'NightSounds with Kyle McAlister' Canceled after Racially Offensive Online Posts
KACU has decided it will no longer air "NightSounds with Kyle McAlister" after reviewing the city council member's race-related remarks on Facebook.
"We condemn these offensive statements," said Nathan Gibbs, general manager of KACU. "While he never said anything like this on the air, he still represents KACU in the community as one of its hosts."
Gibbs said he appreciates the dedication McAlister put into his late-night music program and for frequently participating in fundraising activities to help the station.
"We believe strongly in embracing diversity and these comments go against our core values," said Gibbs. He also noted KACU's interest in protecting free speech, but clarified the First Amendment protects against government retaliation, not from societal consequences.
KACU is a public radio station operated on the campus of Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. “NightSounds with Kyle McAlister” aired Sunday evenings from 11 p.m. to midnight. McAlister served as a volunteer music host and not as an employee of KACU or Abilene Christian University.
Abilene Independent School District has requested that theAbilene Chapter of the Texas Association of Sports Officials remove McAlister from its list of referees.
For his part, McAlister delivered a formal apology, standing next to Abilene Mayor Anthony Williams in City Council chambers Wednesday. He said he will request his own censure at the next City Council meeting, but will not resign his seat.