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WBZ Posts

C

cabradio

Guest
Ok...time to cool it.

We don't need a daily recap.

While it is an important issue, it's not the only issue. We have recieved several "complaint" emails, but the posts aren't "actionable". They aren't breaking any rules and they do pertain to radio...so they will most likely stay unless one of the other mods deem it necesary to remove them. I personally don't see any reason to remove them (at this point)...

I agree with a poster below...start your own blog.. put a link to it in your signature...email your local papers and tv and send them a link. But don't drive our viewers away by unnecessarily posting the daily events. It's like someone constantly posting everything their favorite DJ did during his shift...on a daily basis. Get the point?

I posted this for everyone because I think it's important for people to understand how to use Radio-Info. While the site's purpose is to share market happenings and ideas, it's not intended to be a personal soap box. You'll notice in my signature a link to my own blog (which needs to be updated...lol), but I don't inundate those who aren't interested with my own rants. If you like my POV (point of view) you can read more by reading my blog...if you don't, it's your choice.

<P ID="signature">______________



</P>
 
WBZ AM 1030's action to censor the news has consequences far beyond anyone poster.

It seems quite clear that WBZ has mounted its forces to cloud the issue and try to kill the messenger. But this is a discussion board about radio and Boston radio in particular.

I am not connected to WBZ or any radio station and I have no particular axe to grind against against them except as a result of their actions to compromise the First Amendment of Free Speech. In this case, Flo Jonic was not shouting "fire" in a crowded theatre but rather pulling a "Conalrad Alert":

"This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. If this had been an actual emergency and you were listening to WBZ AM 1030 'The All News Station' and you worked next to or below the FBI Office at One Center Plaza you would probably be dead now or badly injured because WBZ AM 1030 'The All News Station' censored and spiked the story of security problems at that office building that related to your personal safety."

Only slight hyperbole but the point is made. If you call yourself an "All News Station" you have an obligation to broadcast all the news. If you censor it and spike stories because some government bureaucrats - here the FBI - are embarassed by their incompetence then you lose all credibility in this market.

WBZ Radio AM 1030 has lost all it credibility in this market and I don't know how they will get it back. I suppose the "suits" at 'BZ hope that by applying enough pressure here the issue will go away. Setting up a "blog" is like sending unwanted legislation to "the committee on Third Reading." It will NEVER be heard about again.

So, I hope that you will let this thread run. I have tried to not take the bait that has been thrown out to respond to personal attacks. Unfortunately, that seems to be the last recourse to which those who disagree with a post resort.
That is sad.

We, if we honestly and truly believe in free speech, and as long as WBZ calls itself an "All News Station" must keep and ever vigilante eye upon them.

WBZ created its own problem and shutting this discussion down which is soley about Boston Radio is not the solution. Perhaps, WBZ AM 1030 can dust off the old Paragon Park Sunshine Studio Mobile studio and "spin records" if they want to quell the controversy THEY created. If not WBZ Radio AM 1030 should put up with the consequences of their actions.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Ok...time to cool it.
>
> We don't need a daily recap.
>
> While it is an important issue, it's not the only issue. We
> have recieved several "complaint" emails, but the posts
> aren't "actionable". They aren't breaking any rules and they
> do pertain to radio...so they will most likely stay unless
> one of the other mods deem it necesary to remove them. I
> personally don't see any reason to remove them (at this
> point)...
>
> I agree with a poster below...start your own blog.. put a
> link to it in your signature...email your local papers and
> tv and send them a link. But don't drive our viewers away by
> unnecessarily posting the daily events. It's like someone
> constantly posting everything their favorite DJ did during
> his shift...on a daily basis. Get the point?
>
> I posted this for everyone because I think it's important
> for people to understand how to use Radio-Info. While the
> site's purpose is to share market happenings and ideas, it's
> not intended to be a personal soap box. You'll notice in my
> signature a link to my own blog (which needs to be
> updated...lol), but I don't inundate those who aren't
> interested with my own rants. If you like my POV (point of
> view) you can read more by reading my blog...if you don't,
> it's your choice.
>
 
And another thing

> Ok...time to cool it.

