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EXCLUSIVE: San Francisco Pride Bans Gay DJs Due to Sponsorship of Clear Channel
June 21, 2010 Melanie Nathan
San Francisco: Breaking – For the past 15 years openly gay, renowned DJ, radio host, and creator of San Francisco’s longest running global dance radio show “House Nation, who goes by the name St John, has been a feature, honing his iconic talent and superstar ACT at the annual San Francisco LGBT Pride.
But this year something smells a little off. Sources inform us, that the event which would usually pride itself on tradition has succumbed to the demands of one of its corporate sponsors, CLEAR CHANNEL. Clear Chanel (yes the very clear channel, air-wave home to Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck,) and a major SF Pride 2010 sponsor has demanded the banning of ST. John and two other well known GAY Morning DJ’s; all three axed, shunned and rejected despite their years of entrenched relationship with the event.
St. John, described as Superstar in the growing world of mix was extremely popular at Clear Channel’s Wild 94.9 for 14 years, and then moved to CBS’s. Movin’ 99.7, KMVQ-FM.
St. John’s energetic style has made him a staple internationally from Brazil to Canada, and nation-wide from New York’s Limelight to San Francisco’s Ruby Skye. With multiple CD releases on major labels such as Thrive and UBL Recordings, St. John has sold over a quarter-million albums and in 2010 continues to work on exciting new projects.
The exclusion may be attributed to corporate wrangling and competitive venom between CBS and Clear Channel. Yet on wonders just how San Francisco pride fits into this mix of loyalty gone awry?
Since it was not only St John who made the move, but also other DJ’s and Michael Martin, once Program Director for Clear Channel and now Vice President of Programming for CBS RADIO San Francisco. The retribution could also be attributed to Martin who did not hide his excitement when St John left Clear Channel to join CBS: “I am beyond excited to have him join MOViN! His skill, passion, precision and drive to win are an inspiration to all who work with him and the detriment to those who try to compete against him,” said Martin.
Should we as a marginalized and discriminated against community stand behind our heroes? Or should we accept demanding sponsors who are giving SF Pride the profits off the millions made and paid to the likes of homophobic and anti American Limbaugh and Beck.
For St. John the feelings were mutual when he joined CBS; – “I’m thrilled to be reunited with programming legend Michael Martin. Together we’ve dominated ratings in both the Bay Area and Los Angeles and when St John moved asserted: “I can’t wait to work with him to do it again at my new home CBS RADIO San Francisco.”
Each year, Pride works with the event media partners, such as Clear Channel home to the likes of right wing lunatics – Limbaugh and Beck, to bring a televised and radio broadcasts of the SF Pride Parade. SF Pride producers assert that they have been able to expand the coverage of the Parade to include a full-length, unedited online broadcast in addition to televised coverage the evening following the Parade’s conclusion.
Since St. John left clear channel, it is became apparent that punitive motives would follow the star, and that attempts would be made to relegate his well earned reverence in the world of cool music and especially his vested platform at PRIDE.
St. John, clearly hurt by San Francisco Pride’s rejection of his talent, and his years of service was loathe to make any derogatory remarks at all either toward SF Pride or Clear Channel.
From my interview it was clear that not only is St John a good man, he is modest and is not willing to speak of the enormous contributions he has made to fighting HIV/AIDS and helping those in need.
In furthering his career he is now being punished by his own community. Not only is he a talent but he is an open voice to tens and thousands of a younger generation who hold him in the highest esteem, reaching across the gay- straight lines amongst the youngsters, where it really counts.
When asked for his comments he told me: “Its been a long journey with San Francisco Pride; I am proud to have been apart of a great service to the community and hope that maybe I can find a way to continue to be so.”
I will say one thing and that is if Clear Channel tried to impose a ban on any gay performer of any kind with a history and credentials such as ST, John, I for one would rather risk their sponsorship!
The Organizers of San Francisco Pride were contacted for comment but no response was received.
