Disputed show may return to airwaves

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A group of Austin Hispanic leaders called an emergency meeting Thursday afternoon after they allegedly heard from the general manager of KLBJ-AM that the controversial 'Todd and Don Show' will been reinstated.

Two sources within the Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said general manager Scott Gillmore told them the show would return to KLBJ-AM's airwaves on Monday.

"You know more than I do," said KLBJ News Director Todd Jeffries, former co-host of the show. Jeffries was re-instated to on-air duty, while his co-host Don Pryor has not returned to the airwaves.

The show was pulled earlier this year after Pryor made several references to a word many consider derogatory toward Hispanics. Co-host Jeffries, tried to keep Pryor from repeating the word over and over again to no avail.

The US Hispanic Contractors Association called for the show to be removed from the airwaves after the broadcast. They were successful in getting the show pulled, and Pryor was given 'off-air' responsibilities.

When contacted Thursday, Gillmore said the announcement had not yet been made regarding the Todd and Don Show.

"If it's true and a decision has been made, we'll send out a press statement," Gillmore said in a telephone interview Thursday afternoon.

Emmis Radio released a statement at 4 p.m. on Friday saying:

Earlier this week, Emmis Austin Radio management continued outreach efforts to leaders of the Austin Hispanic community to provide updates on the status of Emmis Austin Radio’s ongoing commitment to improve relationships with the local Hispanic community and Emmis' ongoing cultural diversity training. These outreach efforts are part of the commitment we made several months ago as part of a plan of action developed with the input of leaders in the Hispanic community. In an effort to ensure that we maintain a positive relationship and open communications with Hispanic leaders, Emmis has initiated small group meetings with various Hispanic organizations beginning next week. Emmis Austin Radio looks forward to these discussions and continuing our efforts to be leaders in the Austin community.