Incident during Positive Stories Program Sparks Outrage
A television station in Portland, Oregon, issued an apology on Friday after airing a racist image during a program dedicated to sharing positive stories. KGW-TV showcased the image as part of their segment “The Good Stuff” on Thursday evening, which typically features nostalgic photos submitted by viewers for a “Throwback Thursday” theme. The offensive image, believed to be from the 1950s, depicted children throwing balls at a sign featuring a racial slur.
Profound Apology and Acknowledgment
The station expressed deep regret for the distress caused by the image, particularly among the Black community. In a statement on their website, KGW-TV acknowledged the hurt inflicted on viewers and staff members. They emphasized their commitment to upholding content standards and accuracy but admitted to failing in this instance.
Call for Accountability
Leaders from the Portland chapter of the NAACP, James Posey, and Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee, condemned the incident and demanded immediate clarification from KGW leadership on the circumstances surrounding the broadcast of the racist image. The community leaders expressed shock and called for swift action to address the glaring error.
Mayor’s Response
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler weighed in on the controversy, urging the station to address the issue promptly and ensure such a mistake is never repeated. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of vigilance in media content screening and the need for accountability in broadcasting practices.