Radio Station WAPE-FM Pulls All Chris Brown Songs

Top-rated Jacksonville radio station WAPE 95.1 FM announced Thursday morning that it was removing all songs by Jive recording artist Chris Brown from its airwaves due to an overwhelming negative reaction from station listeners. Recent allegations charge that Brown attacked his longtime girlfriend Rihanna, who is also a popular WAPE artist.

The decision to suspend the songs was made after listeners voiced their opinions on WAPE Wednesday morning. Mark Kaye, host of WAPE’s “Big Ape Morning Mess” explains:

“Wednesday morning we played a Chris Brown song and immediately received complaints from listeners who were ’surprised’ and actually ‘offended’ that we would continue to play his music after the recent allegations. They were calling to ask us to NOT support Chris Brown. Other calls followed that supported Brown and soon all of our phones were ringing off the hook. We spent the entire morning debating this issue.”

After the morning broadcast a poll was posted on the WAPE.com website asking listeners if Chris Brown’s music should be removed from WAPE. The final tally was in favor of a Chris Brown boycott.

“The issue is especially significant to Jacksonville area women who are survivors of domestic violence,” states Kaye. “Many women who called us said Chris Brown’s music now makes them uncomfortable. Out of respect for local victims and because we have a responsibility to our listeners and the city of Jacksonville WAPE decided to remove Chris Brown from the airwaves until more questions can be answered.”

To further the message, WAPE has partnered with Hubbard House, a local Jacksonville area charity that provides shelter and outreach services to domestic violence victims and their families. WAPE will host a Hubbard House Charity Drive to collect clothing, toiletries, and cash donations. The event will take place next Tuesday, February 17th from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM at a location to be determined.

If You Talk About Chris Brown and Rihanna Then Please…

…pronounce her name properly.

It’s Rih-ANNA. Rhymes with “Santana” and “banana.”

Don’t believe me? Maybe you will believe her:

The poor girl has been through enough. When reporting the story on television, or on the radio, or just talking with your friends and co-workers, please have enough respect to call her by the proper name. I’m sure she would appreciate it.

Thanks.