Allred would only say that "persons unknown" cut down the billboard, which "was not part of the gag." He also said he wouldn't be surprised if the new sign is also vandalized.

After all the controversy, Horan said that he no longer wants to be connected with the ad campaign and directed further questions to the radio personalities.

Allred said the three morning hosts came up with the idea for the billboard and discussed any possible backlash before posting them. Though all are vocal proponents of gay marriage on their show, Allred said that X96 has no political agenda.

But not everyone agrees.

"I don't think supporting gay marriage is a humorous matter whatsoever. I think that (the billboard) is a specific marketing tactic to desensitize the population," said Cherilyn Bacon, who is putting together a petition in support of state and federal marriage amendments that define marriage as between a man and a woman.

Bacon concedes that she probably doesn't fit the demographic that X96 caters to, and Allred wouldn't disagree. The station's methods are typically unusual, as evidenced by a visit to the X96Web site — www.x96.com — where "uncensored photos of Bill's colon" and fake obituaries that discuss drinking, drugs and zombies are featured.

"Some people are offended, I'm sure," Allred said. "There are humorless people in any group."

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E-mail: lwarner@desnews.com