“One Man’s Opinion” by Gordon Curvey

Those of you who know me realize I have been on a mission against sports radio here in Seattle. Why you ask? It is because of the lack of diversity on KJR and 710 ESPN and now ANOTHER sports station that has started for some reason 1090 “The Fan”.

That’s right Seattle has THREE sports radio stations. That’s crazy. But anyway my main problem was with KJR here in Seattle because they have been on the air for over twenty years and had only had one African American on the on a regular basis and that is a friend of mine Rick Dupree.

Recently I was on “Northwest Sports Tonight” hosted by my friend Paul Silvi on KONG-TV and Northwest Cable News. I talked about the subjects of the NFL “Rooney Rule” that is not working in the NFL and of course, the lack of diversity on sports radio.

I think I did a good job on NWST. Then all of a sudden a few days later BAM! Seattle Times writer Jerry Brewer was hired by KJR to host a daily radio show with Elise Woodward. The show will be called “Elise and Jerry” and it will air from 10am to noon. You can listen online outside of Seattle at www.sportsradiokjr.com And if you are in Western Washington?Oregon it can be viewed On Comcast Sports Net.

I have heard the first few shows and it sounded real good. (pic of myself and Brewer at the recent legendary “Sports Star Of The Year” event here in Seattle). Had a good time at the event and obtained some good interviews. (pic of Elise to the right)

It sounded good because Elise and Jerry KNOW THEIR SPORTS! Unlike others on sports radio in this town. So of course I am happy as a African American was hired at KJR but I am not satisfied. Not at all. ONE IS NOT ENOUGH!!! I want more people of color on KJR and ALL sports radio.  But now also it is time for 710 to open up it’s doors to African Americans on the air. Jerry and I had a good chat at the event. It is the first time we had a chance to rap about sports. It was good meeting Jerry.

When you go and look at the website for 710 ESPN here in Seattle, you see all white faces (www.mynorthwest.com) click “710 Sports” The three major sports in America is dominated by African Americans and people of color. I am talking about football, basketball and baseball. So is it fair for 710 and the new station to have a all white on air staff? I say no.

Seattle is a city known for it’s diversity. When I walk down a street in Seattle I see a rainbow of faces. Asians, whites, African Americans, East Africans etc. I don’t see just white faces. So I think sports radio should reflect a street in Seattle. A street in New York or Chicago or Portland. If I would walk into a staff meeting at 710 or 1090 and even with the hiring of Jerry Brewer on KJR, I see 98% white faces. This is not a reflection of the fields and courts of America. It has to change.

But good luck to the “Elise & Jerry” show on KJR! I hope you will have a chance to listen to their shows or podcasts!!