Jeff O’Neil Show criticized for “misogynist BS” over Justin Trudeau questions
Listeners of CFOX and CKNW were treated to those Vancouver-based, Corus-owned radio stations' first-ever simulcast today (December 16), illustrating the dangers of media concentration in Canada.
On the Jeff O'Neil Show, Global TV "personalities" Chris Gailus and Squire Barnes were asked a series of offbeat questions while apparently drinking beers.
Gailus was preparing to interview Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau. A radio host suggested that the TV anchor ask Trudeau whether he'd "F[uck], kill, or marry" Health Minister Rona Ambrose; Laureen Harper, the prime minister's wife; and former governor general Michaëlle Jean.
Fast-forward to 7:25 in the following clip to hear the disgusting banter:
The segment has since been criticized by community advocates for its sexism. Apologies are being demanded.
Hey @CKNW Chatting on air which women to sexually assault to death or marry isn't just hateful, it's potentially a hate crime. #apologizenow
— Trish Kelly (@trishkellyc) December 16, 2014
Hey @jeffoneilshow @chrisgailus @sbarnesglobal @cknw and @cfoxvan. Debating which women to marry or assault to death on air? #apologizenow
— Trish Kelly (@trishkellyc) December 16, 2014
Asking Trudeau if he'd "F*ck, Kill or Marry" the Health Minister, PM's wife & former GG is #NotOkay @jeffoneilshow @cknw @cfoxvan
— Laura Track (@lktrack) December 16, 2014
You owe your listeners an apology @jeffoneilshow, @chrisgailus, @sbarnesglobal, @cknw and @cfoxvan
— Laura Track (@lktrack) December 16, 2014
Disrespecting women is not a game. Apologies are in order: @jeffoneilshow, @chrisgailus, @sbarnesglobal, @cknw and @CFOXvan #NOTokay
— Hayley (@littlebellsie) December 16, 2014
Just to be clear, @jeffoneilshow, @chrisgailus and @sbarnesglobal, your segment treated violence against women as a joke. #NOTokay.
— Jarrah Hodge (@jarrahpenguin) December 16, 2014
But, of course, the Neanderthal who asked Premier Christy Clark what it’s like to be a "MILF"—and was later hired by CKNW—doesn't see anything wrong with what transpired on the Jeff O'Neil Show.
Just because you don't find something funny or appropriate that a comedian said, it doesn't mean you get to demand an apology #CFOX @CKNW
— drex (@drex) December 16, 2014
Update #1: Fortunately, the assistant news director at CKNW disagrees with her coworker. And she nails it.
.@drex Disagree. This isn't about hurt feelings. Killing women is never funny, esp in the worst year for domestic violence in #BC.
— Charmaine de Silva (@char_des) December 16, 2014
Update #2: CKNW's brand director, Ian Koenigsfest, has apologized on air to listeners of that particular station for the "offensive to women" segment that "crossed the line".
CKNW host Simi Sara told her listeners that she also found it offensive and unfunny.
So, what about CFOX?
Update #3:
This a.m. both .@chrisgailus & .@sbarnesglobal were blindsided during a radio show. We disapprove of the content and tone of the discussion.
— Global BC (@GlobalBC) December 17, 2014
I was caught completely off guard by an offensive and disrespectful segment on morning radio today. It was not funny and it was #NOTokay.
— Chris Gailus (@chrisgailus) December 17, 2014
@chrisgailus and I were part of radio segment today that included questions & comments we didn't expect and ABSOLUTELY don't agree with
— Squire Barnes (@sbarnesglobal) December 17, 2014
Update #4:
The Jeff O’Neil Show and CFOX have issued an apology.
Comments
91 Comments
Trent
Dec 16, 2014 at 2:06pm
Drex is an idiot. This is a city where a man was able to kill at least 26 women over a span of years. Maybe you and the idiots you work with need to realize who your audience is.
Armchair Critic
Dec 16, 2014 at 2:07pm
I've listened to CFOX for over 30 years & used to listen to Jeff O'Neill show faithfully, but I finally had enough of the ongoing childishness, misogyny and just plain nonsense.
Morning shows used to be able to entertain audiences without resorting to constant gutter humour, talking about "manscaping" etc. I've heard Karen K sound pretty uncomfortable too, as well as guests. I don't care whether people pee in the shower, or how often they masturbate. It is time for Corus to rethink this show and its direction. It is pretty clear CFOX is on a downward slide generally & losing a lot of listeners.
If O'Neill & his minions and Corus think joking about murdering women is okay and defensible, this show has outlived its shelf life. Over 20 women have been murdered in BC this year & BC leads in female spousal homicides in Canada. It is this kind of hate & misogyny that is helping drive a culture of tolerance of domestic violence and murder of women. O'Neill & his minions all have kids and spouses, how would they like people asking the same type of questions they ask about their own children, or spouses?
If I were Corus I would be embarrassed and angry to have a show like O'Neill's representing the Corus brand and corporate identity. Your brand is dying because of these kind of knuckledragging half-wits.
Heather
Dec 16, 2014 at 2:13pm
An apology is definitely in order. There was nothing funny or appropriate about what was said.
Heather
Dec 16, 2014 at 2:25pm
I have also contacted Ian Koenigsfest at CKNW to add my voice to the others who were completely disgusted by the vile comments made today. Drex has no business being on Canadian airwaves. They can consider me a FORMER listener. Good work in pleasing your audience.
Ew
Dec 16, 2014 at 2:43pm
What a bunch of life losers.
Jenn
Dec 16, 2014 at 2:47pm
Apparently that Drex character fails to know that comedians are suppose to be funny. Stupid guy.
not funny
Dec 16, 2014 at 3:03pm
there was nothing funny about that on-air conversation, and for Drex to defend it is pathetic. Sorry but Jeff O Neill is not even close to being a "comedian", he only appeals to lug-head listeners who still think Metallica rocks... :-/
Just like their taste in music, their ideals are decades behind.
What happened to classy radio stations? - O'Neil and Drex are just obnoxious shockjocks.
Trevor
Dec 16, 2014 at 4:23pm
Although I believe the immature joke was in poor taste, Stephen Hui should stick to just reporting and not calling people names. Neanderthal? I actually like Drex's take on a lot of things. I applaud him for at least saying what he thinks. Just like you Stephen and the excellent women at CKNW and the people posting on here. He might not always be right, but to call him essentially stupid is poor taste on your part Stephen. I learned something with my writing is to avoid the name calling because it takes away and discredits the point you were trying to make.
Oh please
Dec 16, 2014 at 4:27pm
Another issue for some of us to wring our hands over. God I hate social media at times like this. It gives far too much of a voice to those that are perpetually looking for things to offend them so they can proclaim their outrage to the world...
Shari
Dec 16, 2014 at 4:52pm
exactly - what happened to classy radio stations ? There are not any anymore. Maybe CBC. Just had discussions on that the other night and now this. I don't even listen. Just came across this thru Twitter.