Journalists have come forward to denounce well-known radio host Bill Handel for his racist remarks about Koreans made during a live broadcast.
The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) issued a statement on December 17, urging iHeartMedia and radio station KFI (AM 640), which aired the program, to take immediate action against Handel, including his removal from the show, citing his history of making racist remarks.
AAJA represents over 2,200 Asian American journalists working in mainstream media outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, KTLA, CNN, NBC, and The New York Times.
In its statement, the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) criticized KFI for allowing Bill Handel to broadcast content containing harmful stereotypes about Korean and Chinese Americans.
The AAJA further stated, “KFI should adhere to journalistic and community standards regarding Handel’s racist remarks. When KFI ignores community feedback, iHeartMedia should hold station managers accountable.”
The AAJA also voiced concerns that “relying on and perpetuating stereotypes could potentially endanger Asian American and Pacific Islander communities that have already experienced increased anti-AAPI incidents and crimes.”
iHeartMedia, the nation’s largest radio broadcast network, owns both iHeartRadio and KFI, the station that produces and airs Handel’s show.
Handel’s controversial remarks have a long history. On October 3, during his show, he sarcastically asked if a children’s book featuring a dog had been translated into Korean. On September 25, he referred to South Korea and China as countries where dog meat is consumed.
Earlier, on September 16, while discussing then-President-elect Donald Trump’s comments on Haitian immigrants eating dogs and cats, Handel mocked Korea and China once again. He said, “I’m putting up on Instagram @BillHandelShow, a recipe for dog meat soup, this is legitimate by the way…Now, what’s kinda weird is Korean and Chinese. I’m trying for the life of me to look at Haitian recipe for dogs and cats and I cannot find one!”
Handel has also made other racist remarks about Koreans unrelated to the dog meat controversy. In August, while discussing Airbnb, the online home-sharing service, he labeled Korean tourists as “tourists who speak no English and are completely, totally obnoxious.”
The Korea Daily made several attempts to contact KFI for a response to Handel’s derogatory remarks and to inquire about potential future measures. However, as of 5 p.m. on December 18, no response had been received.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
