Carrboro may join voices calling on UNC to cut ties with "Rush Radio"

By Tammy Grubb 

The Carrboro Board of Aldermen will consider adding its voice next week to those calling for UNC to cut ties with Triangle radio station WRDU 106.1, which bills itself as “Rush Radio.”

The resolution will be discussed at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Limbaugh sparked the controversy March 1 when he called Georgetown University student Sandra Fluke a "slut" and used other misogynistic language after she testified in support of President Barack Obama’s contraceptive health care coverage plan.

At least 10 major advertisers have pulled their support from Limbaugh’s show in response to the comments.

WRDU is owned by Clear Channel Communications Inc. and broadcasts basketball and football games as part of the Tar Heel Sports Network. Tar Heel Sports Properties owns and operates the Tar Heel Sports Network, which has more than 50 affiliates that air the games, and is a UNC independent contractor.

In a recent statement, Clear Channel’s Raleigh market manager Dick Harlow said Limbaugh has a right to express his opinions and the station provides listeners with a broad range of opinions and humor with which it does not necessarily agree or condone.

Clear Channel Inc. also owns local radio stations G-105.1, 100.7 The River and Kiss 93.9 and is the parent company of Premiere Radio Networks, which syndicates several conservative talk shows.

Rick Steinbacher, UNC associate athletic director for marketing, said in a recent statement that the university, its Athletics Department and Tar Heel Sports Properties do not control or endorse the diverse slate of non-game programming offered by affiliate stations.