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An Illegal Move By WTKK - 96.9 FM And Imus

C

Casablanca

Guest
Got an announcement from the Promotions Department of WTKK 96.9 FM that I could "buy" tickets to hear/see Don Imus' St. Patty's Day -Friday, March 16th appearance at John Hancock Hall. What happened to the Hotel on the Common?

Thought there was an F C C Regulation against "Selling" tickets to any broadcast performance - radio or television. Why? I don't know but it must go back to the 1930's.

Now, WTKK - 96.9 FM is "selling" admission tickets to Imus. Okay, it goes for a good cause, the Imus Ranch but that doesn't make it legal.
At best, all they can do legally is "ask" for a "donation" but don't think they can exclude an individual who chooses not to "donate".
Tickets, by the way are $9.69. Isn't that cute.

Wonder how big the check Greater Media is writing to the Imus Ranch? Not saying they won't but they should put their checkbook where their tickets are or don't charge anyone.

But it is still illegal to sell tickets to a radio/television program.
 
Casablanca said:
But it is still illegal to sell tickets to a radio/television program.
Click to expand...

If so, does that mean that every sporting event carried by radio or television must not sell tickets?
 
Casablanca said:
Thought there was an F C C Regulation against "Selling" tickets to any broadcast performance - radio or television. Why? I don't know but it must go back to the 1930's.
Click to expand...

Please find us that rule. I'm sure that more people than just I are interested. Here, I'll help you:

http://wireless.fcc.gov/rules.html

It's truly amazing what some people will believe.
 
I know that any TV Show like Letterman or Leno or even Jeopardy - any show with a live audience cannot SELL tickets to that show. A sporting event is different because the station or network is just covering the event and isn't the primary source.
Perhaps, there is someone out there who is versed in FCC law who can substantiate that.

As to Imus and 96.9 I still think they cannot "SELL" tickets to the event. They can limit the amount of tickets given out but that's about it. So, 96.9 better look into this before someone with a litigious bent files a complaint against them.

If they just make it a "donation" they should be okay but even that would have to be a "suggested donation" and would have to be separate from any other admission requirements.


dumber than a box of hair said:
Casablanca said:
Thought there was an F C C Regulation against "Selling" tickets to any broadcast performance - radio or television. Why? I don't know but it must go back to the 1930's.
Click to expand...

Please find us that rule. I'm sure that more people than just I are interested. Here, I'll help you:

http://wireless.fcc.gov/rules.html

It's truly amazing what some people will believe.
Click to expand...
 
There are thousands of FCC Regs and I spent a half hour going through some. But if you Google TV tickets you will see there are a few ticket agencies and they all say that tickets for TV shows are FREE.
Still looking for the FCC Regs on that.
 
From www.tvtickets.com (bold type added by me) -

ARE ALL TV TICKETS FREE?
Some award shows, charity events or special presentations may charge a fee for tickets; however, tickets for shows that are made available by Audiences Unlimited, Inc. on our website, by mail order or through our automated phone order system are FREE! These tickets are complimentary and unauthorized sale is prohibited by law. (L.A.M.C. 42.03).

So it appears Imus is not in violation of the law, if the money he's charging goes to charity. Don't ask me what L.A.M.C. is, though.
 
Mickey37 said:
From www.tvtickets.com (bold type added by me) -

ARE ALL TV TICKETS FREE?
Some award shows, charity events or special presentations may charge a fee for tickets; however, tickets for shows that are made available by Audiences Unlimited, Inc. on our website, by mail order or through our automated phone order system are FREE! These tickets are complimentary and unauthorized sale is prohibited by law. (L.A.M.C. 42.03).

So it appears Imus is not in violation of the law, if the money he's charging goes to charity. Don't ask me what L.A.M.C. is, though.
Click to expand...


Los Angeles Municipal Code. Since the bulk of the tickets that tvtickets.com sells are for LA and the surrounding area... If you're really interested, here's a link.


http://lacodes.lacity.org/NXT/gateway.dll/lamc/code00000.htm/chapter00004.htm?f=templates$fn=document-frame.htm$3.0#JD_42.03.
 
That still doesn't answer the question. If someone wanted to see Imus but didn't want to buy a ticket could he/she be exluded?
Still, think 96.9 should, maybe must, say the charge is a "donation".
Hope someone out there will know when the no charge policy started for TV and radio shows. Must have been back in the 30's.
 
