XM Satellite Radio personalities Opie & Anthony have struck again with their "Assault On The Media" campaign, this time angering a local New York City television reporter live on the air. CBS 2's Arthur Chi'en reacted to the stunt with a curse word, which has led to his dismissal.
The station issued the following statement: "WCBS-TV apologizes for the use of inappropriate language today during our 6 a.m. broadcast. We deeply regret the incident."
Chi'en was reporting live yesterday morning (5/19) from the entrance of a NYC subway, giving details about a MetroCard scam, when O&A crony Nathaniel slipped behind Chi'en with a very large O&A sign, shouting, "XM Satellite Radio." Chi'en, who appeared to think his report had cut away to previously filmed footage, quickly turned around and yelled "What the f*ck is your problem, man?!," at the departing Nathaniel. The entire outburst aired live.
While other media outlets reporting on this incident state there were two O&A supporters heckling Chi'en, in reality, Nathaniel was acting alone. While he was holding the sign up, another person can be seen walking by and seems to help Nathaniel hold up the O&A sign. A closer examination of the footage shows the second would-be-heckler placing his middle finger up to the sign in effigy of O&A, then whispering something into Nathaniel's ear. The person? Embattled WXRK/New York deejay Crazy Cabbie who happened upon the scene by chance and decided to show his disdain for the XM personalities. Cabbie is also a sometime guest on The Howard Stern Show, which has had past issues with the XM duo.
At press time there has been no word on whether WCBS-TV has been subject to an indecency violation by the FCC.