For those following the XM-Sirius Merger, comes a request from terrestrial radio competitor, Clear Channel.

‘One of the primary potential dangers to free, over-the-air radio posed by this merger is siphoning popular, including ‘edgy’ content, with consequent loss of advertising revenue,’ Clear Channel wrote to the FCC on March 11th. ‘That potential harm is mitigated if broadcast decency rules were to apply to the merged entity. There is no constitutional bar to such a condition.’

Clear Channel’s request highlights a problem with FCC laws today. Since the FCC governs only public “airwaves”, commercial radio goes uncensored. Clear Channel wants reciprocity so it can remain competitive. I do not agree with Clear Channel’s proposal, however. Commercial radio should not be censored. The same goes for public radio. Government interference with terrestrial radio results in additional expense to consumers who want freedom of listening.

The question for us to ask is this: Is it more beneficial to protect the few with sensitive ears and force the rest of us to pay for the benefit of this liberty, or would we be better off letting advertisers and individuals determine for themselves what is appropriate through listening behavior?

Comments