Steff Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 Clear Channel Suspends Stern's Radio Show 32 minutes ago Add U.S. Government - AP to My Yahoo! By JONATHAN D. SALANT, Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON - The nation's largest radio station chain took shock jock Howard Stern off the air in six markets, saying his sexually explicit show did not meet the company's newly revised programming standards. The move came on the eve of Thursday's congressional hearing on broadcast indecency. The Stern show was heard on six stations owned by Clear Channel Communications, though it is distributed to dozens of others by its owner, Infinity Broadcasting. It was not immediately clear how long Stern would stay off the Clear Channel stations. Stern's show has graphic references to sex and regularly includes strippers and pornographic movie stars as on-air guests. The show that prompted Clear Channel to act aired Tuesday and included a man discussing an alleged sexual encounter with hotel heiress Paris Hilton. On Thursday, Stern told listeners he had been unaware of the move by Clear Channel. "I could blow my stack. I'm trying to be cryptic," he said. "To tell you the truth, I don't know what's going on. They are so afraid of me and what this show represents." Stern's suspension was the second time in two days that Clear Channel has acted against a disc jockey. The company on Tuesday fired the DJ known as "Bubba the Love Sponge," whose show drew a record fine of $755,000 from the Federal Communications Commission (news - web sites). The program aired in four Florida cities and included graphic discussions about sex and drugs "designed to pander to, titillate and shock listeners," the FCC (news - web sites) said. Clear Channel's moves are the latest examples of broadcasters responding to pressure from federal regulators and lawmakers who say too much of radio and TV programming has become unsuitable for children. Executives from ABC, Fox, NBC, Pax and Clear Channel Communications were scheduled to testify Thursday before the House Energy and Commerce telecommunications subcommittee. The committee has recommended increasing the maximum fine for indecency from $27,500 to $275,000. In response to letters from Federal Communication Commission Chairman Michael Powell, NBC, CBS and Fox outlined steps they were taking to curb indecency. Among them: Airing live programs on time delays, displaying ratings for programs on their Web sites, reviewing standards and practices, launching ad campaigns to let parents know about the V-chip, and reminding affiliate stations they may reject network programming viewed as unsuitable for their communities. ABC has not yet responded to Powell. Powell's letters to the National Association of Broadcasters and the four major networks followed CBS' Super Bowl halftime show, which ended with Justin Timberlake exposing Janet Jackson's breast to 90 million viewers. "True and lasting change will only be achieved if the broadcast community recommits to its public service roots and its tradition of abiding by community standards of decency," Powell wrote, urging a return to a voluntary code of conduct, which was dropped in 1982 under Reagan administration pressure. Under FCC rules and federal law, radio stations and over-the-air television channels cannot air material that refers 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 and satellite radio. Dr. Frank Wright, president of the National Religious Broadcasters, questioned how long the broadcasters' concern about indecency will last. "Some of this hand-wringing in public is from the very people who have brought us a rogue's gallery of shock jocks," said Wright, whose association of Christian radio and TV broadcasters counts 1,700 members. Officials at Clear Channel announced a new indecency policy Wednesday that includes companywide training, possible fines against DJs, and automatic suspensions for anyone accused by the FCC of violating indecency rules on the air. Announcing that Stern's show was suspended, Clear Channel said the radio host disregarded the company's effort to limit indecency. "Clear Channel drew a line in the sand today with regard to protecting our listeners from indecent content and Howard Stern's show blew right through it," John Hogan, president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio, said in a news release. "It was vulgar, offensive, and insulting, not just to women and African Americans but to anyone with a sense of common decency." Infinity Broadcasting in 1995 paid the largest cumulative fine to date, $1.7 million, for various violations by Stern's radio show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wong & Owens Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 This problem should rank somewhere around 2,987 on the list of problems our government needs to address--right in front of whether gays should be allowed to marry. The FCC accepts thousands of dollars a year from radio companies in the form of essentially paid vacations, and yet the FCC is supposed to be an objective regulatory agency? And Republicans say they're for LESS government interference. I'm about ready to join an anarchy cult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen Prawn Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 I heard about that last night. He's had the same show for ages and now all of a sudden it's a problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
israel4ever Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 Just more censorship/mind control by the "Republinazis"! You can hear right wing b.s. all days by guys like Sean Hannity, Rush (Junkie) Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, etc., but if you say something that the "moral minority" finds offensive...hasta la vista, baby! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE VOTE BUSH OUT OF OFFICE!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrandoFan Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 Just more censorship/mind control by the "Republinazis"! You can hear right wing b.s. all days by guys like Sean Hannity, Rush (Junkie) Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, etc., but if you say something that the "moral minority" finds offensive...hasta la vista, baby! