Posted by Strictly Skewed at 206.165.115.194 on February 26, 2004 at 14:37:21:
In Reply to: Clear Channel is completely FREAKING ME OUT! posted by Ecstatica on February 26, 2004 at 13:54:46:
Please... Clear Channel just handed Stern a gift.
Stern's entire career has been based on pushing the envelope to it's limits, and beyond. He craves and survives upon the indignation of people not wanting to hear him, and then the knee-jerk indignation of people who whine about censorship. Clear Channel has given him just the kind of boost that Stern needs to survive. His core listeners are more devoted than ever, the people that were never going to listen to him still won't, but now he's got a load of publicity that will draw new listeners. His 'anger' on the air I think was a complete put-on.
And, while I'm ranting... no one, or at least almost no one hates censorship. Censorship assures that while your child is watching her Saturday morning cartoons she will not be subjected to images of people being tortured, killed, raped, etc. So, some censorship is necessary and desireable. The question is, where do you draw the line? Here, in a democratic country, it's drawn by our elected leaders. And if we're stupid enough to elect right-wing fascists, then we have only ourselves to blame.
What exactly did Clear Channel do wrong? They're a private business, and therefore they get to choose what, and what not to air (subject to guidelines). Do they some sort of loyalty to Stern? I don't think so. I'm guessing they've each made a lot of money for each other.