AN ongoing row between dancehall fraternity members and Dr Dennis Howard, general manager for radio services at the RJR Communications Group, is taking another twist.

A petition is now making its way around social media calling for Entertainment and Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange’s intervention on the fraternity’s behalf as it is alleged that the media conglomerate has restricted the playing of reggae and dancehall music on its radio stations as well the sacking of the general manager.

Howard, who assumed the position of GM in September 2016, declined the Jamaica Observer’s request for an interview.

“Can’t do any interview,” he responded.

Established by Teddylee Gray four days ago, the petition, up to yesterday, had secured 29 signatures.

In the document, which utilises the online platform at www.change.org, Gray who describes himself as a dancehall fan, outlines his grouse with the GM.

“Dr Howard, a musicologist, is one of the harshest critics of dancehall music from the 90s. Therefore, certain moves never surprised many of us dancehall fans in January of 2017. Many of us are still unclear if the banning of dancehall music from the RJRGleaner Communications Group with regard to Hitz 92FM and the hand-picking of which dancehall songs can play on the other RJR radio stations… Many of us Jamaicans tune into Hitz 92 FM (formerly JBC Radio 2 ) or FAME 95 FM for entertainment and sports only. If we want to listen to current affairs, we listen to RJR 94 FM. Hitz 92 FM was a sports, reggae and dancehall radio station,” the petition stated.

“We, dancehall fans, will concede the point that RJRGleaner Communictions Group is a private company. But they also have to concede the point that we, the consumers, value more. Also we, the dancehall fans, will also concede that not all dancehall songs are radio friendly even after editing. But is Dr Howard telling us that all dancehall songs are about sex and gun. It’s time for the dancehall community to show their power and strength and call for the sacking of Dr Dennis Howard,” it continued.

The issue of dancehall music and the RJR Communications Group was first raised by Beenie Man at a weekly street dance in February. The self-proclaimed King of the Dancehall accused Howard of trying to kill the genre.

In recent weeks, singjay I-Octane has taken to social media claiming his songs have been banned from RJR’s airwaves.