KXNT axes Harris after social media storm “T
Heidi Harris Show” has been abruptly taken off the air at KXNT 840-AM and its host is now looking for a job.
“I had a great two years, I loved everybody there,” Harris said Tuesday. “I look forward to what God has for me next.”
Harris confirmed she had been told her contract, which expires next month, would not be renewed. Harris was the KXNT’S morning host since 2015, and also spent 1999-2005 at the station as one of Las Vegas’s predominant conservative broadcasters.
Harris’s KXNT colleague and longtime Vegas broadcaster Alan Stock filled Harris’ usual 6 -9 a.m. time slot.
The timing of Harris’s departure from the air coincides with controversial comments posted Saturday on her show’s Facebook page referring to a Clark County Department of Family Services ad that showed two men teaching a baby how to walk. Harris commented that it would be better for a child to have a mother and a father, rather than two fathers.
According to KTNV.COM, the original post read: “Another not-so-subtle attempt to normalize something that is NOT normal. Even if this is normal for YOU, it’s not the best thing for a baby.
“Babies who are eligible for adoption should go to MARRIED people of the opposite sex. That is the IDEAL situation for a baby, and political correctness, changing laws or attitudes cannot alter that REALITY.
“And please don’t comment here about how ‘some straight people aren’t good parents’ or how ‘you know gay people who are great parents’ … blah blah blah … I am fully aware of that. I’m talking about what’s best for the CHILD, and that’s what the County should be promoting.”
The comments touched off a tide of comments blasting Harris, and the page has since been taken down.
KXNT is a national affiliate of CBS Radio. Station Senior Vice President and Market Manager Tony Perlongo informed Harris of the company’s decision to spike her show.
In an email making the rounds on media outlets and social media today, Perlongo responded to listeners weighing in on Harris’s show. “We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us and want to assure you that we take comments about our programming and personalities seriously. Please note, effective immediately, The Heidi Harris Show will no longer air on KXNT.”
The Center in Las Vegas applauded Harris’s removal, as executive director Andre Wade said in a statement : “The Center is pleased with CBS’ decision to cancel Heidi’s show. Our community and allies’ voices were heard. There’s no place for hate, discrimination, and divisiveness aimed at marginalizing LGBTQ people and their families.”
Harris posted a couple messages on her personal Facebook page Tuesday afternoon, including one that read, “Though they intended evil against you and devised a plot, they will not succeed. (Even though they think they have) Psalm 21:12.” And, earlier, simply, “My ears are ringing.”
Fator returns to “AGT”
Terry Fator, the vaunted ventriloquist and headliner of his eponymous theater at The Mirage, returns tonight to “America’s Got Talent,” the place where he originally gained national fame.
The show’s Season 2 champion in 2007, Fator is back for the second time this year for the season finale. He’s toting a familiar friend, Winston the Impersonating Turtle, the same puppet he used in his championship performance a decade ago. Fans roared at Fator’s rendition of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” in the final round, as he swapped lines with Winston, a figure inspired by Kermit the Frog from Muppet fame.
Fator has been assisting this year’s ventriloquial star, 12-year-old Darci Lynne Farmer, by offering sage advice and writing jokes for her throughout the competition.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @ Johnnykats1 on Instagram. As of 9 p.m. Tuesday:
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