Savage Loses Advertisers Over Autism Remarks

[Hamlette]

Michael Savage -- one of the most popular talk show hosts in the nation -- is used to controversy. It's been one week since Savage made controversial remarks about autism, referring to those diagnosed with the condition as "brats, idiots, and morons."

Several big advertisers have pulled their commercials from the syndicated "Savage Nation" radio show, and now, thousands of parents and protesters are urging Savage to step down, calling his words "hate speech."

And the backlash didn't stop there. Sponsors of Savage's radio show, such as AFLAC Insurance and Home Depot, have pulled their advertisements. Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus gave $25 million for the creation of Autism Speaks, in 2005, and sits on the group's board of directors.

Savage's syndicator, Talk Radio Network, issued a statement in his support: "The network is satisfied that he did not mean any disrespect to autistic children or their families, but was, instead, reiterating his longstanding concerns on public health issues."

http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=5457991

The defense is pretty funny...well shameful if truth be known.

Interesting that his comment about autism might be what brings him down after all the horrid things he has said about minority groups. Hate feeds on itself. And on hate radio, you have to have "new stuff" which means new people to hate. You end up going after disabled kids. Bastard.

Piss off someone like Bernie Marcus and you're in trouble. Too bad people didn't stand up when he was going after gays.

[Stop Cornyn]

1. His name isn't "Savage" -- it's "Wiener." You shouldn't indulge him by using his childish nickname

[Fleshdancer]

2. "The network is satisfied that he did not mean any disrespect to autistic children" WOW

The network is full of idiots...but I guess we already knew that. May they lose many more sponsors and listeners over this.

[Marrah_G]

3. wow- how could what he said be taken as anything but disrespect?

I hope the Autism groups pound the hell out of him. He is probably the nastiest major host out there.

[NYC_SKP]

4. I hear his show a lot. This time he went too far.

But his point of departure was with the misdiagnosis of ADD and ADHD and the overmedication of kids these days, and with that I heartily agree.

BTW, he is famous for twisting names in a most immature way, which is why I cringe when people write "McPain", or whatever.

I'd just as soon keep the level of discourse above 5th grade and not stoop to his level.

:patriot:

[otohara]

5. Why?

He's one of the worst - how can you listen to his hate filled show?

[NYC_SKP]

6. I drive a lot, it passes the time.

And in some of the areas I drive there may only be a couple stations.

Oddly, after 3 pm it's him or Sean Hannity. eeeew.

I don't mind hearing what the other side has to say, and some of the crap he spins has to do with SF issues and personalities, which are local to me.

[Whisp]

7. I hope this buries him

people like that should be put away, really.
not a shred of human decency to the man.

[dogday]

8. Speaking as someone who has an Autistic Sister, I take offense

to his characterizations of Autistic people.. My Sister is a very smart person and has come a long way since she was a little girl....

The guy is a moran!!!!!