Free Radio Coalition Launched to fight Fairness Doctrine

[Force Commander]

Good for Roger! As far is this issue, goes every little bit helps.

http://www.ntsmediaonline.com/?p=2673&u ... dium=email

[Hoosier Daddy]

I don't support reintroducing the Fairness Doctrine, but I do wonder about all this high profile screaming and ranting by radio talk show hosts. How much of it is really about free speech vs. how much are the hosts worried about their own pocketbooks. I mean, if the latter is true, why not simply stand up and say "this proposed law is going to cost me my million dollar a year radio job!" Maybe because it won't stir the same level of public support?

[Force Commander]

I don't support reintroducing the Fairness Doctrine, but I do wonder about all this high profile screaming and ranting by radio talk show hosts. How much of it is really about free speech vs. how much are the hosts worried about their own pocketbooks. I mean, if the latter is true, why not simply stand up and say "this proposed law is going to cost me my million dollar a year radio job!" Maybe because it won't stir the same level of public support?

I don't doubt it is a little bit of both reasons you mentioned. I am worried about the end (regulation) of free speech. My kids and grandkids should have the same opportunity to enjoy the freedom America has provided you and me. I won't deny I am someone who makes his living from spoken work programmed radio stations and am also worried about my own pocket. When I have guests on about this topic I also make sure I mention both points in the interview. I agree with you Hoosier that others should do the same.

I sure don't want to lose my million dollar per year job!

[AmpedNow]

I still think that it will be attempted. Maybe under a different name, but would have similar results.

No matter how they disguise this prize pig, in the end, it's still a pig.

Should it ever be reinstated, it will be pushed to the Supreme Court to decide once and for all its (un)constitutionality, where it will likely be struck down.

However, it would still be wise for stations to make some "in the meantime" backup plans, since the SC runs on its own timetable.

As for the millionaire talk show hosts, I couldn't care less how much they make... I just see it as the attack on free speech that it is. I'd be ranting too if I felt the government was attempting to rip my life's work out from underneath me.

Congress is acting like an oafish schoolyard bully in this instance. Incapable of intellectual argument so they just squash out the opposition by force.

[contracteng]

If the fairness doctrine is put back in a lot of people stand to loose there jobs because there will be a lot of stations that will no longer have a format especially AMs that will bring in the big bucks. As a result they will be switching and competing with other stations and there formats that at present have no competiton in a market. As a result the pie slice will be smaller and some station will go under and go dark resulting in more jobs down the tube.

[Swing'n Dick]

If the fairness doctrine is put back in a lot of people stand to loose there jobs because there will be a lot of stations that will no longer have a format especially AMs that will bring in the big bucks. As a result they will be switching and competing with other stations and there formats that at present have no competition in a market. As a result the pie slice will be smaller and some station will go under and go dark resulting in more jobs down the tube.

You're speaking from an engineer's point of view right? Because I haven't heard a non-canned, non-syndicated AM in years. So who's gonna lose any jobs? And who listens to AM in medium to smaller markets? And if any Syndicated Host loses their job... good. Fuckers been getting rich for years by lies and half-truths. If you hear any host speaking over-the-top about this issue, they lie for a living. Plus this will get non-religious issues off those GD religious translators that have little to no, responsibility serving the community. I'm not 100% behind the Fairness Doctrine but, the FCC was a cluster fuck over the last 8 years and no one can deny that fact. The equilibrium will be reached one way or the other. Again, as for the talk hosts feeling the butthurt... well it's the same as the Wallstreet. You had your gold rush, now you reap what you've sown.

Allow me to quote Chris Holtzafple, "Fuck'em".

[Force Commander]

If the fairness doctrine is put back in a lot of people stand to loose there jobs because there will be a lot of stations that will no longer have a format especially AMs that will bring in the big bucks. As a result they will be switching and competing with other stations and there formats that at present have no competition in a market. As a result the pie slice will be smaller and some station will go under and go dark resulting in more jobs down the tube.

You're speaking from an engineer's point of view right? Because I haven't heard a non-canned, non-syndicated AM in years. So who's gonna lose any jobs? And who listens to AM in medium to smaller markets? And if any Syndicated Host loses their job... good. Fuckers been getting rich for years by lies and half-truths. If you hear any host speaking over-the-top about this issue, they lie for a living. Plus this will get non-religious issues off those GD religious translators that have little to no, responsibility serving the community. I'm not 100% behind the Fairness Doctrine but, the FCC was a cluster fuck over the last 8 years and no one can deny that fact. The equilibrium will be reached one way or the other. Again, as for the talk hosts feeling the butthurt... well it's the same as the Wallstreet. You had your gold rush, now you reap what you've sown.

