Disputed show to return to airwaves

AUSTIN (KXAN) - KLBJ confirmed on Tuesday that the controversial Todd and Don Show will return to the airwaves on Dec. 7.

The press release said the following:

Earlier today, Hispanic leaders and Emmis Austin Radio management met to discuss cultural sensitivity issues and a commitment to open communications and improved relationships. Emmis Austin Radio presented a plan of action which includes mandatory diversity training for all on-air personalities, producers, and station management, at all six Austin radio stations owned and operated by Emmis. Emmis announced that The Todd and Don Show will return to the KLBJ-AM airwaves on December 7, 2009, with a transformed perspective on community history, expectations and cultural sensitivity. Hispanic leaders were updated on Emmis Austin Radio’s progress in these areas so far, and were assured by Emmis that efforts to better serve the entire Austin community would be ongoing.

On Nov. 12, 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 Nov. 16, however this did not come to fruition.

"You know more than I do," claimed KLBJ News Director Todd Jeffries, former co-host of the show on Nov. 12 when asked about the rumors. Jeffries was re-instated to on-air duty, while his co-host Don Pryor did not return 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 on Nov. 12, 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. That is exactly what they did on Tuesday.

Emmis Radio released a statement at 4 p.m. on Nov. 13 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.