Liberty's Blog

Clear Channel Caves on Indecency Settlement

Radio Giant In Record Indecency Settlement

The Federal Communications Commission has reached a record-setting, nearly $2 million settlement with Clear Channel Communications Inc. that would clear the radio giant of all charges of indecency lodged against it, including on-air remarks made by shock jock Howard Stern, according to government and radio industry sources.

Clear Channel is buckling in to the new heavy handed FCC. Clear Channel only has 6 stations that Broadcast Stern, but dropped Stern's show. Infinity who originates the broadcasting, and and continues to broadcast to 35 stations isn't being punished. Perhaps Clear Channel is a victim of hosting conservative talk radio, such as Rush Limbaugh. Their listeners might be more apt to complain. Infinity/Viacom can play Rap with all kinds of Offencive lyrics and they will get away with it because the conservatives that are so sensitive never listen to those channels. There is a lot inconsistancy, Oprah, is able to get away with it despite complaints. How about soap operas? Is it because if smut is aimed at women than it can't be smut? Clear Channel is being punnished and punished hard because they dare to be contriversial. The FCC isn't going after Oprah, the Soaps, or Rap because Howard appeals to unmarried young white men, anyone else is entitled to a free pass. One might expect Libral Democrats to speak up in favor of first ammendment rights, but ...

The deal is likely to be criticized by Democrats who draw links between the Republican-controlled FCC, the White House and Clear Channel. Executives at the San Antonio-based company have been large contributors to the campaigns of President Bush and other Republicans.

posted by Liberty @ 6:43 AM