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| Rusty Redenbacher |
After being fired by WTLC-FM 106.7, Rusty Redenbacher says
the radio station’s definition of frowned-upon self-promotion is difficult to
reconcile with years he’s spent plugging the company in his multimedia life.
Rapper/songwriter/DJ/producer Redenbacher told indystar.com, that WTLC management cited
a “zero tolerance” policy when dismissing him for spinning the song “Sriracha”
— a tune by Indianapolis band Cosby Sweater, featuring vocals by Redenbacher —
during the Sept. 27 episode of “Club 106.7.”
It’s a conflict-of-interest no-no for a WTLC on-air
personality to play a song that includes the personality as a performer.
Redenbacher said Sept. 27 wasn’t the first time he included “Sriracha” as the
closing song of three-hour mix show “Club 106.7.” Two months earlier, the tune
was broadcast and it prompted no response from WTLC management.
Redenbacher —perhaps the city’s longest-running ambassador
of hip-hop, thanks to his work with the Mudkids, Birdmen of Alcatraz and as a
solo artist — worked 25 hours per week for WTLC, a station owned by
Maryland-based Radio One. He learned of his dismissal on Oct. 1, a day when he
did behind-the-scenes work for the Karen Vaughn Show and he programmed the
“Drive at 5” music block.
Chuck Williams, Radio One’s vice president and general
manager in Indianapolis ,
declined an interview request, citing Radio One’s policy of keeping personnel
issues private.
According to Redenbacher, WTLC’s management also expressed
disapproval for “Sriracha” because the song doesn’t fit the station’s classic
R&B format. Redenbacher said he previously played Black Fabio’s “Black
Fabio” — a 2011 track by an underground Indianapolis
duo — on “Club 106.7” without reprimand. The “Club 106.7” playlist typically
showcases vintage R&B, soul and hip-hop.
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