103 management refused to allow Jody Watley to discuss her upcoming appearance at the Gay Games during an interview on the R&B station. Watley performed at the opening ceremonies on July 15 at Soldier Field.
According to KeithBoykin.com, a disc jockey (Herb Kent) gave Watley instructions before her live in-studio interview not to discuss the Gay Games. That request was attributed to V103’s station manager. Watley complied with the gag order.
Author Keith Boykin, who also appeared at the opening ceremonies, says Watley shared details in a conversation backstage at Soldier Field before the opening. "I was surprised but I wasn’t really surprised," Watley told Boykin.
After receiving a number of calls following our original article, Angela Ingram, Vice President, Communications for Clear Channel Radio-Chicago, tells ChicagoPride.com the request was made not as a slight but to allow this particular interview between Watley and V103’s Herb Kent to focus primarily on Watley's music given the amount of time allotted for the interview.
Additionally, Ingram stressed that V103 promoted the Gay Games during afternoon-drive with call-in segments and other interviews throughout the week leading-up to the opening ceremonies.
WVAZ is a Clear Channel Communications property which also owns WGCI and WKSC (KISS-FM) and several other Chicago radio stations. Watley appeared on KISS-FM the day before and openly discussed her appearance at the Gay Games.
Clear Channel recently launched Pride Radio on the HD side channel of WKSC (KISS-FM) with content designed especially for Chicago’s gay and lesbian population.
Chicago-native Watley is a Grammy-Award winning artist who has sold more the 20 million albums and singles worldwide.
Photo: Jody Watley performs at the Gay Games Opening Ceremony at Chicago's Soldier Field.
Photo by: Frank Failing, Male Image Photography
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