Stein JUST OFF 6 CC stations but remains on 40 others

[Florida_Geek]

I hope this is not a Dup :)

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/02/28/Artsandentartainment/Infinity_to_keep_Ster.shtml

Shock jock Howard Stern, whose radio show was yanked in six cities across the country, will continue to be aired on about 40 stations owned by his syndicator, Infinity Broadcasting, company executives said Thursday.

Clear Channel Communications, the nation's largest radio chain, pulled Stern's show Wednesday from stations in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Louisville, Ky., Pittsburgh, Rochester, N.Y., and San Diego after comments the company deemed "indecent" aired on his show Tuesday.

..cut 2 more paragraphs at article...

[SoCalDem]

1. He better talk fast if he intends to dis *

:)

[Not Me]

2. Any idea how XM is going to carry him?

Prior to the ClearChannel decision to silence Stern, XM satellite radio carried his show from a feed from WTKS 104.1 in Orlando. WTKS is one of the ClearChannel affiliates that went down. Last I heard they were playing reruns of "The Monsters of the Mid Day" (who may not be on ClearChannel much longer either.)

I am hoping that Stern is talking to both XM and Sirius real seriously.

[Florida_Geek]

3. One of the 40 non CC stations

could fed XM

[otohara]

4. Sirius = Clear Channel

I think CC is like the largest stock holder in Sirius. Which wouldn't stop Sirius from carrying it by any means -

[Atrios]

5. no

clear channel owns a chunk of XM. not Sirius.

[otohara]

6. opps -

me bad - thanks

[KharmaTrain]

7. Some Clarifications, Folks

First, Stern's show is owned by Viacom...also the parent company of CBS...Inifinity, it's radio division owns most the stations and is the syndicator of his show. Most Infinity stations are in the largest markets...New York, Chicago, L.A...and Mel Karmazin...Howard's boss, is both very supportive and loyal to Howard. He went out of his way to purchase certain stations just for Stern's show. He's got a lot invested here. Other Infinity properties include Don Imus and Don & Mike.

Clear Channel also owns a syndication company...Premier...that is the largest syndicator of talk programming. They syndicate Rush, Dr. Laura, Art Bell (or whomever these days) and with a stable of 1,200 stations, it's not hard to find these shows in every market. In some markets, the CC as properties that Infinity doesn't and has bought the local rights to Stern and other shows (Imus is on a lot of CC stations).

There's a lot of bizanteen relations between these companies as they both compete and and co-operate at the same time. As long as both make money, that's all that counts. Thanks to the wonderful economy, ad revenues have dropped sharply in radio and the contracts that CC signed 2 or 3 year ago don't bring in as much bang for the buck than they did...plus the company specializes in downsizing to the nth degree...so I tend to think this is also an economic move as much as a political one.

About XM, not Sirus...Clear Channel is a major program provider and bond holder in the company. In theory they don't own it, but they have a lot of sway since they provide several of the programming channels. I'm certain buying out XM is in Clear Channels plans but right now it's not economically smart. However one day it will and CC wants to clear the red-tape, like Murdoch has done with DirecTV. The uproar last year over loosening ownership caps caught CC by surprise and sees it's gotta suck up to Congress in its best business interests.

The problem isn't Stern...he's a product that is bought and sold...and millions buy him. Clear Channel knows what Stern is all about...didn't anyone in that company see Private Parts? This is strictly business folks.

My bets are the CC PTB knew Stern would make the biggest noise (not Bubba the Love Sponge) and that this action was more token than one either Clear Channel will hurt from economically. If anything the furor can't hurt either company as people are tuning into both companies talk stations to hear what's going on. The Spring ratings period...the largest of year year is underway...these set the tone for the rest of the year.

Stern listeners know he's had blow ups with other stations in the past...will go off for a few days and then moves on. Meanwhile the lawyers and suits quietly work out a settlement.

Most of this story is "All Hat, No Cattle"...and could easily be a winner for everyone as Stern's "bad boy" image has been enhanced, Clear Channel looks good to the only roadblocks in the way of greater media domination (btw...I'm curious if there are still Stern ads up on Clear Channel-owned billboards and if those will get yanked down, too?)

Cheers