Half-Finished Building To Be Sold In What Museum of Broadcast Communications Calls, “A Very Disappointing Development”
NEW YORK — A month after protesters picketed its annual dinner for inducting Focus on the Family’ James Dobson into its Radio Hall of Fame, the Chicago-based Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) announced today that it was selling its half-finished building.
“It is with deep regret that I announce the MBC board on December 10th voted to sell its half-finished building at State and Kinzie in downtown Chicago,” said Bruce DuMont, Founder, President and CEO of the MBC. “This is a very disappointing development.”
“Pandering to extremists doesn’t pay and the Museum of Broadcast Communications suffered a catastrophic blow to its reputation by honoring Focus on the Family’ James Dobson,” said Wayne Besen, Executive Director of Truth Wins Out (TWO). “Bruce DuMont hoped to cash in by catering to the deep pockets of the religious right, but his prayers weren’t answered. Truth Wins Out wants to thank the hundreds of people who came out to protest in freezing weather — your efforts and determination paid off.”
When the nomination of Dobson was announced, TWO teamed up with the Gay Liberation Network and launched www.DumpDobson.com to keep Dobson out of the Radio Hall of Fame. These robust efforts culminated with a full-page “Dump Dobson” ad in the Chicago Tribune, signature ads in the GLBT media and a large demonstration outside of the awards dinner at Chicago’ Renaissance Hotel.
“Ignoring protests from many quarters, DuMont forged ahead with the Dobson honor, likely hoping that bigotry bucks from the far right-wing would flow into his coffers,” said Gay Liberation Network co-founder Bob Schwartz. “Happily, this hope is apparently now dashed.”
DuMont blamed his woes on alleged broken promises by Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the economic downturn. He did not point out that his project lost momentum after it became mired in controversy by cozying up to Dobson, says TWO.
“I can understand the temptation to pin the blame on Blagojevich, as he is not too popular these days,” said Besen. “But, DuMont should take responsibility and admit that his project lost its luster and foundered after he chose to bronze the bigotry of James Dobson.”
Truth Wins Out is a non-profit organization that counters right wing propaganda, exposes the “ex-gay” myth and educates America about gay life. For more information, visit www.TruthWinsOut.org.
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