I wanted to keep the thread alive because I felt it to be an important issue... freedom of the press is IMHO, a very important thing, and relevant to Boston radio. Sadly, I've received more threats than I can take in my current state of exhaustion.

I gotta ask you guys to PLEASE keep these discussions civil. How many times do Cabradio and I have to remind you to stop this petty bickering?

Oh, and one more thing. NOBODY mention Joe Viglione on this board. Leave him alone. Period. It may take me a while because of my work schedule but if I see a post mentioning him, it's gone and the offender will hear from me.

Now please behave kids, or I'll move your bedtime back two hours. Thanks.<P ID="signature">______________
</P>
 
Only Parklane would respond to a posting that says "cool it" with an even bigger rant!

I have no affiliation to WBZ, but I don't need a daily recap of what stories they "ignored" today. Furthermore, Parklane's posts on any subject are so tainted because he has so many stated political positions that he chooses on this board to try to lobby for, and it makes reading his posts about WBZ more suspect....

> WBZ AM 1030's action to censor the news has consequences far
> beyond anyone poster.
>
> It seems quite clear that WBZ has mounted its forces to
> cloud the issue and try to kill the messenger. But this is a
> discussion board about radio and Boston radio in particular.
>
>
> I am not connected to WBZ or any radio station and I have no
> particular axe to grind against against them except as a
> result of their actions to compromise the First Amendment
> of Free Speech. In this case, Flo Jonic was not shouting
> "fire" in a crowded theatre but rather pulling a "Conalrad
> Alert":
>
> "This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. If this
> had been an actual emergency and you were listening to WBZ
> AM 1030 'The All News Station' and you worked next to or
> below the FBI Office at One Center Plaza you would probably
> be dead now or badly injured because WBZ AM 1030 'The All
> News Station' censored and spiked the story of security
> problems at that office building that related to your
> personal safety."
>
> Only slight hyperbole but the point is made. If you call
> yourself an "All News Station" you have an obligation to
> broadcast all the news. If you censor it and spike stories
> because some government bureaucrats - here the FBI - are
> embarassed by their incompetence then you lose all
> credibility in this market.
>
> WBZ Radio AM 1030 has lost all it credibility in this
> market and I don't know how they will get it back. I
> suppose the "suits" at 'BZ hope that by applying enough
> pressure here the issue will go away. Setting up a "blog" is
> like sending unwanted legislation to "the committee on Third
> Reading." It will NEVER be heard about again.
>
> So, I hope that you will let this thread run. I have tried
> to not take the bait that has been thrown out to respond to
> personal attacks. Unfortunately, that seems to be the last
> recourse to which those who disagree with a post resort.
> That is sad.
>
> We, if we honestly and truly believe in free speech, and as
> long as WBZ calls itself an "All News Station" must keep and
> ever vigilante eye upon them.
>
> WBZ created its own problem and shutting this discussion
> down which is soley about Boston Radio is not the solution.
> Perhaps, WBZ AM 1030 can dust off the old Paragon Park
> Sunshine Studio Mobile studio and "spin records" if they
> want to quell the controversy THEY created. If not WBZ Radio
> AM 1030 should put up with the consequences of their
> actions.
>
++++++++++++++++++> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>
> > Ok...time to cool it.
> >
> > We don't need a daily recap.
> >
> > While it is an important issue, it's not the only issue.
> We
> > have recieved several "complaint" emails, but the posts
> > aren't "actionable". They aren't breaking any rules and
> they
> > do pertain to radio...so they will most likely stay unless
>
> > one of the other mods deem it necesary to remove them. I
> > personally don't see any reason to remove them (at this
> > point)...
> >
> > I agree with a poster below...start your own blog.. put a
> > link to it in your signature...email your local papers and
>
> > tv and send them a link. But don't drive our viewers away
> by
> > unnecessarily posting the daily events. It's like someone
> > constantly posting everything their favorite DJ did during
>
> > his shift...on a daily basis. Get the point?
> >
> > I posted this for everyone because I think it's important
> > for people to understand how to use Radio-Info. While the
> > site's purpose is to share market happenings and ideas,
> it's
> > not intended to be a personal soap box. You'll notice in
> my
> > signature a link to my own blog (which needs to be
> > updated...lol), but I don't inundate those who aren't
> > interested with my own rants. If you like my POV (point of
>
> > view) you can read more by reading my blog...if you don't,
>
> > it's your choice.
> >
>
 
Please, do not make this personal.