Allow me to quote Chris Holtzafple, "Fuck'em".

Allow me to take the one truthful thing from these comments:

the FCC was a cluster fuck over the last 8 years and no one can deny that fact.

Do you live in the Tri-State area? If so the next time I come back and visit I'll stop by, buy you a big bag of M & M's to help calm you down, and we can talk. I look forward to assisting you through your anger over us medium market talk show host who don't exist, get rich from lies, and won't lose our jobs because our sized markets can't afford the big increase in staff needed to keep up with the Fairness Doctrine. Maybe I should interview you for a talk show on my station. I am sure you will be "fair and balanced" just from reading the wonderful discussion above. Keep smiling friend!

p.s. I agree about the translator issue in regards to non-comms.

[Swing'n Dick]

I did say "Syndicated Hosts". Are you "Syndicated"? And no, other than the douche on AM 800, I know of no other AM medium sized talk show hosts. Although I've heard word of a very popular AM guy on WCHS. Unfortunately I'm doing production or show prep during afternoon drive.

And I'm live tonight at 7pm. 100 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans, Wv. Ring the bell, I'll buzz you in.

*Hot dogging edited*

Yes, I live in the Tri-state. And I'm not an anonymous poster like most.

Location: Ironton
Handle: Swing'n Dick = My on-air name at WRVC where I was APD, MD, and took over as PD after Jay Nunley left WKLC. I was PD until the expert resume of Reeves Kirtner found it's way to his father's desk and then I was demoted to APD again.
Signature: "I'm Rick Kline, bitches" I'm Rick Kline, ya'lls the bitches.
Avatar: Out-of-date WKLC logo. I'm not just a fan of Rock 105. I'm also the MD, Prod Director, and Evening talent.


PS: I prefer Miller Lite to M&M's.

[Force Commander]

I did say "Syndicated Hosts". Are you "Syndicated"? And no, other than the douche on AM 800, I know of no other AM medium sized talk show hosts. Although I've heard word of a very popular AM guy on WCHS. Unfortunately I'm doing production or show prep during afternoon drive.

And I'm live tonight at 7pm. 100 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans, Wv. Ring the bell, I'll buzz you in.

It hurts my ego. I've been sinking battleships in the Huntington/Charleston markets since 1995... yet you obviously don't know who I am. I guess AM guys don't listen to FM. And visa versa. It doesn't really matter though. Radio dies in August.

PS: I prefer Miller Lite.

Much of my response was in regards to this section of your comments.

Because I haven't heard a non-canned, non-syndicated AM in years. So who's gonna lose any jobs? And who listens to AM in medium to smaller markets?

Although I am from the area I have not lived in the region since the mid 80's. Sorry if I was over the top. I just wanted you to understand there are many of us in mid-markets making a living doing this. I welcome guest from left, right, and middle anytime without being ridiculed. I admit it is tough to get the left guests to come on, but after the first time they always come back and appreciate the experience. I know I am not the only one in this position in the U.S. by any stretch. I am sharing some of me so you can see an example of this.

I take it by the address you work for KLC. That was a fun station back in my day. I haven't heard it in awhile but I hope it still is. I live 11 hours away so I don't get back near as much as I'd like, but I will definately take you up on the visit the next time I'm down home. Only if I get a tour though!

P.P.S. Make sure you check with the boss first before I bring the beer. I don't want to get you in trouble in this employment climate!

[genlock]

The Boss will drink your beer.
Don't tell him anything.

[Swing'n Dick]

All good, one of these days I'll learn to keep my venting off the internet. Seems that I "pop" a couple times a year still. Although, I am MUCH better than I used to be.

But, back to the OP, I see the Fairness Doctrine as simple as cause and effect. Everyone knows, from major news outlets, newspapers, magazines, talk show hosts, hell, even music format radio stations jumped on "Mudslinging" as reporting. It doesn't matter what affiliation Congress has now, it would be the same if the roles were reversed, the forementioned sources pissed some very powerful people off. And you can't do that with our backlash. Especially to politicians. I don't completely agree with the Fairness Doctrine but... the cage has been rattled and continues to be rattled. Effect is about to happen.

