AUSTIN -- An Austin radio show has been canceled over racist remarks broadcast on the air. KLBJ-AM announced that Monday The Todd and Don Show, featuring Don Pryor and Todd Jeffries, will not return to the airwaves.
Jeffries, the news director at KLBJ-AM, will remain in his position and will return to the air in that capacity. Pryor will finish his suspension and stay at the station in an off-air role. Management told KVUE News they have not looked at an on-air position for Pryor.
The show was suspended last week after the remarks, which caused outrage in the community. Some leaders in the Hispanic community said last week they did not believe that punishment was severe enough.
Tuesday, Jeffries opened up conversation about the proper term for undocumented workers. Pryor then asked, "What happened to the good ol' word, wetback?"
Despite Jeffries' attempts to end the conversation, Pryor uttered the slur over 30 times in their hour-long show.
Frank Fuentes, chairman of the U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association, called the remarks painful, not just for Hispanics, but for the entire community.
"It was just very shocking, it was very hurtful and I just could not understand why in today's time and in Austin, Texas this could be happening," he said. "In this country the very roads these same individuals drive on are built by these folks. The very building, the very home that they live in."
Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Martinez was also offended and contacted the station last week with his concerns.
"I think it's important to point that out and let folks know that when you make statements like that you're going to be held accountable for them," said Martinez.
Monday's announcement on the show's cancellation was an agreement between Emmis Austin Radio and the community, including the U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association.
Jeffries and Pryor issued an apology after the incident.
"We do feel like both of them understand their mistake, understand what they did and are truly sorry for what they did and also apologize, but we felt like it required more action beyond an apology," said Scott Gilmore, vice president of Emmis Austin Radio, last week.
