Its not really a matter of free speech IMO
Its a matter of minority vs majority when it comes to the content of radio waves.
The FCC makes regulations that are basically what the majority of the people support. Perhaps rich/famous people and politicians can influence it, but until the majority of people ask for and want more explicit television what sh ould and shouldn't be on television should stay the same.
I am all in favor of NOT having that stuff on TV. The content of most prime time TV today is stepping over the line IMO. Too much gore and sex for what I find tolerable when watching with my family...
Howard needs your help!
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Bubba1
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Well, I'm a longtime Stern listener, and I think the points Stern raised are not only accurate but very disturbing. The problem is that too many folks dismiss what Stern says because don't like him or his brand of humor. Fact is the FCC problem is much bigger than Howard Stern. He's actually a small player in this problem.
The FCC is trampling on the first amendment by deciding for themselves/fines what content THEY deem offensive WITHOUT giving the defendants a chance to defend themselves. And they're making it virtually impossible for the defendants (Viacom, not Stern) to get the chance to have their arguments heard in open court, which is the only place to legally determine what is and is not offensive. How the FCC pressures the defendants not to go to court is by freezing their ability to buy/sell radio stations or renew their annual licenses until the cases are resolved in court, which could take years. That puts the defendant companies in a no-win choice of crippling their business to prove their innocence, or paying outrageous fines in order to continue in business. Some choice. I'm sorry but the FCC is clearly wrong here.
This is politics at its worst here, guys, and the FCC is a bunch of political hacks who are overstepping their authority. In fact the FCC chairman is Colin Powell's son! Might want to check out his qualifications or learn how he got that job. Stern's been doing the same act for years, if you don't like it or think it's offensive, then don't listen to it or patronize his sponsors. Simple as that.
The FCC is trampling on the first amendment by deciding for themselves/fines what content THEY deem offensive WITHOUT giving the defendants a chance to defend themselves. And they're making it virtually impossible for the defendants (Viacom, not Stern) to get the chance to have their arguments heard in open court, which is the only place to legally determine what is and is not offensive. How the FCC pressures the defendants not to go to court is by freezing their ability to buy/sell radio stations or renew their annual licenses until the cases are resolved in court, which could take years. That puts the defendant companies in a no-win choice of crippling their business to prove their innocence, or paying outrageous fines in order to continue in business. Some choice. I'm sorry but the FCC is clearly wrong here.
This is politics at its worst here, guys, and the FCC is a bunch of political hacks who are overstepping their authority. In fact the FCC chairman is Colin Powell's son! Might want to check out his qualifications or learn how he got that job. Stern's been doing the same act for years, if you don't like it or think it's offensive, then don't listen to it or patronize his sponsors. Simple as that.
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lessthanjakejohn
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UncleBen
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C-Kwik wrote: Its natural that kids are going to start catching onto things or inadvertently be exposed to things that perhaps they are not ready for. But why make that so available.
I totally believe in the freedom of speech. We wouldn't be able to say what we are right now. But keep in mind that the primary purpose of that right is not simply to say anything, but keep in mind that in certain countries, if you say something inappropriate, you could be killed. We enjoy many freedoms and take them for granted. But it doesn't mean we should take advantage of it either.
*appluase* word to that brotha, word
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MaineExport
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lessthanjakejohn wrote:Its not really a matter of free speech IMO
Its a matter of minority vs majority when it comes to the content of radio waves.
The FCC makes regulations that are basically what the majority of the people support. Perhaps rich/famous people and politicians can influence it, but until the majority of people ask for and want more explicit television what sh ould and shouldn't be on television should stay the same.
I am all in favor of NOT having that stuff on TV. The content of most prime time TV today is stepping over the line IMO. Too much gore and sex for what I find tolerable when watching with my family...
I also think a lot of what is being banned/allowed is based on majority vs. minority. the fact is that TV and radio stations are selling a product just like anything else you can buy. so why is the FCC able to put limits on the product the networks are trying to sell? i guess the reason they are able to put limits on it is because a large or small amount of people find something to be disturbing or offensive. but lets say that i find Barney offensive to me, are they going to start putting limitations on Barney? no, because im just one person. if everyone in the U.S. is equal then the FCC should make sure that everyone is pleased with what they are watching? But that is impossible because there will always be a difference in opinion between people. so all they can really do is put limits on what the majority of the viewers/listeners want. Unfotunatley that is a problem because if everyone in the U.S. is equal then it is unfair to pick out what the majority of the people want. the only solution is to put no restrictions on TV and radio so everyone will be offended by something that is played.