Take my post on the face of it: Abrogating the Constitutional Right to Freedom of The Press. It happens to be WBZ AM 1030 that precipitated the issue but it could have been any station that was intimidated by some govern 'mental' bureaucrat.

I am sure you know the old ode of the person who did not stand up to some tyrannical regime because they were not persecuting him at the time and by the time they came for him there was no one to stand up for him.

Let us not be so complaisant with our Constitutional rights because we think it will never happen to us and we have to defend our current or potential employer. That is extremely provincial thinking.

Guess I have become a strict constructionist on this issue and I can take the slings and arrows that have come my way because of it. But again,I am not the issue; don't make ME the issue. Make WBZ AM 1030 The ALL News Station the issue.
They are the one's who screwed up not me.

I guess what I am saying must have some effect or 'BZ would not be pressuring to shut this down. It is my thought that what WBZ Radio did is far worse in spiking a public need to know story than the controvery of exposing Valarie Plame, the CIA operative, in Washington. That was bad and must be pursued but what WBZ tried to do in spiking the story may have potentially put in danger the lives of hundreds of innocent citizens in the One Center Plaza and the Government Center area. Quite frankly, that is unforgiveable and we should continue this discussion until some pretty big heads start to role at WBZ Radio AM 1030 The All News Station.

That would be good news and perhaps we could go back to discussing your favorite 60's DJ.

============================================================================
> Only Parklane would respond to a posting that says "cool it"
> with an even bigger rant!
>
> I have no affiliation to WBZ, but I don't need a daily recap
> of what stories they "ignored" today. Furthermore,
> Parklane's posts on any subject are so tainted because he
> has so many stated political positions that he chooses on
> this board to try to lobby for, and it makes reading his
> posts about WBZ more suspect....
>
> > WBZ AM 1030's action to censor the news has consequences
> far
> > beyond anyone poster.
> >
> > It seems quite clear that WBZ has mounted its forces to
> > cloud the issue and try to kill the messenger. But this is
> a
> > discussion board about radio and Boston radio in
> particular.
> >
> >
> > I am not connected to WBZ or any radio station and I have
> no
> > particular axe to grind against against them except as a
> > result of their actions to compromise the First Amendment
>
> > of Free Speech. In this case, Flo Jonic was not shouting
> > "fire" in a crowded theatre but rather pulling a "Conalrad
>
> > Alert":
> >
> > "This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. If this
>
> > had been an actual emergency and you were listening to WBZ
>
> > AM 1030 'The All News Station' and you worked next to or
> > below the FBI Office at One Center Plaza you would
> probably
> > be dead now or badly injured because WBZ AM 1030 'The All
> > News Station' censored and spiked the story of security
> > problems at that office building that related to your
> > personal safety."
> >
> > Only slight hyperbole but the point is made. If you call
> > yourself an "All News Station" you have an obligation to
> > broadcast all the news. If you censor it and spike stories
>
> > because some government bureaucrats - here the FBI - are
> > embarassed by their incompetence then you lose all
> > credibility in this market.
> >
> > WBZ Radio AM 1030 has lost all it credibility in this
> > market and I don't know how they will get it back. I
> > suppose the "suits" at 'BZ hope that by applying enough
> > pressure here the issue will go away. Setting up a "blog"
> is
> > like sending unwanted legislation to "the committee on
> Third
> > Reading." It will NEVER be heard about again.
> >
> > So, I hope that you will let this thread run. I have tried
>
> > to not take the bait that has been thrown out to respond
> to
> > personal attacks. Unfortunately, that seems to be the last
>
> > recourse to which those who disagree with a post resort.
> > That is sad.
> >
> > We, if we honestly and truly believe in free speech, and
> as
> > long as WBZ calls itself an "All News Station" must keep
> and
> > ever vigilante eye upon them.
> >
> > WBZ created its own problem and shutting this discussion
> > down which is soley about Boston Radio is not the
> solution.
> > Perhaps, WBZ AM 1030 can dust off the old Paragon Park
> > Sunshine Studio Mobile studio and "spin records" if they
> > want to quell the controversy THEY created. If not WBZ
> Radio
> > AM 1030 should put up with the consequences of their
> > actions.
> >
> ++++++++++++++++++>
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>
> >
> > > Ok...time to cool it.
> > >
> > > We don't need a daily recap.
> > >
> > > While it is an important issue, it's not the only issue.
>
> > We
> > > have recieved several "complaint" emails, but the posts
> > > aren't "actionable". They aren't breaking any rules and
> > they
> > > do pertain to radio...so they will most likely stay
> unless
> >
> > > one of the other mods deem it necesary to remove them. I
>
> > > personally don't see any reason to remove them (at this
> > > point)...
> > >
> > > I agree with a poster below...start your own blog.. put
> a
> > > link to it in your signature...email your local papers
> and
> >
> > > tv and send them a link. But don't drive our viewers
> away
> > by
> > > unnecessarily posting the daily events. It's like
> someone
> > > constantly posting everything their favorite DJ did
> during
> >
> > > his shift...on a daily basis. Get the point?
> > >
> > > I posted this for everyone because I think it's
> important
> > > for people to understand how to use Radio-Info. While
> the
> > > site's purpose is to share market happenings and ideas,
> > it's
> > > not intended to be a personal soap box. You'll notice in
>
> > my
> > > signature a link to my own blog (which needs to be
> > > updated...lol), but I don't inundate those who aren't
> > > interested with my own rants. If you like my POV (point
> of
> >
> > > view) you can read more by reading my blog...if you
> don't,
> >
> > > it's your choice.
> > >
> >
>
 