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE VOTE BUSH OUT OF OFFICE!!!! See now, Izzy, I've always thought you was a staunch GOPhead. Was I wrong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aboz56 Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 It's taken off the air here in Louisville... :fyou :fyou :fyou :fyou FCC and Clear Channel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mreye Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 How the f*** is this Bush's doing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CubKilla Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 How the f*** is this Bush's doing? Exactly. The FCC was around long before Bush. The FCC has been fining "shock jocks" long before Bush. But this is all Bush's fault since it occurred during his tenure..... NOT! Blame Janet Jackson and TimberFlake for this one. CBS aired the SuperBowl. As hard as it is to believe, many, many people were offended by their spectacle. I, for one wasn't, but I'd be a little pissed if I had, say, a 5 or 6 year old child watching the HalfTime Show. So I can see why some people would have a problem with it. But back to my original point, CBS owns the syndication rights to the Stern Show thus, the s***, as some would say, it's all starting to roll down hill. The FCC feels it necessary to clean house, so, unfortunately, the Sterns, Manqueer's, Opie and Anthony's, etc. are standing in the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
israel4ever Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 See now, Izzy, I've always thought you was a staunch GOPhead. Was I wrong? Uh Uh! While I agree (for the most part) with the Bush Administration's policies re. Israel, that's pretty much where it ends. I am pretty liberal otherwise; I am pro-choice, pro-environment, anti-censorship, however I am anti-gun control and pro-death penaty. I guess I'm all over the place, really! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
israel4ever Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 Exactly. The FCC was around long before Bush. The FCC has been fining "shock jocks" long before Bush. But this is all Bush's fault since it occurred during his tenure..... NOT! Blame Janet Jackson and TimberFlake for this one. CBS aired the SuperBowl. As hard as it is to believe, many, many people were offended by their spectacle. I, for one wasn't, but I'd be a little pissed if I had, say, a 5 or 6 year old child watching the HalfTime Show. So I can see why some people would have a problem with it. But back to my original point, CBS owns the syndication rights to the Stern Show thus, the s***, as some would say, it's all starting to roll down hill. The FCC feels it necessary to clean house, so, unfortunately, the Sterns, Manqueer's, Opie and Anthony's, etc. are standing in the way. Stern and the other "shock jocks" have been basically doing the same thing(s) for 20 years, but, how come now he's "too obscene" to be on the air? Because, we have a ultra conservative asshole as president! That's why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwsox Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 Because Michael Powell, Bush's appointment as head of the FCC, went to Congress and threatened all kinds of sanctions against broadcast media, that's how Bush administration is involved and of course, Powell also said censorship should be extended to cable television which is exempt from the requirements of the broadcast stations radio and television. Censorship. Be proud, all ye Bushies. Right after the Bush appointee is testifying to Congresa threatening sanctions and wanting the laws changed so they can control more. No Reagan miniseries on CBS No MoveOn comemricals during the Super Bowl hmmmmmmmmm.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrandoFan Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 Because Michael Powell, Bush's appointment as head of the FCC, went to Congress and threatened all kinds of sanctions against broadcast media, that's how Bush administration is involved and of course, Powell also said censorship should be extended to cable television which is exempt from the requirements of the broadcast stations radio and television. Censorship. Be proud, all ye Bushies. Right after the Bush appointee is testifyiong to Confgres threatening sanctions and wanting the laws changed so they can control more media. No Reagan miniseries on CBS No MoveOn comemricals during the Super Bowl hmmmmmmmmm.... Oh those pesky facts...always spoiling the conservative think-orgy. One thing I do agree with: children should be kept away from sexuality, violence, nudity, strong language, etc. From that standpoint, across the board censorship is absolutely necessary. Let them fill up on that s*** on the street. When "shock jokes" are eradicated I'll be over there not giving a f***. Debya, get em all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cali Posted February 26, 2004 Share Posted February 26, 2004 He was also told that he can't bad talk about that psycho Congress women, What that f*** is that bulls***? Since when are you not allowed to talk bad about a goverment official? I can not belive how stupid this FCC thing is. It's re-godamn-diculous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillieHarris2 Posted February 27, 2004 Share Posted February 27, 2004 ya i noticed this in the paper today. i find it quite funny how after one incident the fcc is starting to buckle down on everything. Howard Stern has been talking about these kinds of things for as long as i can remember. Before you know it all MTV shows will be canceled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CubKilla Posted February 27, 2004 Share Posted February 27, 2004 Uh Uh! While I agree (for the most part) with the Bush Administration's policies re. Israel, that's pretty much where it ends. I am pretty liberal otherwise; I am pro-choice, pro-environment, anti-censorship, however I am anti-gun control and pro-death penaty. I guess I'm all over the place, really! Actually..... you're like me..... a level-headed moderate. But prepare yourself. As soon as you post something on these boards that's pro-death penalty or pro-gun ownership, you'll be branded a radical conservative for life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CubKilla Posted February 27, 2004 Share Posted February 27, 2004 Because Michael Powell, Bush's appointment as head of the FCC, went to Congress and threatened all kinds of sanctions against broadcast media, that's how Bush administration is involved and of course, Powell also said censorship should be extended to cable television which is exempt from the requirements of the broadcast stations radio and television. Censorship. Be proud, all ye Bushies. Right after the Bush appointee is testifying to Congresa threatening sanctions and wanting the laws changed so they can control more. No Reagan miniseries on CBS No MoveOn comemricals during the Super Bowl hmmmmmmmmm.... Stern was fined numerous times during the Clinton Administration. Bush is just following in his predecessor's footsteps . And CBS decided not to air the Reagan miniseries because it was god-awful. Showtime aired it uncut, and sanctions weren't imposed on Showtime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrandoFan Posted February 27, 2004 Share Posted February 27, 2004 And CBS decided not to air the Reagan miniseries because it was god-awful And this makes it patently different from the rest of the SeeBS ouerve how? