Bill Handel and KFI640-AM radio apologize for Armenian Genocide
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13.06.2009 15:54 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian National Committee-Western Region
(ANC-WR), joined by community organizations and activists, met with
KFI640-AM radio show host Bill Handel and station management regarding
offensive comments that aired on Handel’s radio show on May 13 and 14
during a discussion between Handel and Lara Hermanson.
Acknowledging that a line had been crossed, Handel, KFI and Clear
Channel management apologized to the Armenian American community. With
Handel himself being a descendent of Holocaust survivors, he also made
it clear that recognition of the Armenian Genocide is something he has
been aware of and passionate about throughout his career and promised
to continue raising awareness about the issue.
`We deeply regret the inappropriate comments that were made on Bill
Handel’s show last month which deeply hurt the Armenian American
community. The comments were wrong,’ said Robin Bertolucci, KFI
Program Director. `We take responsibility for this offense as any
genocide, including the Armenian Genocide, are serious topics that
should not be used as the basis for humor.’ KFI issued an on-air
apology on June 12. KFI also released a video apology from Hermanson
and Handel.
The ANC-WR requested a meeting with KFI management to convey the
community’s outrage and ask that the situation be addressed. In the
meantime, the ANC-WR reached out to dozens of activists and community
organizations, such as the Armenian Bar Association, eager to work
together on the issue, Asbarez Daily reported.