A little tricky

> I wanted to keep the thread alive because I felt it to be an
> important issue... freedom of the press is IMHO, a very
> important thing, and relevant to Boston radio. Sadly, I've
> received more threats than I can take in my current state of
> exhaustion.

While Freedom of The Press is not just important, it's essential
to a free society, the concept is misunderstood.

"Freedon of the Press" means the owners of newspapers, magazines
and various electronic media have the right to publish anything
that is not libelous, slanderous, etc. They can even publish
those things (no prior restraint) but are subject to laws on
those subjects AFTER publication.

It does not, however, mean that EVERYTHING MUST be published.
The right extends to the publishers who are free to exercise
control over their employees and determine what they will and
will not publish. Government has no right to demand that anything
be or not be published. They can ASK, however, and the publisher
(that would include radio or TV station management) might or
might not agree to the request.

Oh, a government agency might, in asking, suggest that if a
medium does not comply there might be a very intrusive
terrorist investigation or threaten some other "problem".
Such a threat is criminal and subject to prosecution if the
threatening party is clumsy enough to leave evidence behind.
So, this stuff is done in private conversation, never in
writing or by phone/e-mail, etc. which might just be somehow
recorded. Then, of course, there are those aspects of
"The Patriot Act" which are to freedom as a shredder is to
paper. But that's another diatribe.

In today's litigous society publishers proceed at their own risk.
Not so much concerning government action but concerning things
like wrongful death suits (becoming more and more popular). For
example, a witness to a crime has been threatened with death if
he/she testifies. A newspaper prints that person's home address.
The person is murdered. The family has a shot at a wrongful
death suit. Whether they'd win or not is up to a jury but
the defense is very expensive so publishers generally refrain,
if not in the interest of preserving the life of the person, then
in the interest of not risking a very noisy lawsuit that would
be exploited by their competition.

