Disc Jockey Who Refused Request to Play ‘Rudolph’ and Mocked Santa Is Suspended

MAITLAND, Fla. —  A disc jockey refused a child’s request to play “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” Friday and, unaware he was still on the air, called Santa Claus an obscene name and suggested his star reindeer be killed.

The telephone switchboard at WSTF-FM lit up like a Christmas tree.

The disc jockey, Michael Lowe, was suspended from his job.

“It was wrong, very wrong,” said Barbara Vardin, the station’s general manager.

The child called the station Friday morning to request the song. Lowe sternly replied that the station was not yet playing Christmas music, then hung up.

Thinking the microphone was off, Lowe called Santa and his reindeer an obscene name. He began singing a parody of the song, describing methods of killing Rudolph.

“The calls have been tremendous,” said the station’s harried switchboard operator.

“We want to apologize to our listeners and advertisers and assure all that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken,” Vardin said.

She said Lowe, a 10-year employee at the contemporary rock station, was suspended from his job for a week, and his status would be reviewed when the week ends.