Just another FYI about Clear Channel - it seems as if they're doing some MAJOR restructuring on how the DJ's do their jobs.
Clear Channel's new policies
Clear Channel Imposes Strict New Standards For Broadcast Decency
Company announces ‘Responsible Broadcasting Initiative’
San Antonio, TX (February 25, 2004) – Clear Channel today announced a strong new “Responsible Broadcasting Initiative” to make sure the material aired by its radio stations conforms to the standards and sensibilities of the local communities they serve.
“Clear Channel is serious about helping address the rising tide of indecency on the airwaves,” said Mark Mays, President and COO of Clear Channel Communications. “As broadcast licensees, we are fully responsible for what our stations air, and we intend to make sure all our DJs and programmers understand what is and what is not appropriate on Clear Channel radio shows.”
Mays said the company will institute a zero tolerance policy for indecent content which will include company-wide training and automatic suspensions for anyone that the FCC alleges has
violated indecency rules on the air. “If the FCC accuses us of wrongdoing by issuing a proposed fine, we will take immediate
action,” Mays said. “We will suspend the DJ in question, and perform a swift investigation. If we or the government ultimately determine the offending broadcast is indecent, the DJ will be
terminated without delay,” Mays said.
John Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Radio addded, “If a DJ is found to be in violation of FCC rules, there will be no appeals and no intermediate steps. If they break the law
by broadcasting indecent material, they will not work for Clear Channel.”
In addition, the company announced that all of its contracts with on-air performers are being modified to ensure that DJs share financial responsibility if they utter indecent material on the
air. “From now on, every contract that Clear Channel enters into with on-air talent will include this provision,” said Hogan. “While that won’t relieve Clear Channel from our responsibility as a
broadcast licensee, we believe it will have a significant deterrent effect on indecent content.”
Contact:
Lisa Dollinger
Senior Vice President
Corporate Communications
San Antonio, TX
210-822-2828
LisaDollinger@clearchannel.com
Andrew Levin
Executive Vice President
Law and Government Affairs
Washington, DC
202-289-3230
AndyLevin@clearchannel.com