Clear Channel Must Answer for Racist, Violent Broadcasts

[Judi Lynn]

Clear Channel Must Answer for Racist, Violent Broadcasts
Dismissal of New York Deejay Doesn't Let Radio Giant Off the Hook; Groups Call on FCC to Reject License Renewals, Expand Community Radio

NEW YORK - May 18 - Days after the nation's largest owner of radio stations fired a controversial New York deejay, an alliance of media watchdogs, consumer groups and community organizations called on the Federal Communications Commission to hold Clear Channel Communications accountable for its record of broadcasting racist and hate-filled speech on the public airwaves.

"Clear Channel is peddling hate for profit," said Kat Aaron, co-director of Radio Rootz, a radio training program for kids in New York. "They don't need corporations trying to warp hip hop to make them think that racism is cool. What kids need is to tell their own stories on the radio. That's why community radio is so important — it gives regular people a voice."

These groups, including Prometheus Radio Project, Youth Media Council, Media Tank, Radio Rootz and Free Press, are urging their activists to file informal comments at the FCC about Clear Channel's broadcasts and encourage the expansion of diverse, local voices on the radio dial. Allies have set up a Web page at http://www.nohateradio.com to help individuals file complaints directly with the FCC.

Last week deejay Troi Torain, Star of the "Star and Buc Wild Show" on New York's Power 105, attracted national press attention for broadcasting overtly violent, racist, and sexually explicit comments concerning the 4-year-old child and the wife of DJ Envy, a rival at Hot 97 in New York. Not until New York City Council Member John Liu organized a press conference with the family did Clear Channel act to remove Torain – who since has been arrested and charged with harassment and endangering the welfare of a child.
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http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/0518-10.htm

[rpgamerd00d]

1. I've heard that guy - he is definitely a jerk - glad he's gone

[PATRICK]

2. I sense some mischievous irony here

The white racists on Clear Channel have not been successfully dealt with. Here is one from the opposite spectrum with plenty of hot buttons that the RW loves to push. And can broadcasters circle their simpering wagons around this guy? It helps to define hate radio and criminal behavior and make it very public. I have to believe that this "bipartisan" element is not being played to get at the larger situation.

We had a guy named Lonsberry(back again after a penitential exile in a more accepting racist area) who insulted the Black mayor in the usual bigoted way. The mayor was fairly supine and generous and it took the community to force action. And the columnists and peers rallied around poor Bob. Oh the tragedy. Then he appeared back in the area at a GOP fund raising picnic for the eventual Kuhl House seat, wheedling, humble and looking for his friends. They were there of course. Bingo, back on Rochester radio.

Let's see how Clear Channel can squirm out of the opposite dilemma before anyone keeps cutting at the roots of their organized bad influence..

[1620rock]

3. So where are these "media watchdogs" when flush is on? n/t