by Colin S Farmer | published Dec. 6th, 2024
Bob Lonsberry, a seasoned veteran in the media production realm, boasts an impressive tenure of over 40 years— a time marked by an array of roles, from news columnist to broadcaster and radio host. His voice resonates through the airwaves of Western New York, as he juggles three distinct radio shows on WHAM, WAIO (Radio 95.1), and WSYR. Recently, he shared insights from his extensive career in journalism, reflecting on its trajectory and what lies ahead.
A Career of Controversy
Beginning his journey in the early 1980s at the Rochester Times-Union, Lonsberry quickly transitioned to the radio scene, initially stepping in as a substitute host at WHAM. In a rather serendipitous fashion, he ultimately secured a permanent spot, laying the groundwork for a prolific career that has seen him collaborate with numerous stations.
However, Lonsberry’s rise has not been without its share of strife; his past commentary has ignited controversy, most infamously in 2003 when he likened William A. Johnson Jr., Rochester’s first Black mayor, to an “orangutan.” Though he swiftly apologized in a subsequent column—one that remains accessible on his site—his career took a hit when he was fired, only to be reinstated by the very station that let him go. Fast forward to 2019, and he again found himself amidst a storm of backlash following a now-deleted tweet where he argued that “‘Boomer’ is the n-word of ageism,” a comment that garnered criticism and correction from Dictionary.com, further subject to comedic derision by John Mulaney.
Lonsberry’s conservative political stance does not shy away from controversy either. In the aftermath of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in July, he asserted on his website that “disciples of Karl Marx… hope in this country to sow the seeds of revolution.” Reflecting on these divisive moments, Lonsberry articulated a mindset that accepts controversy as an inevitable facet of commentary. “It’s hard to express a viewpoint without it stepping on somebody’s toes. That’s the nature of a free and pluralistic society,” he noted, sticking to the belief that such discord ultimately enriches communal discourse.
This sentiment echoes in the experiences of other political commentators, like Kimberly Rae and Barry Beck, who have faced repercussions for their remarks; both were dismissed from local station 98.9 FM after making transphobic comments. Rae championed the principle of free speech post-firing, stating, “Freedom of Speech includes the freedom to offend others. You aren’t granted a right to not be offended in this life.”
Commentary Versus News
In delineating the role of his work, Lonsberry clarified that he engages primarily in commentary rather than traditional news reporting. His style leans heavily on opinion, allowing listeners a glimpse into his perspective on local and national events. “My job is to give you my opinion. My perspective in a newspaper, I would be like the editorial page,” he articulated, emphasizing the necessity of balance within journalism. “I think there’s a role for that as sort of a side dish to American journalism. But to the extent it becomes the main course, that’s not good,” he cautioned.
Hinda Mandell, an RIT journalism professor, corroborated this distinction, highlighting industry standards established over the last century. “News uses standard editorial practice that has been a part of the journalistic field for about 100 years,” she explained, insisting on the importance of verified information sourced from credible outlets.
Cautiously optimistic about the future of journalism, Lonsberry voiced a desire for reporters to prioritize factual accuracy and strive for objectivity amidst a landscape rife with political influence and misinformation. “I think the path forward is to tell the truth,” he asserted, advocating for journalistic integrity that transcends agenda. “A good reporter is there to serve the audience, not to persuade or control them.”
As Lonsberry gears up for another decade of commentary—infusing color and insight into the narrative tapestry of Western New York—his ability to provoke thought, coupled with his wealth of experience, ensures that his voice continues to resonate, despite the scandals of yesterday. His commitment to the craft is evident; although his past may not be spotless, his passion for journalism remains steadfast, earning him respect in the community.