Yes, individual reporters are guaranteed the freedom to WRITE
whatever they want...free from government directives. BUT,
whether what they write is published is between them and the
ownership of the medium. If they write something the publisher
doesn't like it's easy enough, in print media, to keep it out
of "the paper". In radio or TV it's much more difficult
unless the individual station requires that all newscasts be
pre-recorded and be reviewed by an "editor" before being
broadcast.

A pity that public schools aren't teaching Civics these days...or
are teaching something fanciful and calling it "Civics". Worse
that journalism schools have forgotten that the Peter Zenger case
was about the relationship between publishers and government; NOT
reporters and government.

OK, some folks aren't happy about it but that's the way it is.
Of course if a writer/reporter wants to publish on their own,
they're free to do it. Once upon that meant starting a sort
of newspaper or running up mimeographed pamphlets. Today it's
easy...just start a blog. The earliest news papers bore no
resemblence to we think of today as newspapers...they were the
print equivalent of blogs wherein the publisher was also the
editor was also the writer was also the advertising manager was
also the circulation manager was also the delivery boy and had
to find the money to do it. Fortunately, being all those
staffers in one there was no need to meet payroll...

To bring it closer to home, think of people who post on this
board as "reporters" and the moderators as editors. The
administration of the site are, in effect, the publishers.

So, in the words of a long-ago Boston University Professor of
Biology....

"Little dogs have little fleas upon their backs to bite 'em."
"The little fleas have little fleas..."
"And on ad-infinitum."<P ID="signature">______________
So who investigates Special Prosecutors when
their work is done and second-guessing begins?</P>
 
> I guess what I am saying must have some effect or 'BZ would
> not be pressuring to shut this down.

Radio-Info has no reason to succumb to any pressure from ANY radio group. BUT we do want to keep viewers coming back, and if the board gets tiring, they will go away.

I think we ALL agree that WBZ has taken a hit by allowing an Government agency to direct it's operation. I think, in this uncertain time for our Country, it's important to let the media know we are paying attention. While the argument that a station has the right to choose which stories it wants to air is a valid one, a station also should be responsible in that choice. <P ID="signature">______________



</P>
 
I should clarify or as the politician say "amend and expand" my remarks.
I think the pressure that WBZ is exerting is indirect. They would be stupid to go after this site head on but I think they may be encouraging others to post support for their actions as intollerable as they were.

As one of your Moderators put it much better than I, "We must draw a line in the sand and say no further" in limiting our freedom of speech.

============================
> > I guess what I am saying must have some effect or 'BZ
> would
> > not be pressuring to shut this down.
>
> Radio-Info has no reason to succumb to any pressure from ANY
> radio group. BUT we do want to keep viewers coming back, and
> if the board gets tiring, they will go away.
>
> I think we ALL agree that WBZ has taken a hit by allowing an
> Government agency to direct it's operation. I think, in this
> uncertain time for our Country, it's important to let the
> media know we are paying attention. While the argument that
> a station has the right to choose which stories it wants to
> air is a valid one, a station also should be responsible in
> that choice.
>
 
Re: A little tricky

> It does not, however, mean that EVERYTHING MUST be
> published.

You're right in principle about that... but, I dunno. You know, it occurs to me that the big bad terrorists have us so scared that we as a nation are ready to do like the Brits, and surrender their freedoms in exchange for security. I think that's wrong, and it shows the world that the terrorists are achieving one of their goals by getting a lot of our Constitutional protections removed. Tacitly, by allowing the government to impose 'security' concerns.

No, everything doesn't have to be published. But as I explained previously, I really think the story had merit. If the FBI is or was asleep at the wheel, then it's up to radio, TV and newspaper reporters to be whistleblowers so that this can be fixed. Just my take on it, mind you.

For you guys who don't like the current administration... why are some of you now standing up for WBZ's firing the reporter/whistleblower? If this had been a story about Bush doing something you didn't like, you would have been crawling all over the station. But, I digress.<P ID="signature">______________
</P>
 
Re: A little tricky

>
Discussing politics on the radio board...

tsk...tsk =)
 
Re: A little tricky

> >
> Discussing politics on the radio board...
>
> tsk...tsk =)
>
Blame WBZ AM 1030 for unconstitutional behavior.
 
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