Rochester NY Radio: Kimberley, Beck Buzz An Apology

Beck, Kimberley

Freshly-terminated Rochester radio personalities Kimberly Ray and Barry Beck have apologized for their comments made Wednesday on-air on Entercom's WBZA 98.9 FM The Buzz.  The two made comments about the transgender community.

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In an e-mail sent to Rochester-area media, the pair offered a written apology:

We are very sorry for the hurt and pain we have caused anyone, especially those in the Transgender community and their friends and families. What we said and the manner in which we handled ourselves was wrong, we take full responsibility and we deeply apologize to any and all that we offended. 

Our attempt was to discuss a controversial healthcare issue; however our lack of sensitivity and understanding of the Transgender people and their plight created 12 minutes of radio we that wish we could take back. 

We fully understand Entercom's position and their decision to dismiss us. It is their right and we accept their decision and our responsibility in it. Entercom has been and will continue to be a strong advocate for the LGBT community and we are proud to have been helpful in Entercom's efforts over our 13 years with the company. 

It is our hope that this situation can be a time of learning and understanding about the Transgender community and not a time for additional anger and insensitivity. This is a community of individuals that struggle painfully to be themselves and find the support and comfort they deserve. We believe that this can be a chance for all of us to stop the ignorance and find our humanity.

During "The Breakfast Buzz" radio show on 98.9 The BUZZ, the two hosts Wednesday morning mocked an area transgender high school student who was born male but is part of a girls' softball team. The pair also expressed opposition to Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren's new health care policy that would allow city employees to receive services related to gender affirmation surgery effective Jan. 1.