"This year, they have an exclusivity contract with just one radio company," said Kevin England, "Special K" on the "Roula and Ryan Show." "It's like we've been working with them for so long. We've been champions of equality and now, 'No, no, no, you can't do that.'"
England says KRBE has been a sponsor since the festival started, more than 35 years ago. This year, for the first time, KRBE was not invited to sponsor the festival. Instead, another station has been given exclusive access.
KRBE says it has been offered a spot in the parade at a $1000.00 cost. England says there's no budget for that. The station has participated for free for years.
"I completely understand that it is a business decision and that's what it's all about anymore, the bottom line," England said. "But this endeavor, equality, LGBT rights, this is a time for everyone to get behind it."
In response, Pride Houston's CEO and President, Frankie Quijano, provided this statement:
- For clarification any corporation, business, group or individual can participate in the Houston LGBT Pride Celebration by visiting register.pridehouston.org. This application/registration has been the consistent process for decades. There are also varying Sponsor level opportunities available based on the monetary value provided that offer participation in the Celebration. Sponsors also use our application/registration system to participate in the Celebration. Cumulus Radio, 104.1 KRBE, was offered an opportunity to participate in the Celebration and chose not to participate.
There are varying Sponsorship levels with values and benefits the Sponsors are entitled to that are attached to each level. Sponsorship exclusivity has always been included in Sponsorships for decades. One example is Bud Light as the exclusive Beer of the Houston LGBT Pride Celebration or Mazda as the official Vehicle of the Celebration (2013). In the past, other beers and vehicle brands have participated in the Celebration by their own choice and are not turned away as a regular entry into the Celebration. When Two (2) or more Sponsors want exclusivity, they present their best offer and one is selected based on the value provided for the benefits they want. The other potential/past Sponsor not chosen is informed of the chosen offer and instructed on options on how they can continue to participate in the Celebration.
Unfortunately Pride's vendors that clean up the streets, provide the fencing, tents, tables, chairs, signage, bleachers, advertising, sound, lighting, street closures and medical services do not provide their services for free or on a volunteer basis so fees are assessed to make up the cost of those vendors. Pride Houston is a 100% volunteer run organization and all monies gathered go toward paying vendors, various permit/administration fees and help keep the Pride Festival free so that all can enjoy. Happy Pride Month.
Houston's LGBT Pride Festival and Parade will take place on June 28 from 1 to 7pm. There are more details on the celebration's official website.