Stern Dropped by Clear Channel

[lawrocket 3]

Looks like the FCC power is being wielded in a pretty strong fashion.

Taken from Yahoo News:

Clear Channel Drops Stern on FCC Threat

By JONATHAN D. SALANT, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Federal regulators Thursday proposed $495,000 in indecency fines against Clear Channel Communications for broadcasts by Howard Stern, prompting the nation's largest radio chain to drop the country's best-known shock jock.

Clear Channel suspended Stern in February from its six stations that carry his program, which regularly features graphic sexual discussion and humor. It decided to make the move permanent after the Federal Communications Commission (news - web sites) cited the chain for 18 alleged violations from Stern's April 9, 2003, show.

"Mr. Stern's show has created a great liability for us and other broadcasters who air it," said John Hogan, president of Clear Channel Radio. "The Congress and the FCC (news - web sites) are even beginning to look at revoking station licenses. That's a risk we're just not willing to take."

In a statement posted on his Web site, Stern said he was not surprised by the fine. He characterized it as furtherance of a "witch hunt" against him by the Bush administration.

"It is pretty shocking that governmental interference into our rights and free speech takes place in the U.S.," he said. "It's hard to reconcile this with the 'land of the free' and the 'home of the brave.'"

The FCC investigation was prompted by a listener in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who complained about a Stern program that included discussion of sex accompanied by flatulence sounds.

Federal law bars radio stations and over-the-air television channels from airing references to sexual and excretory functions between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., when children may be tuning in. The rules do not apply to cable and satellite channels or satellite radio.

The FCC imposed the maximum fine of $27,500 for each of 18 violations on six Clear Channel stations: WBGG in Fort Lauderdale; WTKS-FM in Cocoa Beach, Fla.; WTFX-FM in Louisville, Ky.; KIOZ in San Diego; WNVE in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.; and WSDS-FM in Pittsburgh.

The FCC fined each station for two specific incidents during a single program, the first time the commission has done so. Previously, the FCC levied fines for an entire program, no matter how many different indecent utterances occurred.

Commissioner Michael Copps, who usually dissents from indecency decisions because he says the penalties aren't strong enough, was part of a unanimous commission this time.

"I have long advocated that the commission use all of the tools it has to tackle indecency on the public airwaves," he said. "Today's decision is a step forward towards imposing meaningful fines."

Last month, the FCC proposed fining Stern's employer, Infinity Broadcasting, $27,500 for a Stern show broadcast July 26, 2001, on WKRK-FM in Detroit. The show featured discussions about sexual practices and techniques.

Infinity paid $1.7 million in 1995 to settle various violations by Stern. The Center for Public Integrity, a watchdog group, said fines against Stern accounted for almost half of the $4 million in penalties proposed by the FCC since 1990.

Stern has charged on the air that he's being punished for his criticism of President Bush (news - web sites). Clear Channel's political action committee and its employees have given $265,800 to Republicans for the 2004 election, more than any other broadcaster, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan research group.

"You've got to vote Bush out to send a message as a Howard Stern fan," Stern said during one recent broadcast. "There's a cultural war going on. The religious right is winning. We're losing."

A conservative advocacy group, the Parents Television Council, applauded the FCC's decision.

"Stern is a repeat offender of the most commonsense decency standards and we welcome the news that the FCC is moving to combat these patently indecent shows," said L. Brent Bozell III, the group's presiden

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[Gawain 0]

I don't understand why people seem to be incapable of changing the fu**ing stations. Jeez..

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[Shotgun 1]

It looks to me like Howard broke the law ("airing references to sexual and excretory functions between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m." on public radio) and now he is being punished for it.

Now, I actually like Howard way more than I like George W., but I just can't agree that this is a "witch hunt against him by the Bush administration". If he doesn't like that particular law, then he should be doing something to try and change it rather than blatantly and publicly breaking the law and then crying when he gets into trouble for it.

I don't want to see the "religious right" win the "cultural war" any more than he does, but I don't agree with the way he's handling this particular issue. Now if he was getting dropped simply for making negative statements about Bush (and had done nothing to break the law), that would be a different story...

[lawrocket 3]

No, I don't agree with the "Witch Hunt" thing any more than Rush Limbaugh's accusations that the drug investigation against him is politically motivated.

You are right. He did break the law. Still, sometimes this just goes too damned far.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[turtlespeed 226]

*Sigh*


He was pushing the limits, and he knew it. He was bucking the system - and he was doing everything he could to show he could get away with it.

I have a ten year old Daughter, she does the same thing some times - not very often - but she still does and I let her get away with it for a little while and then show her without any doubt whatsoever that she is about to cross a line, and it stops.

