PA Radio: Station Gets Pushback Over "Supremacist" Video

Press-Enterprise photo

Bloomsburg University has confirmed that it cutting broadcasting and advertising ties with WHLM 930 AM, which has broadcast Huskies’ games for years. That station also simulcasts on three FM translators in the area.

The university announced the severance in response to backlash from a video station staffer David Reilly produced over the weekend while at a white supremacist rally that turned deadly in Charlottesville, Va.  Reilly is the son of Joe Reilly, the station owner.

Dave Reilly has been described as Media Director and evening DJ, who also maintains the station's website.  The video in question was originally part of a Tweet.  Twitter has since removed the video, although it is still posted on YouTube as of this writing.  The nearly 5-minute video, mostly shot from a drone, shows the white supremacists marching with torches on Friday night, as techno rock music plays over the scenes.

The Press-Enterprise is also reporting a WHLM football broadcaster resigned from the station Monday, and a trio of prominent businesses pulled advertising from the station in response to critics of Reilly’s video.

Detractors denounced Reilly’s footage — which has drawn over 55,000 views on YouTube — as sympathetic to the white supremacist movement.

Dave Reilly

Some described Reilly, 28, in their social media comments as a racist “Nazi.”

Andrew Nebel, general manger of the Turkey Hill brew pub, The Inn at Turkey Hill and The Inn Farmhouse off Interstate 80 in Scott Township confirmed Monday night that all three business have ceased all advertising with WHLM in response to the video.

Tom Hughes, who is black and grew up in Bloomsburg, has worked several years as a color analyst for WHLM’s Friday night high school football broadcasts.

"I didn’t want to be associated in any way with any confusion in that area. I had to make a decision personally and professionally,” Hughes told the Press-Enterprise in Bloomsburg.


The station has posted the following statement on it's website:

WHLM and The Columbia Broadcasting has never condoned racism, bigotry, or hatred toward anyone or any group. Recent accusations that The Columbia Broadcasting condone such behavior are absolutely unfounded. Such accusations are not, and will not be handled lightly and there will be a full review of any and all materials concerning this situation at hand.

The Columbia Broadcasting Company has an enormous track record of serving the community with local news, sports, weather, editorial, giving ample time to opposing views and entertainment at a high level of community standards as recognized by such groups as The Columbia-Montour Boy Scouts of America, The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, etc. The Columbia Broadcasting Company intends to continue in this tradition of service to Bloomsburg, Berwick and Danville reflecting these positive community standards.

WHLM can be found on the dial in Bloomsburg at 930 and 104.3, Berwick at 1280 and 94.7, Danville at 105.5, Classic Rock 103.5 and online at WHLM.com.