The Program Director at KFYI 550 AM News Talk, a commercial radio station owned by iHeartMedia blatantly refused to run ads on-air promoting a local Black-owned business’ initiative about the importance of diversity and inclusion Black News reported. Aaron Trimmer wrote an email regarding an on-air endorsement during Black History Month, he said that the station is “in opposition to the need for corporate diversity programs” and it would be “disingenuous for [KFYI talent] to conduct an endorsement/ interview spot to promote such programs.”

Thinkzilla Consulting was the company rejected by Trimmer. The company is a Black woman-owned brand engagement firm that has expanded to Scottsdale, Arizona three years ago. Founder and CEO, Dr. Velma Trayham, says she was attempting to buy an advertisement with the radio station that focused on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the local Arizona business community. Dr. Trayham is the leader of an organization that helps to bridge the gap between corporations and Black American and minority business owners. She said she never expected to receive anti-diversity and discriminatory advertising comments from an iHeartMedia affiliate.

“Frankly, we were shocked and disheartened that a corporation would have this stance and reject a conversation on diversity because they do not feel like it’s a good fit for their brands,” she told the news website.

A recent study by McKinsey noted that diverse executive teams improve their profitability by 33 percent compared to their peers. Dr. Trayham’s goal was to share this information along with tips for enhancing diversity efforts with local listeners. However, the business owner’s efforts were rejected by Trimmer who went against iHeartMedia’s own Diversity in Radio Programming Policy as shared in the company’s ESG report.

“Black History Month is a time to honor diverse businesses, individuals, and contributions to our country’s diverse tapestry, and we do NOT believe iHeartMedia uses Black History Month and the talent of Black artists to further their business goals while simultaneously allowing 550 KFYI to deny advertisement based on discrimination and anti-diversity messaging,” Dr. Trayham added. “This is a clear case of discrimination, which is troubling to see in 2022. We need to work together, to share messages and stories about the importance of diversity, and to welcome new ideas if anything is ever going to change.”

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