An Illegal Move By WTKK - 96.9 FM And Imus

[Casablanca]

If you are all correct and a Letterman and Leno and the like can charge admission how come they do not.

There must be an FCC historian out there who can tell us where this "no selling tickets" policy came from for radio and television shows.

[EDIT]

Question: Can a television or radio show charge a general admission to its programs on a regular basis and if they can how come they haven't done so for over 60 years. What or who is stopping them? The FCC or another govermental agencies or broadcast organization.

[EDIT-inflammatory]

 

[justalurker]

The path has been given to you ... go to the link on the FCC website and find the rule that bans radio stations from charging admittance to broadcast events. You are making a major claim based on what you think - it is YOUR responsibility to prove what you think is correct.

Everyone else in this thread thinks you are wrong. Why should they have to prove you wrong when this alledged ban is only what you think?

This new question of "why don't they charge" is irrelevant to the original claim you are making. There are many reasons not to charge for an event. None of them prove your theory that there is some mystical "ban" on accepting payments.

There are contest rules that require a "no purchase needed" way of entering a contest to make sure that stations (and others) are not running raffles and lotteries. If they were saying "one lucky winner will get to sit on the stage and join Don Imus on the air" you would have a contest that would need some form of "no purchase needed" (even if it was a harder way of entering such as "send a postcard with your name address and phone - incomplete entries discarded" where the normal form of entry was a toll free or online ordering system). But this isn't a contest.

This is a for profit event run by a for profit company ... so what if it is being broadcast. If you have a beef with that find the rule.

 

[Skynet74]

I used to work for Audience Associates in Hollywood. Yes you are correct. All TV show tickets are FREE and can not be sold! Special event tickets can typically be given away in a contest, but I have my doubts weather it's legal for IMUS to sell tickets to his Radio show. It sure sounds like it's bordering on something fishy to me. I would call the FCC \and ask them personally. You can probably get a definite answer in 5 minutes.

 

[media1170]

I have worked in TV for over 30 years and have a working knowledge of how TV shows handle audiences.

Large broadcast events like the Oscars, Grammys and Emmys sell tickets. Concerts on TV, like the HBO Rolling Stones concert, sold tickets. They sell them because they can sell them

Studio audience shows, like some of those mentioned in earlier posts, give tickets away because it is easier to get audiences that way. In some instances, audiences are hired to insure that there are a certain number of people that look a certain way and can be directed to do certain actions for the production of the program.

Letterman and Leno could sell tickets but do not need to because the shows are sponsored through the networks and the relative small number of sets in the audience would not produce enough revenue to off set production costs. Shows like American Idol have such a small seating are that VIP guests are rotated in and out during the production. More VIPS than seats. I don't believe any of these type shows guarantee seating. Sell a ticket to some one and you have a contract.

Bottom line here is that free tickets insure you have an audience. Some TV tapings are not really "shows" so there is no continuity or production as you would see at a theater or concert.

 

[Casablanca]

Thanks Skynet. Some people are afraid to even ask the question. Makes it pretty clear which one's are employed by a radio or television station. They would rather remain in the dark as long as they can cash their checks.

I used to work for Audience Associates in Hollywood. Yes you are correct. All TV show tickets are FREE and can not be sold! Special event tickets can typically be given away in a contest, but I have my doubts weather it's legal for IMUS to sell tickets to his Radio show. It sure sounds like it's bordering on something fishy to me. I would call the FCC \and ask them personally. You can probably get a definite answer in 5 minutes.

 

[freqlost]

Some people are afraid to even ask the question.

Maybe not afraid,maybe they don't see this as an issue!
Stop flaming everyone with your silly self appointed radio guardian nonsense!

 

[nhradiochild]

You know, while it may seem that they are being the nerdy hall monitor for radio, their zeal for accuracy and potential problems actually only benefit you if they are right. And perhaps, even if they aren't right on a legal plane, maybe it conjures up some ethical dilemmas that one should confront anyway.

