Talk:James Spann

Ellen

Can't verify this account from Reddit user buddha-ish, but it sounds pretty well-informed and detailed: "[Spann's] defense for breaking his contract with WBRC was a moral objection to programming. (Hint- it was actually the dump truck full of cash Allbritton backed up to his house for him to go to 33/40) When Ellen announced her coming out, everyone panicked and a rumor started that he would have to do something, even though the suit was settled. So management scrambled, meetings were held, and before a decision was made one of the paper reporters called the front desk. Sweet Marilyn, the receptionist had not been briefed on how to handle that, and when asked said 'If that’s what you’ve heard, I guess.' Uproar. Praise. Controversy. National attention. Management realized that some people were now pissed, and that issuing a correction might piss off the viewers left. This terrified them, keep in mind this station was a start-up that had signed on in September of 1996, so there was no history to fall back on. So they went with it, at the same time providing the satellite feed for the viewing party at the BJCC, which was used as a fundraiser (I think BAO but don’t quote me on that.) Plus? The controversy was used to market nationally, Ellen’s ratings were fantastic. It worked out in the end." (link) --Dystopos (talk) 14:45, 20 April 2024 (CDT)