Station Apologizes To Georgia Viewers
Guest Will No Longer Appear On Channel 4
"To the viewers of WJXT, to the residents of Georgia and of Jacksonville as well, I offer my sincere apology for my insensitive and, quite frankly, stupid remark on The Morning Show today. In my attempt to be spontaneously humorous, and capitalizing on the age-old Florida/Georgia rivalry, I made a comment that I deeply regret and I, by no means, meant to cause harm or grief to those who are suffering through this tragic situation.""At the time the remark was made, I heard only a portion of the report and assumed it was a minor forest fire. Unaware of the gravity of the situation, I put my giant foot in my mouth. But there is no excusing my remark.""I am humbled by the overwhelming response, and I wish the best for those whose livelihoods are threatened and the rescue workers who are risking their lives to fight the fire."WJXT management said this guest would no longer be affiliated with Channel 4 and, effective immediately, that segment of the morning show has been canceled."Please know that our thoughts, prayers and support are with the residents of southeast Georgia and with all the firefighters throughout the region fighting the fires," Ruddy said.
Copyright 2007 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.






Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a residence in Nashville, police say.
Cities and towns across northeast Florida and southeast Georgia put on fireworks displays, parades, concerts and other celebrations of America's birthday.
Authorities in Gainesville still searching for the gunmen.
One person is dead following a traffic crash in the middle of the Fuller Warren Bridge.
Jacksonville begins Independence Day festivities on Friday, with much more in store for the holiday.
An afternoon of country music is capped by SkyBlast, Jacksonville's fireworks display.
One day after 76 dogs were confiscated from a south Putnam County mobile home, plenty of people are offering homes for the animals, but they may only be temporary.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has arrested four people accused of shoplifting at a Westside department store is also suspected of hitting stores at the St. Johns Town Center.
Sarah Palin is stepping down as Alaska governor.
It formed in southern Duval County and slowly moved north -- mostly on or near the St. Johns River -- so thousands of people could witness its power.
Viewers throughout Duval County saw, snapped and sent in photos of the waterspout that moved up the river Friday afternoon.
Capturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled.
View All Fugitives On 'Wheel'