So all in all, it just might make you a better broadcaster having thought about such issues and that there are people out there that believe such things. Knowing this, you can address others' questions without displaying ignorance after you find out the truth of the matter.

Problem is, if you find out the truth and you still disagree with it, there's a moral dilemma waiting in the wings for you my friends.

 

[Casablanca]

Tell you what. I will call the FCC in Washington.D.C. on Monday morning and tell them what Greater Media's WTKK -FM 96.9 is doing in selling tickets to one of its radio shows, Imus, and see what the source has to say.

 

[AKLes]

Tell you what. I will call the FCC in Washington.D.C. on Monday morning and tell them what Greater Media's WTKK -FM 96.9 is doing in selling tickets to one of its radio shows, Imus, and see what the source has to say.

Five bucks says you'll wade through a mechanized answering system, ultimately pound on the "0" button several times and confront you with a clerk who'll hand you over to somebody's voice mail where you'll leave a message and never get a call back. And that's if it's a GOOD day at The FCC. Yer tax dollars at work......

 

[dumber than a box of hair]

Don't make this a personal attack because I raised a legitmate question.

Wrong. You started this thread with the title, "An Illegal Move..." You asserted it was illegal. You didn't "raise a legitimate question." Don't try to weasel out of it, or think we can't read.

Skynet74 doesn't have it right either. It's illegal in LA, where his old company was located, but it is not against FCC rules.

And don't bother calling the FCC. If you talk to seven different people there, you'll get seven different answers. I'll save you the time. It's not illegal as a matter of federal law or regulation and never has been.

 

[DouglasB]

I am constantly amazed that people will profess to know some rule or regulation and, in no uncertain terms, cry wolf at the top of their lungs about a perceived infraction or violation. And when asked to provide the text of said rule or regulation, they can not. Wouldn't it make more sense to save face and credibility to be able to cite the authority of the rule or regulation before accusing someone of wrong doing?
Even though we all hide behind screen names here, there are still consequences for making untoward statements about people and companies. I wonder what the corporate counsel for WTKK and/or the Imus organization would think about the use of the word "illegal" concerning the station's activities. If you feel uncomfortable providing us with the "letter of the law" regarding this "illegal" activity, imagine your discomfort if you have to answer a civil complaint filed by their attorney. Words have meaning.

 

[Casablanca]

Okay. Douglas B. The ball or more precisely the ticket is in your court. Please explain why no TV show in the past or radio show in the days of old radio show to today NEVER charge admission to see their shows. I doubt it was out of the goodness of their collective hearts.
I believe they don't charge admission because they cannot not do so legally.

I am constantly amazed that people will profess to know some rule or regulation and, in no uncertain terms, cry wolf at the top of their lungs about a perceived infraction or violation. And when asked to provide the text of said rule or regulation, they can not. Wouldn't it make more sense to save face and credibility to be able to cite the authority of the rule or regulation before accusing someone of wrong doing?
Even though we all hide behind screen names here, there are still consequences for making untoward statements about people and companies. I wonder what the corporate counsel for WTKK and/or the Imus organization would think about the use of the word "illegal" concerning the station's activities. If you feel uncomfortable providing us with the "letter of the law" regarding this "illegal" activity, imagine your discomfort if you have to answer a civil complaint filed by their attorney. Words have meaning.

 

[justalurker]

I believe they don't charge admission because they cannot not do so legally.

I believe you are absolutely 100% wrong in your assumption that they don't charge because they "cannot" charge.

There is NO national rule, either in Federal law or FCC rules, that prohibits selling tickets to events solely because the event is broadcast. And no amount of pixy dust, clicking your heels or your "belief" is going to change that fact.

 

[EDwalker]

I used to work for Audience Associates in Hollywood. Yes you are correct. All TV show tickets are FREE and can not be sold! Special event tickets can typically be given away in a contest, but I have my doubts weather it's legal for IMUS to sell tickets to his Radio show. It sure sounds like it's bordering on something fishy to me. I would call the FCC \and ask them personally. You can probably get a definite answer in 5 minutes.

