Jacor Communications announced Thursday the dismissal of Hot 94.9 radio air personality Danny Curtis for derisive comments made about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Tom Sly, vice president and general manager of the Salt Lake division of Jacor Communications, said Curtis was immediately taken off the air by Marc Summers, 94.9 program director, after the comment was made."Jacor Communications is serious about our commitment to serve the Salt Lake City community and provide radio programming that meets the expectations of each of our stations' listeners," said Sly.
A press release distributed by Jacor Communications apologized for Curtis' comments directed at the LDS Church.
"Counter to KZHT instructions to keep on-air dialogue family-friendly and lighthearted, comments derisive of the LDS Church were made during a Tuesday broadcast," the release says. "We have to adhere to a no-tolerance attitude toward each air-staff member using our radio stations to further their political agendas. We hope that our immediate action will offer proof of our sincerity."
Jacor Communications' immediate response to Curtis' comments was not to fire the radio personality but to suspend her indefinitely, pending further review.
After deliberation for the entire day Thursday, station officials decided to release Curtis from the station, said Sly.
"This is not a controversial radio station. It is meant to be fun and entertaining," said Sly.