Jesse Jackson's daughter silenced at WVON
Susan Smith Ross
Jesse Jackson's daughter silenced at WVON
Ongoing tensions at WVON erupt into suspension for talk show host
Santita Jackson has been suspended as midday host at WVON-AM (1690) in a dispute over Black History Month features on the African-American news/talk station.
Jackson, 44, eldest daughter of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, has been off the air since Friday with no explanation to listeners. Her talk show airs from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays.
Melody Spann Cooper, general manager of the Midway Broadcasting station, would confirm only that Jackson was off for the rest of the month. "I respect Santita, I love Santita, and I look forward to her coming back on March 1," Cooper said.
Insiders said the two-week suspension was the culmination of ongoing tension at the station.
The blowup occurred, sources said, when Jackson was asked to record a series of biographical vignettes for Black History Month. She agreed to do so, but when she asked that they air only on WVON, a heated exchange with Cooper ensued.
Jackson declined to comment on details of the incident, saying: "I have the highest regard for the management of the station and the legacy of WVON. I look forward to returning to the air at the beginning of March."
In her absence, middays are being hosted by the evening duo of Matt McGill and Perri Small.
Jackson joined WVON in 2006 after producing television and radio shows for her father.