Clear Channel Communications, Inc.. (OTCBB:CCMO) is a global media and entertainment company specializing in mobile and on-demand entertainment and information services for local communities and premiere opportunities for advertisers. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the company’s businesses include radio and outdoor displays. More information is available at www.clearchannel.com.
By Melanie Nathan
Nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
Get me on – FACE BOOK .
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27 Responses to EXCLUSIVE: San Francisco Pride Bans Gay DJs Due to Sponsorship of Clear Channel
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michelle meow
July 4, 2010 at 2:23 pm
I’m going to try and refrain from saying too much because of my relationship with Clearchannel and St. John. Yes, St. John is considered a friend and actually someone who I value professionally. I believe the marketing director of CC can say more to it, but my thoughts are with Dan who posted previously. The only thing I want to make vocal is that Clearchannel is also home to the likes of Rachel Maddow (before Maddow had a hit TV show, she had a hit radio show that aired on several Clearchannel stations), Stephanie Miller, Randi Rhodes, Karel (proud, gay, and outspoken) and Swirl Radio – an LGBT identified radio talk show. Clearchannel has also been rated 100 by HRC for over 5 years. St. John was a pride staple for 14 years, he was also employed by Wyld 94.9 (Clearchannel) for 14 years. I believe his professional contribution to the LGBT music scene were comparable to his tenure at Clearchannel who had supported the LGBT programs he was involved in. For example, the SF AIDS Walk included St. John but was actually a “WYLD 94.9″ activity. Let’s just all understand that corporations, agreements, and business always leaves someone out. There are a lot of gay DJ’s out there as there are a lot of straight ones. We can’t always cry when we can’t play in the same sandbox. Straight DJ’s get left out too. It’s just business.
Melanie Nathan
July 4, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Hey Michelle – Thanks you make important and excellent points. One question though for you – Do you think that any DJ -especially if so illustrious as SJ – should be banned from producing his own Booth or hi own stage at Pride because of the employment and deal making issues you describe? Appreciate you commenting on site – Mel.
Marcus Lee
June 27, 2010 at 3:51 am
I knew this would happen. the epicenter of the gay community is giving way to be accepted by corporation. i think SF Pride needs to re-come out. Coming out is about accepting who you are. Standing for what you believe in. They pretty much just said let’s give them what they want. What’s next? We settle for partial rights. Stand up and say we are a COMMUNITY. We look out for each other. That’s the only way we’ll win the fight for equality and justice.
alan
June 25, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Melanie, you come off as a plant for St. John & CBS, this is one-sided and kinda ridiculous. and it would be hard to find another gay DJ in San Francisco?
Melanie Nathan
June 26, 2010 at 11:40 pm
If anyone reads my work they will know I am not a plant. I gave SF Pride and Clear Chanel an opportunity to answer questions I had posed or comment and no response. Maybe that why it counts one sided to you. I am only reporting well sourced facts. The facts are the facts and no one seems to be disputing them.
Melanie Nathan
June 26, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Also remember I am an activist first and foremost and blog as a launch for what I perceive to be unjust and wrong, I fight for Equality and also do often report in a non blog fashion. Most of my work is designed to bring attention to inequities. I do not report as journalist – I am not a journalist I am a Human Rights Advocate – I have bloggers license. At the same time we have writers on LGR who report in journalistic fashion – news and the like and I believe our numerous fans enjoy the eclectic mix as well as the activism. I am willing to suffer any risk – such as the accusation you made in your comment; it pales in comparison to the amount of information and opinion that I think is important for our community to know. SO please expect me to be controversia again as the need may arise.,
I don’t make one cent doing this. If I wanted to be a reporter I would go to AP or Reuters or wherever and get a salary – hell, maybe I would even add to my degrees with one in journalism!
m
June 25, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Clear Channel is a BIG corporation, and both good and bad. Clear Channel Radio SF is producing a live web feed of the pride parade. As a sponsor they have control of certain stages, ST John is a former CCSF employee and on-air rival. please don’t act so surprised that $$ weighs in on an event as big as this.
