Group: No KLBJ boycott for now

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association held a board meeting Friday, via teleconference, to discuss what action, if any, they will take after an Austin talk-radio host used a derogatory word to describe undocumented workers. At the end of the meeting, they decided not to boycott the station for now.

"The USHCA Board of Directors wants to make it perfectly clear that they will not allow or tolerate such acts of bigotry against a population that plays a critical role in maintaining the economic landscape of cities across America," said Paul Saldana, spokesperson for the USHCA. "The board supports remaining open to further discussions with Emmis in an effort to develop an agreeable solution, however will reserve the right to move forward with their own plan of action including a boycott of all six radio stations owned by Emmis and any advertisers or sponsors of Emmis radio programming touting the strengthen and consumer buying power of Hispanics locally and nationally."

Saldana said boycotting is not off the table as a plan of action just yet.

"Part of our plan of action could potentially be a boycott not only of KLBJ, but all of the Austin radio stations that are owned by Emmis broadcasting and I believe the own 6 radio station here," said Saldana.

Some USHCA members want the hosts fired, but they plan to give the radio station's management time to work through the process.

The KLBJ host, Don Pryor, used the word w*****k more than 30 times during the hour-long show on Wednesday. To listen to the broadcast in its entirety, click here.

On Thursday, Pryor apologized on-air, but members of USHCA said that is not enough. The USHCA set up a meeting with the owners of KLBJ on July 20 to reach an agreement on an "acceptable plan of action" if this were to happen again.

The board meeting started at 11 a.m. on Friday and continued for more than four hours. Participants in the meeting said it was very emotional.

The association chairman, Frank Fuentes, said many of the radio show's advertisers contacted USHCA and agreed to follow whatever they decide.

KLBJ suspended " The Todd and Don Show " for two weeks after the incident. The following statement is posted on their Web site regarding the show:

KLBJ-AM's Don Pryor and Todd Jeffries have been suspended from their weekday show without pay for two weeks, effective immediately. Despite their apology today, the comments on-air yesterday were highly offensive, and I would like to personally apologize to the Austin community. We cannot take Don's words back but we can work hard to move forward. Today I have heard from many KLBJ-AM listeners and reached out to leaders of the Hispanic community, including City Council Member Mike Martinez, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chair, Blanca Garcia, and U.S. Hispanic Contractors Chairman, Frank Fuentes to discuss the situation. I fully understand and appreciate their concerns, and I believe that Todd and Don understand the depth of their mistake. We intend to continue to work with the community to turn this hurtful mistake into an opportunity for greater understanding.

Scott T. Gillmore, Vice President & Market Manager, Emmis Austin Radio