Michael Savage infuriates advertisers on autism rant

Savage Loses Advertisers Over Autism Remarks
In Wake of Protests, Advertisers Don't Want to Support 'Savage Nation'
By JACKIE HYLAND, RAINA SEITEL GITTLIN and EMILY YACUS
July 27, 2008

Michael Savage -- one of the most popular talk show hosts in the nation -- is used to controversy. It's been one week since Savage made controversial remarks about autism, referring to those diagnosed with the condition as "brats, idiots, and morons."

Several big advertisers have pulled their commercials from the syndicated "Savage Nation" radio show, and now, thousands of parents and protesters are urging Savage to step down, calling his words "hate speech."

"I'll tell you what autism is," Savage told his audience on July 16. "In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out. That's what autism is." The talk show host also said, "Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up. Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot."

The conservative shock jock's comments sent shock waves through the autism community. Parents and autism activists staged rallies in protest in New York and San Francisco.


"We are here to call for the firing of Michael Savage. For his truly hurtful, outrageous and inaccurate statements," said one protester.

And the backlash didn't stop there. Sponsors of Savage's radio show, such as AFLAC Insurance and Home Depot, have pulled their advertisements. Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus gave $25 million for the creation of Autism Speaks, in 2005, and sits on the group's board of directors.
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