I was surprised and distressed after reading the Aug. 17 article regarding Brian Oake's separation from the Current ("Oake out at 89.3 after incident"). I am an experienced employee relations professional with an employment law background. I have dealt with several instances of an employee's personal social-media use being brought into the workplace. The circumstances under which an employer can actually terminate an employee for his/her personal social-media use without incurring significant risk are quite limited. Upon learning of Oake's separation, some questions immediately came to mind: Did Oake actually violate a Minnesota Public Radio policy? If so, was the policy infraction egregious enough to result in this outcome? Is this policy fair, equitable, and appropriate for the industry?
As I contemplated, another well-tenured popular local morning radio host came to mind. This host has in fact established his reputation around speaking his mind on-air, inappropriate comments included. I chose to support the Current because it was a refreshing alternative to commercial radio. It seemed to be a place where radio hosts could express their opinions without fear of repercussion. How ironic that in this case, commercial radio actually seems to be more lenient with its employees' behavior than MPR.
Another reason I have supported the Current was the value it placed on input from the audience it depends on for financial support. Again, the Current has clearly failed its listeners. The evidence can be found in the posts currently on its Facebook page and other local media outlets, in addition to the strong response to the Change.org petition created on Brian's behalf.
I don't know if Oake has any interest in reinstatement to the Current at this point. I will greatly miss his presence on the station, but it is difficult to rebuild burned bridges. I hope he's able to quickly find another venue where he can share his wit and vast knowledge of music with his many appreciative listeners.
Heidi Walters, Eden Prairie
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RECESSION TALK
Where are Trump, Kudlow getting their economic statistics?
Headlines in the Star Tribune on Aug. 19, say "Worker pay stagnates as it soars for CEOs" and "White House plays down recession talk."
"I don't think we're having a recession," President Donald Trump told reporters as he returned from one of the many golf courses he owns. The president went on to say, "We're doing tremendously well. Our consumers are rich. I gave a tremendous tax cut and they're loaded up with money."
Trump's economic adviser Larry Kudlow said, "Consumers are able to spend and save more."