Bias and Cronyism In KC Scene

I believe there is a very bad thing happening with media in the Kansas City entertainment/music scene.  There are a set of individuals in key positions here in town that refuse to acknowledge the existence of certain groups of bands and individuals, that apparently think that they are “tastemakers” and know better than the general public what people want and don’t want to hear.

I think that this bias in the media industry is such hypocritical behavior, and those that engage in it should find other means of employment.  I say hypocritical, because the definition of reporting is “…to give account, usually in detail”.  To not properly and thoroughly report what is happening in town – IN ALL SCENES – to continually ignore certain areas is not only callous, but also downright despicable and irresponsible.  It almost borders on prejudice, and is most definitely bigotry in the purest sense of the word (look it up).  It is cronyism in practice, and frankly, is completely against what should be considered fair, reasonable and complete media coverage for any responsible reporter, columnist, or media employee.

To be clear:  I am not talking about radio stations that have a certain format or genera of music that they focus on; i.e., a rock station not playing a red dirt band.  But I am talking about radio stations that refuse to play music of the same genera from bands that aren’t a member of a certain “scene” or “in-crowd”.  (This rant is not restricted to radio.)

This behavior causes many hard working artists in the area to be completely ignored.  Many of these artists put their blood, sweat and tears into their work to entertain the fine residents of Kansas City, yet if they aren’t up to snuff for a small handful of individuals who report on Kansas City events – their efforts are for naught in a city that won’t support them.  (Notice I say WON’T rather than CAN’T.)  The residents of Kansas City have a right to receive information about ALL events that are happening in their area.  These people are acting as a FILTER – and the residents of Kansas City are losing out.  In effect, this biased behavior hurts rather than helps – not only entertainers, but the music-loving public themselves.

I am totally on the fence about publicly calling out certain individuals in this rant as much as I would LOVE to – but I don’t even know if it’s even completely necessary.  Most everyone that is reading this, I’m sure, know exactly which individuals I’m talking about.  You have probably sent these individuals press releases, review requests, invitations – only to have your correspondence be COMPLETELY ignored.  They may have even blocked you on social media sites.  These people won’t even give some of you the dignity of a response.  They are bigots and cowards, and are hurting the entertainment industry that they purportedly are there to support.

I propose to take action, and contact the “higher ups” of these individuals, telling them about how 75% of the entertainment industry here in town is being ignored, and how we feel about this type of behavior.  To demand EQUAL and FAIR coverage for all areas of the Kansas City music and entertainment industry.  People always complain about how segregated this scene is.  Let’s do something about it and stop complaining.

Anyone who is interested in organizing a campaign like I’ve described, please contact me to discuss.

Thank you for reading.

Anthony Scott, Cauldron Soundwerx Productions