Clear Channel Communications apparently has come to terms with the FCC, after admitting that Howard Sterns radio program is indecent and then offering to pay $2 million in fees. As the deliberations between the FCC and Clear Channel werent public, its hard to know, but it sure looks as though Sterns former employer is happily walking away from a battle that they could have probably won in the courts. Of course, its a huge blow for Stern as it sets a precedent. Clear Channels confession that he is in fact indecent will make it that much easier for the FCC to go after the other broadcasters that carry Sterns show. (Clear Channel only carried Stern in 6 markets, whereas Infinity Broadcasting carries it dozens.)
Stern, for those of you who dont already know, claims that his show is no more offensive today than it was three years ago. The only thing thats changed, from his perspective, is his support of president Bush. According to Stern, his problems with the FCC and Clear Channel began immediately after he began campaigning aggressively against Bush So, in effect, it looks as though Clear Channel just made a big $2 million donation to the Bush reelection campaign, setting the groundwork for Sterns eminent removal from the public airwaves Say what you will about Stern, this is not the kind of thing that should be happening in a democracy.
Check out HowardStern.com for more details.
One Comment
I certainly think that Stern gets better when pressure is exerted from outside, and his show is stronger now that it’s been since the 80’s. He’s ready for the fight. If they kick him off the airwaves, he’ll go to satellite or to the internet within weeks. In either scenario, he’s a force to be reckoned with come November. As someone who loved him back in the WNBC days in New York, Im glad to see him relevant again.