A couple of weeks ago, Ricardo León “Rick” Sánchez de Reinaldo , known professionally as Rick Sanchez, who has been tipped as a rising star on cable TV and the host of late afternoon show Ricks’ List was fired for making improper comments about comedian Jon Steward and Jews on Sirius XM radio.
First of all, I do not believe Jon Steward actually cares about the statement Rick Sanchez made about him. Jon has actually made remarks about other people that are more red-hot and coarse than what Rick said. As far as the comments about Jews are concerned, I think it was an ill-advised comment and Mr. Sanchez surely regrets about that.
My problem is the speed and urgency with which CNN moved to fire the minority Mr. Sanchez. Those of you who followed the network will remember another figure Lous Dobbs who used to host Lous Dobbs Tonight on CNN. Lous Dobbs, whose show was initially focused on financial analysis and world markets, later turned into Latino-phobic hour on the network. Mr. Dobbs for years made life uncomfortable for Hispanics, blacks and other minorities in the US. Thousands of unhappy listeners protested that Lous Dobbs did not fit the network reputation but CNN turned death years to that. Finally, some advertisers threatened to boycott CNN with some Hispanic activists advising their members not to watch the cable giant. It was at this point that CNN found a way to oust Mr. Dobbs.
I have no problem with CNN firing Rick Sanchez for the inappropriate statements. I only have a problem with the speed at which this was done when I look back at how the network handled Lous Dobbs.
It is time that minorities are treated with the same standard. I still respect CNN for their service. I’m not proud of how they treated Rick Sanchez. I may be speaking for a lot of minority groups.