There's nothing illegal about it. I'm sure the policy of Audience Associated was to issue tickets for free and they'd rather not have them sold by any ticket holders. This has nothing to do with FCC rules.

The only thing that might affect this rule is if there is a game of chance happening at the broadcast (such as a game show); it then falls under the lottery rules. And that would only apply to the participants if they were selected from the audience. Perhaps that's where the confusion lies.

 

[DouglasB]

Let's keep this simple. You say "I believe they don't charge admission because they cannot not do so legally." I understand that is what you "believe". All I'm asking, nicely, is that you show me the regulation, statute, or law. I don't have to prove anything. You made the declarative statement that someone was doing something illegal. I'm just asking you to show me the proof.

 

[Mike Walker]

Of course you can charge anything you like to see an event, whether it's broadcast or not. Otherwise the Symphony concerts on radio have been illegal for more than three quarters of a century! What you cannot do is charge TO LISTEN TO OR WATCH THE BROADCAST OVER THE AIR. The public has a RIGHT to the BROADCAST CONTENT, not to the performance itself.

I've been in radio 32 years (though less than some here), and am pretty well versed in FCC regs. That ain't one of 'em!

A station I used to work for broadcast from Merlefest in Wilkesboro every spring, one of the largest bluegrass/folk festivals in America. It cost PLENTY to get in!

 

[Casablanca]

So, What you are saying is that if the broadcast outlet is not the primary source of the performance the primary performance - say the BSO on WCRB can charge admission to Syphomy Hall. But if WCRB was the primary performance source - such as the old radio broadcasts with the NBC Symphony Orchestra in the 1930's and 1940's NBC could NOT charge admission to its over the air broadcast. How is that different from the Imus show which is FREE over the air. Again, if they call it a "DONATION" and not an admission fee that might be a legal distinction. Still, it is a very thin line WTKK 96.9 is walking. Let's see what the FCC says when I call them in Washington tomorrow.

Of course you can charge anything you like to see an event, whether it's broadcast or not. Otherwise the Symphony concerts on radio have been illegal for more than three quarters of a century! What you cannot do is charge TO LISTEN TO OR WATCH THE BROADCAST OVER THE AIR. The public has a RIGHT to the BROADCAST CONTENT, not to the performance itself.

I've been in radio 32 years (though less than some here), and am pretty well versed in FCC regs. That ain't one of 'em!

A station I used to work for broadcast from Merlefest in Wilkesboro every spring, one of the largest bluegrass/folk festivals in America. It cost PLENTY to get in!

 

[BlodwynPig]

[EDIT] Can't believe your going to waste a Monday trying to talk to the FCC. Quit beating a deadhorse.

[EDIT-inflammatory]

 

[DouglasB]

Let's see what the FCC says when I call them in Washington tomorrow.

What will the FCC say? If you reach a human, they will probably think you're a nut.

As a licensee, I have had a lot of dealings with the Commission. Calling them on the phone will not get much done. If you want to communicate effectively with the FCC, write them Certified Mail, return receipt requested. Actually the second best way is to email them. Check their website for the appropriate address. You can even file informal comments or complaints via the web. Third way is to fax them. Fourth, and least effective way, is to call them on the phone and invest 2 hours navigating your way through their phone tree. Even if you reach a human, no one will give you an immediate opinion on the phone. It's not like calling the BMV to ask if your RV needs a license plate.
There are a number of sources on the Web pointing to the Commission's rules and regulations.

Again, it would have helped if you had started there before you claimed that someone broke the law.

 

[Casablanca]

These posters never cease to amaze me.
Ask a legitmate question and they think you are attacking their livelyhood.
The question is: If radio and television programs have never charge admission to their over the air programs that are part of regular format [ not contracted coverage such as the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, BSO, Boston Pops, etc.] why not? I have been told that it was some FCC Reg that prevented them from cashing in on over the air broadcasts.
Simple question which should not cause the apoplexy it has caused and the bizarre accusations that it is a person attack on Don Imus. Imus's Ranch is a good cause to which this poster would gladly contribute. That is NOT the question nor is Don Imus' credibilty.