Ways to Watch Prideon Sunday, June 27th
*
Live & Uncensored streaming webcast at SFPrideLive.com starting at 9:30am
*
Live Simulcast on Comcast Hometown Network, Channel 104 starting at 10:30am
*
Prime Time TV Special on KOFY TV20/Cable 13 starting at 8pm
*
Comcast On-Demand beginning Monday June 28th at 7pm
Coverage of the 40th San Francisco Pride Parade made possible by Clear Channel Radio San Francisco. Hosted by Donna Sachet with Michelle Meow (Swirl Radio) and Sebastian Kunz (Green 960AM).
http://www.sfpridelive.com/pages/how-to-watch.html
Melanie Nathan
June 26, 2010 at 11:38 pm
thanks
dizzyspins
June 24, 2010 at 8:24 pm
But it sounds like Melanie is accusing Clear Channel of being homophobic. In reality, if her reporting is correct–and I dont see a lot of facts, just conjecture–they’re just being spiteful. St. John wasnt banned because he’s gay, he’s banned because he quit clear channel. For all we know, Clear Channel bans former or non-CC from ALL the events it sponsors–St Patricks Day Parade, 4th of July, etc. If CC was anti-gay, why would they help sponsor Pride?
This story is being picked up all over the Internet–I think Melanie has a responsibility to show us quotes or emails from Clear Channel people proving they “demanded” St John, etc be kicked off the roster. Is there any proof at all or just her assumption? Maybe SF Pride wanted to go with a younger, fresher sound? Maybe there’s a new producer who just doesnt like St John’s sound? Maybe they cant AFFORD him this year? There could be a million reasons he wasnt asked back
Melanie Nathan
June 24, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Thanks Dizzyspins for commenting. Unfortunately I cannot reveal my sources. Clear Channel has not responded to my e-mails and I am still waiting to talk to Amy from SF Pride who emailed me but when I submitted my written questions to her received no response. By the way if you search the internet you will find many references to CC being accused of homophobia. I am not making that accusation. I am speaking to the corporate complicity and the reason gay is mentioned at all is because SF Pride is SAN FRANS premiere gay event and hence a SF GAy Icon should not be excluded for any reason.
Mike
June 24, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Given Clear Channel’s well known homophobia, SF Pride shouldn’t have accepted them as a sponsor in the first place.
Melanie Nathan
June 26, 2010 at 11:37 pm
that sounds like a plan
Keith
June 24, 2010 at 5:31 pm
I would think SF Pride organizers would make it clear to sponsors that the sponsors themselves do not determine who can or can’t perform on any particular stage, but are merely getting advertising and street cred rights by sponsoring the event. St. John has been a fixture for more than a decade, and I would rather pay an entrance fee (they actually ask for a $10 donation at the entrances anyway) to keep him on stage, than cowtow to corporate censorship of any performer. As an SF resident, this flies in the face of what the parade stands for in the first place.
RF
June 24, 2010 at 3:33 pm
So here would be the real test. Get someone with a non-clearchannel sponsored stage to contact SFPride saying they are booking St.John for a little guest DJ set. Say they will not be promoting any radio stations, no logos will be on their stage, etc.
Do it via e-mail and post their response.
Kevin Dill
June 24, 2010 at 3:54 am
St. john has done more for the bay area music scene than anyone that i can remember. he has brought dance music to the whole area forever, and is definitely a bay area LEGEND who deserves much props and respect.
Melanie Nathan
June 24, 2010 at 2:24 pm
I agree and thanks for commenting here
Melanie Nathan
June 22, 2010 at 11:06 pm
* Does Clear Channel Have a Problem With Same-Sex Couples? (gayrights.change.org)
* San Francisco Pride Let’s Do it, Let’s Do it .. (pinkbananaworld.com)
* Clear Channel Outdoor Rejects Two Billboards By St. Pete Pride (lezgetreal.com)
* 8 reviews of Clear Channel Communications (rateitall.com)
* Clear Channel censors Pride billboards (bilerico.com)
* San Francisco Weekend Preview: Let’s Get This Pride Party Started, You Bearded Fruitcakes Edition (pinkbananaworld.com)
* Clear Channel Radio renewed with Fox News (mysanantonio.com)
* Call on Clear Channel Outdoor to Explain Rejection of Pride Billboards in Tampa, Florida Area (pinkbananaworld.com)
Dan
June 22, 2010 at 10:01 pm
OK, I’ll step up and defend SF Pride.
