Rush defends Howard Stern, rips FCC

[blueaguave]

whether or not you like either guy, few in the media have the balls to take on the FCC. Rush ripped into the FCC and came out swinging for free speech yesterday.
Remember, Rush was one of the few who defended Bill Maher's freedom of speech in Oct of 2001.

[blueaguave]

please move this to the politics forum, I thought thats what I was posting under. Thank you

[3tbear]

I absolutely can not stand Rush, Howard Stern on the other hand I like, 'cause he says what is on his mind, but unlike Rush, does not insult people like Rush does. Rush even insulted President Clinton's daughter, said she looked like a dog. The guy has to grow up, that's the bottom line. He's just not a nice man IMPO. Howard always made me laugh, yes, he has had some controversial subjects on his radio/TV shows, but it's all in good fun. The last TV show I saw of Howard was trying out women to see if they were good pinups for Penthouse magazine. The women stripped right down to their birthday suits while Snoop Doggy Dog I think it was and his guys critiqued them. Now that was funny. Of course everything was bleeped on their bodies, you know, we're in America. It wouldn't have been in Europe, they would have shown frontal nudity on TV. Hey, if they can show topless women on the beach in France on TV during the evening broadcast, I think Howard would do OK over there. Maybe he should start his show in France, you never know, he might gain a bigger audience. I don't know why he was banned, I didn't get the full story, but I'm guessing some form of nudity or suggestive language. Can you fill me in?

[luvmetender]

Originally Posted by 3tbear

I don't know why he was banned, I didn't get the full story, but I'm guessing some form of nudity or suggestive language. Can you fill me in?

It was because of Janet Jackson's nipple. Seriously. Howard was under the spotlight because of that, and then on his radio show, he had a listener call up and say the N word. He hung up on him.

[mrbowler]

[Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]


NEW YORK (CNN) -- Radio host Howard Stern took aim at the Bush administration, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and media giant Clear Channel as he announced Wednesday that his program will soon be broadcast on nine new stations across the country.

In a news conference held during his morning show, Stern said some of those stations -- in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California; West Palm Beach, Florida; Rochester, New York; and Orlando, Florida -- will replace Clear Channel stations that once carried the Howard Stern program.

In February, Clear Channel pulled Stern from six of the stations it owns after the FCC fined the company $495,000 for Stern comments that were deemed indecent. (CNNMoney: Stern's show adds stations)

"When I was thrown off the six stations I was devastated. I really thought Clear Channel had 'thrown me under the bus,'" Stern said. (Clear Channel yanks Stern from 6 stations)

"I'm not taking it sitting down. ... I'm going to kick their asses. ... I'm thrilled to be back on in these markets."

The radio host said he had considered moving to satellite radio, where he would face less FCC scrutiny, but decided to remain with his current radio contract with Infinity Broadcasting, which syndicates the Stern show. That contract has another 18 months to go.

"I'm so frustrated by the amount of censorship that's going on," Stern said "The FCC is on such a witch hunt against me that they actually go back 2 (or) 3 years for reasons to fine me. ... The FCC is on a witch hunt."

Stern accused Clear Channel of taking him off the air not for reasons of obscenity but because he had spoken out against President Bush.

"Clear Channel is very tied to the Bush administration" Stern said. "Clear Channel for years has been defending me...I criticize Bush and then I'm fired...They acted out of politics."

Stern lashed out against Bush administration's policies on everything from the environment, to stem cell research and the war in Iraq. (Bush: Iraqi sovereignty defeat for resistance)

He said he was encouraging his listeners, whom he described as swing voters, to cast their ballots for John Kerry. (Edwards tops Kerry veep poll)

"John Kerry will receive more votes because of this. ... My audience will vote in a bloc," Stern said.

"We're also in a lot of key states. ... If we can affect that state that's big news."

[luvmetender]

Howard's format has turned very political, and he is going to have a major impact on the election. He isn't "preaching to the choir" like Rush and Hannity. He is actually influencing undecided voters, previous Bush voters and previous non-voters to vote for Kerry. It's a wonderful thing.

[mayor]

Originally Posted by luvmetender

He is actually influencing undecided voters, previous Bush voters and previous non-voters to vote for Kerry. It's a wonderful thing.

I'm glad you are so delighted. Remember how happy you are when America is gone bye-bye and our sovereignty is turned over to the United Nations, along with your freedom. That's ok, cause you will have your hand out expecting government to take care of you.

Mayor

[prism68]

Originally Posted by 3tbear

... but unlike Rush, [Stern] does not insult people like Rush does.

I for one find Stern HUGELY insulting. His treatment of women is grounds for immediate dismissal as far as I'm concerned.