The lines were crossed, the warnings were given - he fucked up - it's his bed - let him lie in it. All crimes should be enforced to the highest and most strict penalty allowed by law.

For both Rush and Stern.

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[ChasingBlueSky 0]

Quote

It looks to me like Howard broke the law ("airing references to sexual and excretory functions between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m." on public radio) and now he is being punished for it.

You realize that is a rule that is subject to personal interpretation? Yup, look it up. First off, the FCC needs someone to complain about it. Then they need proof of it. The more complaints about a certain on-air personality, the more likely they are to go after them.

I have gotten away with saying FAAAAAR worse and having guests do far worse things on the air - but no one ever complained about us. Yes, some of it was during the morning drive time as well.

There are groups of people that listen to these shows with the intent on submitting complaints on anything that might be considered against the FCC laws. The FCC then gets to make the choice if what was said was "against community standards." Sometimes they overlook, sometimes a slap on the wrist, and in the case of a high-profile target that mocks them, they lay out heavy fines.

Conspiracy? Well, take a look at who is running the FCC these days....think he has any connection to the Bush Admin? That is a big leap without any proof...but it makes you think.

FYI - the FCC has admitted on several news shows before the Janet Boob malfunction that they are obsolete and defined by laws that no longer represent the majority of the population.

Also, it has been shown that if the FCC continues this pace of fines, the "pay-for" world of radio will increase....something that for the most part is out of their reach. There are people that claim the FCC is in bed with these compaines that will profit from it as well. But then again, there is conspiracy rumor for just about anything.

_________________________________________
you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me....
I WILL fly again.....

[jumpergirl 0]

Quote

I don't understand why people seem to be incapable of changing the fu**ing stations. Jeez..

I am in COMPLETE and TOTAL agreement with you!! If I don't like something that is on the radio, I'll change the station... save for TV. That's why we have CHOICES!!!! That's what America is about!! Granted, I don't care much for Howard Stern, but that's why I don't/didn't listen to him!! We lost Bubba and his crew here in the Tampa area... I listened to him, and I changed the station plenty of times too. I think this whole FCC crap is just that... CRAP!!

[seedy 0]

"Infinity paid $1.7 million in 1995 to settle various violations by Stern. The Center for Public Integrity, a watchdog group, said fines against Stern accounted for almost half of the $4 million in penalties proposed by the FCC since 1990. "

"Conspiracy? Well, take a look at who is running the FCC these days....think he has any connection to the Bush Admin? That is a big leap without any proof...but it makes you think. "

Yep, a Bush conspiracy. Looks like he has been after him since the 90s.

Oh, wait. Bush wasn't president in the 90s. Hmmmmm.

I intend to live forever -- so far, so good.

[Ron 10]

If I do something and you warn me...Then I do it again and you fine me...I them mock you and continue doing the same things that got me (and you) fined, and get fined again, and again, and again, and again, and again...Then the group get serious and lays heavy fines on me (And you)..

Hell I would expect to get fired.

Im surprized they kept him that long...Oh wait no I'm not...He made them money. He made money.

He used shock and sex to make millions...He made them and now the FCC said enough...Clear Channel didn't HAVE to fire him..you issue should be with Clear Channel for letting him do it for profit, then slamming him when he did what he was getting paid (well) to do.

Not the FCC for doing its JOB.

In fact if I were Howard, I would sue Clear Channel...I would show how Clear Channel paid me good money to do what I did, and then I would show how they fired me for the very same thing the paid me to do.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[DJL 235]

For all the shock humor in which I engage, people find it hard to believe that I don't like Howard Stern. I think he's a jack-ass. He demeans mentally retarded people for ratings. I don't think you can get any lower than that.

"I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher

[skydyvr 0]

Quote

I don't understand why people seem to be incapable of changing the fu**ing stations. Jeez..

If it weren't for the fact that most kids aren't skilled at making right choices, I'd agree with you, but unfortunately, kids are vulnerable to having their minds stunk up by turds like Stern.

That's why we supposedly keep kids from viewing porn, ultra violence, and other material that can impact them emotionally.

The public airways are saying goodbye to a rotten human being polluting the minds of kids who don't know any better, and it's a good thing.

. . =(_8^(1)

[Gawain 0]

Quote

The public airways are saying goodbye to a rotten human being polluting the minds of kids who don't know any better, and it's a good thing.

Don't spread your wings too far. ClearChannel only carried him on six stations. He's still on the air in over a hundred across the country.

Kids know what they like. And, most kids are on their way to, or at school when Stern is on the air anyway.

