Trouble in Transmission

Weeks ago, students Brandon Albrecht and Tayler Lehmann hosted a weekly program on their university-​funded, 225-​watt FM station. 

But not anymore.

“We have a group here called the Queer Devil Worshippers for a Better Future,” Albrecht told his University of Minnesota-​Morris audience. “It’s kind of like our version of Antifa here at Morris.”

“Except they’re nicer,” co-​host Tayler Lehmann chimed in. “And less violent.”

“The only reason they’re non-​violent is because there are not enough of them. And everybody knows everybody here at Morris,” Albrecht continued. “You see one tranny that’s trying to punch someone … I’m not going to dox anybody and name them on air. But you two know if I say ‘the tranny who looks like he’s going to punch someone.’”

A short time later, station manager Carter Young, with a UMM policeman in tow, entered the studio and demanded they leave.

“What happened?” inquired Lehmann.

“You said a couple words that break FCC violations [sic],” she replied.

“What word?” Albrecht asked.

“Specifically, ‘tranny.’ That is a hate slur. Not allowed on the radio. I need you to leave.”

“Did you have to call the police?” inquired a third unidentified student. 

“Yes, because this is an FCC violation; you are breaking the law.”

The students’ “Deplorable Radio” program has been permanently suspended.

But KUMM 89.7 now admits that the word “tranny” is not “in violation of FCC community standards.” The station then accused the duo of hosting an earlier show while intoxicated, which they flatly deny. Now a spokesperson claims the issue is “compliance with DJ expectations and station standards.”

Meaning? The publicly-​owned station does not like their politics. 

You might want to call or email the station … while such speech is still permitted.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.

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