GLAAD takes MSNBC's Savage to task

Right-wing radio talk-show host Michael Savage attracted a lot of attention from gay activists when MSNBC announced that he would be hosting a weekly show on the cable network. Then, right after his show premiered, it was knocked off the air by coverage of the war in Iraq. Now that Savage has been back on MSNBC for three weeks, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation says he is doing just what the watchdog group said he would--misrepresenting and sensationalizing GLBT issues. On his May 3 show Savage discussed a California bill that would grant protections to transgendered employees. Savage stated, "Here's what worries me: If a fellow goes in for a job that requires certain skills and he happens to be dressed as a woman and he says to the person, 'I want this job, and I'm a transsexual.' And then the employer says, 'Can you do this job?' And he says, 'That's irrelevant. What's relevant is my sexuality. I'm going to sue you.' " In a statement GLAAD said, "This incident is a perfect example of what GLAAD warned MSNBC would happen on The Savage Nation and represents a growing trend toward sensationalistic and unbalanced debate on LGBT issues on cable talk news programs that should concern anyone advocating fair, accurate, and inclusive coverage of LGBT issues. MSNBC's continued support of The Savage Nation calls into question their journalistic integrity."