Stern is both right and wrong about this latest development. Where he's wrong: The "witch hunt" theory and conspiracy from the Bush administration. GWB doesn't give a sh*t about Stern. Where he's right: First Amendment. Case and point (from Stern's website): "If there is a bedrock principle of the first amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disgraceful." - Justice William J. Brennan (1906-1997) - Texas v. Johnson 1989.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[skydyvr 0]

Quote

Don't spread your wings too far. ClearChannel only carried him on six stations. He's still on the air in over a hundred across the country.

Oh, I didn't realize this. I thought he was off of radio entirely. Bummer.

Quote

Kids know what they like.

Which is different than them being well informed enough or strong willed enough to choose what they expose themselves to wisely.

Quote

Where he's right: First Amendment.

The First Amendment has forever been abridged on public airways, and I say again it's a good thing.

. . =(_8^(1)

[benny 0]

Free Speech, it's the new terrorism. Ladies and gentleman, a grave and growing danger is upon ass, coochie and fart jokes. If we don't stop them we will cease to live as Americans ought to live.

Never go to a DZ strip show.

[kelpdiver 2]

Quote

Now, I actually like Howard way more than I like George W., but I just can't agree that this is a "witch hunt against him by the Bush administration". If he doesn't like that particular law, then he should be doing something to try and change it rather than blatantly and publicly breaking the law and then crying when he gets into trouble for it.

He is - he's been devoting an unprecendented portion of his airtime in promoting a defeat of the President. Time that could be much better spent on lesbians and 13" kilbasas.

At this time it seems most appropriate to point everyone to the South Park episode on the subject of idecency. Clear Channel's growing domination of the airwaves is a much greater threat than Howard Stern.

[scottjaco 0]

I don't really care if he gets cancelled. He is washed up. His shit isn't original anymore. He's doing the same shit he did 10 years ago!

[WrongWay 0]

Did you hear about how they were going to fine Stern for playing a clip on his show from OPRAH???

Here's a quick recap on what happened. Oprah had someone on her show who talked about "salad tossing", which is a sexual act in which the woman gets anal, then gives oral. (ew.....) Anyway, it airs on Oprah, people find it offensive but she is never fined for indecency. So Stern tries to air the audio clip on his show, and it's cut out and he is threatened with fines. He tries again and they still won't air it.

This may not seem like a big deal, but it could very well be Sterns ace in the deck. If they fine Stern for it, they MUST fine Oprah. If they don't fine him, then they MUST let him air the clip. If they fine him and not Oprah, then it proves that they're only dumping these fines on to get rid of Stern himself because he's against the Bush Administration and that's who is in tight with the FCC these days, proving a small but still notable government relation to the regulation of information, swinging the votes of the average viewer by filtering what they listen to, pushing them in one direction or the other.

It's a win/win situation!! Thanks Oprah!! GO FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!

Wrong Way
D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451
The wiser wolf prevails.

[PhillyKev 0]

Yeah....Stern is pushing the limits of decency. Thank god Ashcroft held a press conference to say he is now going after pornographers like HBO.

Does anyone remember these two little tidbits about Asscroft? 1) He lost an election in his home state to a corpse before being appointed by Bush. 2) He spent $8,000 in taxpayer money to cover the breasts of the statue of lady liberty at the justice department because he found it offensive. 3) He peronally targetted Tommy Chong and had him sent to jail for licensing his name to a company that sells pipes on the internet. 4) He has charged strip club owners in Vegas with obscure charges of terrorism under the patriot act. 5) He has prosecuted elderly organizations for importing legal prescriptions from Canada.

Sorry...more than two, they just started pouring out once I got rolling.

Glad someone as rationale as that is making judgment calls for me.

[PhillyKev 0]

Quote

The lines were crossed, the warnings were given - he fucked up - it's his bed - let him lie in it. All crimes should be enforced to the highest and most strict penalty allowed by law.

Problem is, he didn't commit a crime. There is no law regarding this. He was fined under FCC statutes. There was no bill passed for a law that he broke. And, the statute they are fining him for is for "violating decency according to community standards". The reason he was fined is because one person in Florida complained about a broadcast. However, they fined him for every market he was in. Are you telling me that every major market in the US has the same community standards? New Orleans is just like Nantucket? San Francisco is just like Biloxi? And since this wasn't a crime, but an FCC rule, there is no court for him to present a defense. They decide to fine him and that's it, no recourse and no defense.

[DrunkMonkey 0]

And the Kristian Koalition are buying a lot of politicians...

The FCC-an appointed body-not elected, decides what's good for the rest of us....

...And I'll be getting XM radio this week, thanks!

Fucking Puritans.