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steff Posted February 27, 2004 Author Share Posted February 27, 2004 It's re-godamn-diculous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwsox Posted February 27, 2004 Share Posted February 27, 2004 And CBS decided not to air the Reagan miniseries because it was god-awful. Showtime aired it uncut, and sanctions weren't imposed on Showtime. no, it was not aired because of a orchestrated campaign by the Republican party leadership (all appointed by Bush) and congressional members and some in the White House who pressured CBS not to air it in a planned and organized campaign - it was in all the papers - I suppose you really do know the difference betweent the viewing audience of CBS and Showtime and are just being funny to suggest that showing a program on cable Showtime is the equivilant of showing it on broadcast CBS and you do know the diffeecne inr egulations between braodcast and cable so you are just funnin' there too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CubKilla Posted February 27, 2004 Share Posted February 27, 2004 no, it was not aired because of a orchestrated campaign by the Republican party leadership (all appointed by Bush) and congressional members and some in the White House who pressured CBS not to air it in a planned and organized campaign - it was in all the papers - And if the Right did pressure CBS to not air the Reagan mini-series so what? It WAS aired on Showtime and NOBODY watched it. Why? Because it was crap. Fact of the matter is this: the Reagan mini-series starring James Brolin as Ronald Reagan..... the same James Brolin married to liberal bastion Barbara Streisand who was on set during the filming of this garbage..... was tantamount to Jerry Falwell being on set of a Clinton mini-series being produced by Vivid Video with Falwell addressing the issue of "accuracy" during the filming of Clinton's tenure and trysts. I found the Reagan mini-series to be laughable in so much as they portrayed Ronald Reagan in a similar vain to Dennis Hopper's character in the David Lynch film "Blue Velvet"..... complete with Brolin's Reagan calling Nancy, "mommy" throughout. It was a tasteless depiction of a dying man's days as Preident of the United States that if it was going to be made, should have been made after his death. I'd say the same thing about a Clinton "documentary" produced by an adult video company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mreye Posted February 27, 2004 Share Posted February 27, 2004 no, it was not aired because of a orchestrated campaign by the Republican party leadership (all appointed by Bush) and congressional members and some in the White House who pressured CBS not to air it in a planned and organized campaign - it was in all the papers - I suppose you really do know the difference betweent the viewing audience of CBS and Showtime and are just being funny to suggest that showing a program on cable Showtime is the equivilant of showing it on broadcast CBS and you do know the diffeecne inr egulations between braodcast and cable so you are just funnin' there too And that's different from the Left's numerous orchetrated campaigns how? It was the people voicing their outrage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baggio202 Posted February 27, 2004 Share Posted February 27, 2004 the problem i see with the stern show is that its designed to push the limits..he wants to be cancelled..he keeps going farther and farther until something has to be done...then when someone finally says enough he screams first amendment rights...no one is trying to ban his cable show...thats because when parents order cable tv they know they are the ones bringing it into their house and they have the responsibility to monitor whats on their tv for their children to see...with radio..they are not inviting howard stern into their homes by purchasing it...its on the air free and any kid that can get a 5 dollar transistor radio can tune it in..and its on during the daytime when parents have less control over their kids... im a big believer in the first amendment..and a guy like stern really pisses me off because the only reason he is doing this is to get the sensors to ban im..when they do then you get the zealots on the right(yes..eventhough im on the right i can see there are nut cases in both parties) and then they try even harder to redefine the world to fit their agenda...which in this case would be to really trample our first amendment rights..the blame for this lies with stern himself...because its his goal all along... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steff Posted February 27, 2004 Author Share Posted February 27, 2004 It's on from 6am to 11am... what the hell are kids not doing on their way to or in school at that time..?? *note, I have not yet come up with a summertime solution Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baggio202 Posted February 27, 2004 Share Posted February 27, 2004 does anyone even listen to stern anymore??....i used to watch his radio show on cable on i thinks its E network...how many times can you listen to female porn stars talk about having sex with other female porn stars???....every show is the same thing over and over...i watched for about a month ..the last few weeks just was just curiousity to see if the topic would ever change..doesnt it get old???.... its like watching maury povich (my wife loves that show..yuk)..every show is the same..hidden cameras in the green room catching a guy trying to hit on the planted hottie while his wife/girlfriend watches on the monitor...by now wouldnt the guys catch on that they are being set up??...of course they would..its the dumbasses leader the dumberasses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CubKilla Posted February 27, 2004 Share Posted February 27, 2004 And that's different from the Left's numerous orchetrated campaigns how? It was the people voicing their outrage. It's not different. At all. Can you say hypocrisy? Vince is the King of Hypocrisy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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