AAJC Demands that CBS Reprimands Radio Host for Mocking Asian Americans

Jan. 27, 2005

The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) today expressed outrage over the insensitive and racist segment in the Jan. 24 radio show of Adam Carolla mocking the Asian Excellence Awards, which will be aired on AZN Television this Sunday, Jan. 29.

"Adam Carolla demeaned the work of Asian American actors, directors, and producers and perpetuated the stereotype of Asian Americans as foreigners," said Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC). "Unless Adam Carolla is strongly reprimanded, and the station and CBS Radio apologize, we will be forced to ask advertisers to withdraw their support of his show."

The Adam Carolla Show, aired through CBS Radio's 97.1 Free FM (KLSX-FM) in Los Angeles, referred to the Asian Excellence Awards as a joke and repeatedly used the sounds "ching-chong" in recreating a segment of the awards, which were actually done in English. The Adam Carolla Show is aired in 10 West Coast cities that have the largest Asian American populations in the U.S.

The Asian (AX) Excellence Awards honors Asian Americans in media who have made a difference in the United States. The awards will also pay a special tribute to the late actor, Pat Morita.

AAJC is encouraging people to call or email the following CBS Radio executives:
Joel Hollander, chairman and chief executive officer, CBS Radio, tel: 212-846-3939, email: joel.hollander@infinitybroadcasting.com
Dana L. McClintock, senior vice president, CBS Communications Group, tel: 212-975-1077, email: dlmcclintock@cbs.com

A clip of the Jan. 24 Adam Carolla Show is available here.

AAJC's affiliate, the Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California, and other organizations like the Korean American Coalition of Los Angeles, and the Media Action Network for Asian Americans, have also criticized the Adam Carolla Show.