| Stern, filfthy free speech, & politics | | Date Created:03/24/04 07:28 AM |
 After years of making money off of Howard Stern's potty-talking broadcasts, Clear Channel last month got on the government's bandwagon and suspended the shock jock. I'm no fan of Howard Stern, but what a bunch of cowards and hypocrites. If it was okay to make money off his garbage before, why isn't it now? Because the political winds are blowing in the opposite direction.
The backlash started with Janet Jackson. Ever since we saw more of her than we should have on Super Bowl Sunday, the free market Bush administration and the lapdog FCC suddenly want regulation.
For his part, Stern claims he was suspended because he criticized Bush, offending Clear Channel. The company denies it, but as USA Today reports, Clear Channel is a big Bush supporter: it has donated $42,200 to Bush this campaign season, versus $1,750 to John Kerry. Clear Channel clearly loves Republicans, giving 77% of its contributions to the GOP. Meanwhile, Viacom, the company that syndicates Stern's show (and no bunch of liberals themselves) hedges its bets somewhat, giving just 30% to republicans.
Incidentally, want to know which politician your neighbors are supporting? Time magazine tells us of a website called fundrace.org. Just type in your address and zip code and you can find out who is giving what to whom. Very cool. |
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