Of course you can sell tickets. It is a private event, there are no FCC Regs saying you have to give them away for free. WEEI has been selling Whiney Award tickets since it started
 
NO!!!
You cannot charge admission for general programs that air over the public airwaves. WEEI is no judge of moral character about anything. That mention that that group of jock strap thugs would do it makes one think that it is definitely illegal.
 
Didn't they "sell tickets" for one of their battle of the talk show hosts (also for $9.69)...but maybe the proceeds went to charity. Not sure.
 
We have a winner! Congratulations, Neggy!
 
Tickets are sold for nearly all of the Imus "on location" shows.

The shows are not done in any regular tv/radio facility. They are done at hotels, etc. A charge for admission/charity is completely legal as the station is paying for the facility, which is not a normal operating expense as are studio facilities. When Imus appeared in Philadelphia, it was held at 30th Street Station, so there was no admission charge since it was a public facility.
 
Casablanca said:
I know that any TV Show like Letterman or Leno or even Jeopardy - any show with a live audience cannot SELL tickets to that show. A sporting event is different because the station or network is just covering the event and isn't the primary source.
Perhaps, there is someone out there who is versed in FCC law who can substantiate that.
Click to expand...

Thats simply not true. Most don't. But they can if they want. A rule like that makes no sense which is why it doesn't exist.
 
SonicAl
Quote from: Neggy on Today at 04:56:54 am
They would have to pay me to go see Imus.

me too! Cheesy
============================================================
ME THREE. The only Imus tape I own is his short interview with Lou Reed back when Imus was unknown.

WTKK should pay the charity every time a listener walks through the door.
 
Casablanca said:
NO!!!
You cannot charge admission for general programs that air over the public airwaves. WEEI is no judge of moral character about anything. That mention that that group of jock strap thugs would do it makes one think that it is definitely illegal.
Click to expand...

[EDIT]

You should know that when Imus does remote broadcasts in New Hampshire (for WHDQ and the former WNHI) they've always charged. Whether or not a portion went to charity, local or otherwise, i do not recall. It costs a pretty penny to get the cranky bastard to appear on behalf of your station in the first place. Station is just trying to break even. Don't make it a WTKK thing.

People have to pay to attend the Grand Ole Opry don't they? The Opry is in essence a WSM radio show and has been since Herbert Hoover was president.

Listen for free in the comfort of your own home or pay to get in. I don't think that's an unfair choice.

[EDIT-inflammatory]
 
Casablanca said:
Got an announcement from the Promotions Department of WTKK 96.9 FM that I could "buy" tickets to hear/see Don Imus' St. Patty's Day -Friday, March 16th appearance at John Hancock Hall. What happened to the Hotel on the Common?

Thought there was an F C C Regulation against "Selling" tickets to any broadcast performance - radio or television. Why? I don't know but it must go back to the 1930's.

Now, WTKK - 96.9 FM is "selling" admission tickets to Imus. Okay, it goes for a good cause, the Imus Ranch but that doesn't make it legal.
At best, all they can do legally is "ask" for a "donation" but don't think they can exclude an individual who chooses not to "donate".
Tickets, by the way are $9.69. Isn't that cute.

Wonder how big the check Greater Media is writing to the Imus Ranch? Not saying they won't but they should put their checkbook where their tickets are or don't charge anyone.

But it is still illegal to sell tickets to a radio/television program.
Click to expand...

[EDIT]

The difference here, it's not for profit event. Most money goes to "Imus Ranch" and some will go to cover the expenses associated with organizing this fundraiser. It's all legal and IRS-approved "990" event.

NESN/WEEI charges listeners for attending some of the Jimmy Fund Radiothon events like the breakfast with D&C events are broadcast live. Also Fast Eddie's Hot Dog Safari broadcast on WTKK charges admission for the Joey Fund fundraiser.

[EDIT-inflammatory]

Jerry Lewis' Teltethon is the largest live fundraising entertainment event in the country and it charges money for admission at the Las Vegas hotel where it's held.
 
If anyone still believes that charging for tickets to events like this is illegal, consider this.
Greater Media is an experienced station operator with mostly major-market stations and an excellent reputation AFAIK. Do you think their high-priced legal department would allow this if there were FCC issues? Add to that $9.69 a ticket isn't going to come close to covering their expenses (WNHI got $20 back in 1996).
Some people worry too much...considering that Imus has been doing this for many years and the FCC has done what it does best...nothing. Don't you think if it was a violation the Commission would be on it like white on rice?
 
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