What do you think about the Howard Stern fine bail out?

[Amelia G]

So apparently Howard Stern got his fines paid for him by Viacom and is back on the air in a number of areas. What do people think about it?

[memorydream]

It seems they are getting more and more strict about what you can and cannot say over the airwaves. I wish their were classes for people who knew the value of free speech, good parenting and letting people explore who they are. But, we let Big Brother do it for us, in varying degrees, I guess. Now, more than we did before.

[BrightStar]

People should be able to say whatever they want to. If somebody doesnt like it, all they have to do is not listen, or just walk away.

[nausiatingpain]

So apparently Howard Stern got his fines paid for him by Viacom and is back on the air in a number of areas. What do people think about it?

I think ClearChannel paid the fines. If this bill passes that allows the government to fine broadcasters, free speech is in deep trouble. There really shouldn't be any decency laws anyway. If a network goes over the top and people start complaining, sponsors can simply pull their ads. The system can regulate itself.

[Lady Giulianna]

I think ClearChannel paid the fines. If this bill passes that allows the government to fine broadcasters, free speech is in deep trouble. There really shouldn't be any decency laws anyway. If a network goes over the top and people start complaining, sponsors can simply pull their ads. The system can regulate itself.

Exactly

Censorship is always a bad thing. The right to free speech is a basic freedom that we all share and it should not be compromised on any level. If you don't like what you see on television/hear on the radio and you don't want your kids to see it, blah, blah, blah -- then just turn the damn thing off.

Trust me, if no one is listening/watching -- then the system will regulate itself and programing will change.

[Amelia G]

I think ClearChannel paid the fines. If this bill passes that allows the government to fine broadcasters, free speech is in deep trouble. There really shouldn't be any decency laws anyway. If a network goes over the top and people start complaining, sponsors can simply pull their ads. The system can regulate itself.

Nope, he was on Clear Channel when the fines were levied and they left him high and dry. Viacom, which is smaller in the radio marketplace, paid his fines.

[vixta]

as Mae West said when she recieved complaints about her radio show 'they could have turned it off'. when freedom of speech becomes controllable by the sponsors things are bound to start cracking.

[Tequila Zaire]

Honestly...I think it was another ploy to boost his ratings. Everytime his show dips in cities (he has so many copycats and clones now) they pull out the "City BANS Howard Stern!" shtick.

I don't listen to him as much cause really the interviewing skanky strippers, porn stars, C grade celebs, and lousy comics gets old fast. Occasionaly he'll have a good guest but even they phone it in as they already KNOW what to expect and ham it up.

He needs to retire.

[Amelia G]

Honestly...I think it was another ploy to boost his ratings. Everytime his show dips in cities (he has so many copycats and clones now) they pull out the "City BANS Howard Stern!" shtick.

I don't listen to him as much cause really the interviewing skanky strippers, porn stars, C grade celebs, and lousy comics gets old fast. Occasionaly he'll have a good guest but even they phone it in as they already KNOW what to expect and ham it up.

He needs to retire.

I would generally be inclined towards the same cynical view with you on this sort of thing, but it was so much money and he ended up having to switch where he was aired . . . well, I don't think it was a publicity ploy in this case. Especially as apparently he was fined immediately after a show which was more political than most more lesbian butt bongo-oriented episodes.