Mark defends the great Bob Grant and questions the motives of R&R as they add Al Sharpton to a debate panel which will be part of the trade seminar where Grant was scheduled to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In a recent headline, Radio & Records magazine announced that they were, “pleased to announce that the 2008 R&R Lifetime Industry Achievement Award honoree is Citadel talk WABC/New York evening personality Bob Grant. He will receive the award at the 2008 R&R News/Talk Industry Achievement Awards Ceremony, taking place at the annual R&R Talk Radio Seminar, March 13-15 in Washington, D.C.”

Suddenly, they had a change of heart. Today’s announcement reads…

Award Withdrawn

Upon further review and consideration of Bob Grant’s complete body of work, Radio & Records has withdrawn its decision to present the 2008 News/Talk/Sports Lifetime Industry Achievement Award to Mr. Grant. R&R is sensitive to the diversity of our community and does not want the presentation of an award to Mr. Grant to imply our endorsement of past comments by him that contradict our values and the respect we have for all members of our community.

Just prior to that, they announced…

Rev. Sharpton Added To Talk Radio Seminar

Radio & Records is excited to announce that Syndication One talk host and longtime political activist Rev. Al Sharpton (pictured) has joined the talented roster of the 2008 R&R Talk Radio Seminar, set for March 13-15 in Washington, D.C. Sharpton will add his unique voice to the “Reverse Debate” session, where the tables are turned and air talent take their spot on stage in a presidential-style debate moderated by ABC News’ George Stephanopoulous…

For more than 40 years, Sharpton has been a community leader, politician, minister and advocate, which led to him becoming one of America’s most renowned civil-rights leaders. His goal is to challenge the American political establishment to be inclusive to all people regardless of race, gender, class or beliefs.