Automakers Face Boycott For Ties With XM Radio

Autoparts Report, Sept 16, 2002

Reverend Horace Sheffield III, the president of the Michigan Chapter of the National Action Network (NAN) and CEO of the National Association of Black Organizations (NABO) representing an alliance comprised of ministers that represent some of the largest African American churches in the nation has alerted Honda, Volkswagen, Isuzu and Nissan that continued dealings with XM Satellite Radio may result in a boycott of their products.

In a letter to the foreign car manufacturers, Sheffield said that XM Satellite Radio's CEO, Hugh Panero, has charted a course for XM that is diametrically opposed to the well being of the African American community. "XM Satellite Radio programming reflects a glaring lack of positive programming options to those XM channels that glorify the cultures of violence, drugs and female debasement that is too pervasive in urban America," said Sheffield.

NAN/NABO's national campaign to have the nation's satellite and cable broadcasting industry provide value positive programming for African Americans includes the request that XM Satellite Radio add The Word Network to XM's broadcast family.

NAN/NABO are recommending that the foreign carmakers consider using Sirius satellite radio as an alternative to XM because Sirius has demonstrated corporate responsibility and a commitment to the African American community by providing wholesome programming options such as The Word Network.