Each of the more than dozen stages at Pride are put on by volunteer producers, who are responsible for raising the money to put on that stage. As a volunteer, I produce one of the dance stages (the indie stage, which doesn’t get Clear Channel funding). Clear Channel has bid to be the only radio sponsor of SF Pride (which CBS could do instead if it would outbid Clear Channel). That money allows the Pride parade and festival to happen without charging admission.
The producers of some other dance stages may choose to take a Clear Channel radio station as a sponsor, as a way of helping to pay for the stage. The producers of each dance stage, not SF Pride itself, decide on the DJ line up. I don’t know the process by which other stages chose their line ups, but there are many other possible reasons a given DJ might not be on any given stage’s line up. There are hundreds of DJs who want to spin at Pride, and selecting a line up invariably means some people are disappointed. I can tell you that there is no blanket ban from SF Pride on having CBS or other non- Clear Channel DJs. My co-producer and I strongly considered asking a DJ who works for a CBS owned station for our stage. The only mandate from SF Pride is that Clear Channel radio stations have exclusivity to be sponsors, just like only one beer and one domestic airline can be sponsors, because they have outbid their competitors.
Melanie Nathan
June 22, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Thanks for the explanation; but my understanding was that St John was refused permission to produce a stage. Also a million and one DJS may want the jobs, but St John did it 14 years in a row…. He has been banned from SF Pride and CC has had the last word. I look forward to comments from CC. Unable to get a comment from them for the article.
Dan
June 24, 2010 at 12:39 am
Melanie, your headline “San Francisco Pride Bans Gay DJs Due to Sponsorship of Clear Channel” is inflammatory and misleading. First of all, the great majority of DJs at the various Pride stages are LGBT– obviously SF Pride didn’t ban gay DJs. Nor is there a ban on DJs from CBS. A more accurate and less inflammatory headline would be, “DJ St. John not asked back after 14 years.”
Melanie Nathan
June 24, 2010 at 2:16 am
Well Yes you may be right about your idea for a headline – certainly from your perspective. However I believe this to be the case…. Gay and leaving Clear Channel = BAN. Additional three DJS who are Gay who left CC were told that they could not stand in AIDS fundraising Booths to sibn autographs. I call that BANNED. Its not about being invited back weither., St John wanted to stage and produce his own show and SF pride refused him. They have yet to comment to deny my assertion that Clear Channel made demands in exchange for sponsorship. Also This is SF and its most popular DJ should be given freedom to perform especially because he is gay and has done so much for the AIDS and Gay Community. Hopefully you read beyond the headliner.
Maybe if you go to HOUSENATION or St John’s face book page you will see the extent of disappointment by his fans and the entitlement they believe prevails.
Michael
June 24, 2010 at 2:15 pm
I don’t think you can blame Melanie for an attention grabbing headline. It is factually correct as well. It’s pretty clear that the Pride organizers compromised their principles and allowed one of their sponsors to influence their decision to have St John and other DJs participate because of their sponsor’s competition with CBS. The Pride organizers have acted immaturely and unprofessionally and have disgraced themselves.
Melanie Nathan
June 24, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Thanks michael. I was holding my head in one minute shame – hehehe
Sean
June 25, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Charge admission.
libhomo
June 27, 2010 at 8:39 am
We need to look at the ways that pride celebrations are put on so we can get rid of all corporate sponsorship. Corporations are evil, and corporate sponsorship poisons everything it touches.
N
June 22, 2010 at 9:26 pm
S.F. Pride needs to step up and Act on principles. There should never be just one company that dictates who will be apart of the the event…
Michael
June 24, 2010 at 2:08 pm
No doubt. This article is going viral all over Facebook right now too. The PRIDE organizers and CLEAR CHANNEL will have egg on their face from this shameful behavior.