KPCC-FM programmer sparks controversy by halting Planned Parenthood spots

KPCC-FM's decision to pull Planned Parenthood spots last Friday is attracting criticism. Programmer Craig Curtis sent a memo that day to staff that landed on LA Observed, and made its way to the Nation's blog today (April 10). In it he said that “given that the budget debate in congress is focusing today on abortion in general and Planned Parenthood by extension,” running the spots “might raise questions in the mind of the reasonable listener regarding our editorial and sales practices.” On his LAWeekly blog, writer Dennis Romero noted, "We've never even heard a Planned Parenthood spot on the station. Oops, maybe this one backfired." The Nation said KPCC execs were unavailable for comment over the weekend.