mussels said:
Radio stations are licensed by the FCC as public trusts.
/rant on
Sadly, it appears very few station owners take that responsibility seriously, primarly because the FCC has long ago shirked this responsibility. Since the FCC has ignored the matter, station owners have gradually relaxed how much public service they provide.
I'm a radio enthusiast and someone who, back in high school 35 years ago, dreamed of getting into "the business" but never followed that dream; as a result, I don't have a sense of the economics that prevail nowadays.
I am glad to see the "morning zoo" backlash over asinine comments one would not make face-to-face to someone. The childish, double-entendre-filled, rant-filled behavior that has crept into morning radio since the 1970s long ago prompted me to make either all-news or NPR my preferred morning diet.
I agree there has been a double standard in the Imus fiasco, but I blame African American leaders for that -- particularly the same two ambulance chasers (Jackson and Sharpton) that were so shrill last week. Yes, one can hear that crap in rap music. That should change, and perhaps this is a way in can start.
Sharpton and Jackson should apologize too.
Check out Shaun Powell's recent comments in the Newsday newspaper for a good African-American perspective.
/rant off
Richard in Allentown, PA
