Two D.C. stations refuse to run anti-Redskins ads

The debate around the Washington Redskins name is growing larger every day. It seems like everyone, including the President of the United States, Barack Obama, has weighed in on the debate. It seems like the side is still very split and controversial.

Dec 23, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins helmets along the sidelines prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

The Oneida Indian Nation purchased ads on two Washington D.C. area radio stations, WJFK and WPGC. They were trying to air ads against the Redskins name. CBS Radio Washington, which owns both the stations, declined to air them though.

“Based on the amount of on-air debate, adding paid commercials from one side isnot something that we think is beneficial for this discussion and for our audience,” senior vice president of CBS Radio Washington said via email, which Oneida Indian Nation forwarded to the Washington Post.

For those curious, that ad can be heard here. It starts out by pointing out that the Redskins were the last team to integrate and that was the legacy of the owner Preston Marshall, the same person who chose the Redskins name.

The Oneida Indian Nation responded in a statement released via their representative, Ray Halbritter

“It is unfortunate and un-American that the station permits the team to slander Native Americans on the public airwaves with the use of the r-word, but doesn’t permit Native Americans to use the same airwaves to object to the use of a racial slur. We will not be silent mascots. This issue is not going away, as evidenced by the growing and diverse support this effort gains by the day.”

Do you think the name should be changed? Let us know in the comments below.

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