Protest staged at Novacom Broadcasting turns into a riot
By Donald Hutchinson
| Times Reporter
A protest against Novacom Broadcasting and
their programming rapidly turned violent Thursday when demonstrators began
throwing rocks, bottles, and even Novacom merchandise. Police arrived before
any serious injuries resulted, but a few people sustained minor cuts and
bruises. Among them was John Avery Whittaker, owner of Whit's End, who
suffered a small gash above his right eye. Whittaker has spoken out against
Novacom programming on the radio and in newspaper articles and was
publicized as sponsoring the event. "I had nothing to do with organizing the
protest and I don't think that breaking the law or using violence is the
answer to our concerns with Novacom," says Whittaker. "Mr. Rathbone used my
picture and my words to publicize the protest with my permission."
Rathbone, who was fined for creating a public safety hazard and trespassing,
said he saw no problem with using Whittaker's image to promote the protest.
"Those Novacommies are driving this town down the drain. We have to do
whatever is necessary to rid the town of them and their kind," said
Rathbone. Rathbone went on to explain that he was inspired to stage the
protest when his son Rodney was suspended from school for the third time
this year. "Before Novastines came to town, he never would have been
suspended three times in one year," said Rathbone. Rathbone denied that the
protest had anything to do with Novacom's refusal to carry his show idea,
"What's Wrong? Hosted by Bart Rathbone."
Damage at Novacom was very limited according to Arthur Dent, general
manager. "We had a few broken windows and some damage to the front lawn, but
we're thankful that the damage wasn't any worse and that there were no
serious injuries." Dent said he was very sorry that Odyssey citizens felt
they had to protest rather than talking civilly. "We want to know what the
town thinks, but violence is not the answer," he said. "I strongly encourage
anyone who has a problem with our programming to talk to us. Any member of
our audience is important to us." Dent declined comment on Whittaker's role
in the protest.
This
article originally appeared in "The Odyssey Times," a
special fictional newspaper produced by Focus on the Family to promote
Adventures in Odyssey.
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