[Force Commander]

I agree with you in regards to what caused it, however I don't agree about if the roles were reversed. Most television (especially cable), NPR, most newspapers, and more of the internet than you think hated Bush. I didn't see the Republicans call for a Fairness Doctrine against those businesses. The reason they did not is because such regulation has a way of biting you in the butt when the pendulum swings the other way. As you know it does and we are in a left swing politically now. The good news is the majority of the Senate agrees with my thoughts (as posted elsewhere on this site).

http://www.ntsmediaonline.com/?p=2703&u ... dium=email

[genlock]

If a station does news or public affairs at all, the paperwork requirements of a new Fairness Doctrine
will be enormous. With every program story, there will have to be a listing of opposing viewpoints or your effort to
find someone with opposing viewpoints.
Public radio will be very much at risk to provide balance in it's programming because most of the staff
truly believe that what they do is balanced. It will be a pleasure to set them straight.
There many be enough people like me out in listener land to make life miserable for
any news director. With today's technology, a computer recording every word spoken on a radio or tv
station could be very easily scanned for unbalanced opinion and either complaint filed or
request for equal time requested. This could be the end of local news, religious broadcasts,
opinion, commentary, or most any kind of programming that might advocate anything.
I'll bet we could find a fairness problem with sports play-by-play. Don't you. Go Herd, Go Herd's opponents.

[Hoosier Daddy]

I don't doubt it is a little bit of both reasons you mentioned. I am worried about the end (regulation) of free speech. My kids and grandkids should have the same opportunity to enjoy the freedom America has provided you and me.

I appreciate your candid and respectful answer. The more I listen to the "heavy hitters" (Limbaugh, et al) go on and on about this, the more something just doesn't ring true. If you really care about free speech in an academic sense, you welcome the other side to the microphone even if you disagree with what they have to say. I've never felt the vast majority of today's most popular talk show hosts feel that way. They relish the controversy because controversy brings ratings. They look forward to bashing the skulls of the opposition in a staged, unfair fight which then becomes their trademark. And they manipulate the phones and the audio so the host always seems right and always has the last word. It's good, old fashioned, one-sided show biz, similar to all that sports/entertainment wrestling garbage. What galls me now is to hear all the whining from key players who are stunned someone thinks it should all be stopped.

Talk radio after 1988+/- has never been about a "fair debate", nor has it been about some noble attempt to "save AM radio". It's been about creating a highly profitable and marketable broadcast product with no other altruistic or noble motives attached. And there's NOTHING wrong with that. Just be honest with your listeners and the general public when you argue against pending legislation. Do you really think Rush Limbaugh gives a shit about anyone else but himself in this whole thing?

[Force Commander]

There were about 200 talk stations in the U.S. pre Fairness Doctrine all in large market, there are about 2000 today in markets from top to bottom. The pro Doctrine folks know this statistic well. You be the judge as to why they are pushing for this.

Everything genlock says is correct in his assessment. Several more employees would have to be hired regardsless of market size to accomplish the Doctrine rules. Because of the much increased expense, we would quickly be back to about 200 talk stations in the country and gospel on the former stations. Many might just give up and go dark knowing they could no longer garner listeners (especially on AM).

[Hoosier Daddy]

There were about 200 talk stations in the U.S. pre Fairness Doctrine all in large market, there are about 2000 today in markets from top to bottom. The pro Doctrine folks know this statistic well. You be the judge as to why they are pushing for this. Everything genlock says is correct in his assessment. Several more employees would have to be hired regardsless of market size to accomplish the Doctrine rules. Because of the much increased expense, we would quickly be back to about 200 talk stations in the country and gospel on the former stations. Many might just give up and go dark knowing they could no longer garner listeners (especially on AM).

What you just wrote is why I cannot support the Fairness Doctrine.
I still think the high-profile mouthpieces out there are nothing more than huffing and puffing hypocrites.
Sort of like those people who do as they please then throw out a few twisted-context bible verses to justify it all.
Just sayin', you know ...

[Force Commander]

I don't doubt it is a little bit of both reasons you mentioned. I am worried about the end (regulation) of free speech. My kids and grandkids should have the same opportunity to enjoy the freedom America has provided you and me.

I appreciate your candid and respectful answer. The more I listen to the "heavy hitters" (Limbaugh, et al) go on and on about this, the more something just doesn't ring true. If you really care about free speech in an academic sense, you welcome the other side to the microphone even if you disagree with what they have to say. I've never felt the vast majority of today's most popular talk show hosts feel that way. They relish the controversy because controversy brings ratings. They look forward to bashing the skulls of the opposition in a staged, unfair fight which then becomes their trademark. And they manipulate the phones and the audio so the host always seems right and always has the last word. It's good, old fashioned, one-sided show biz, similar to all that sports/entertainment wrestling garbage. What galls me now is to hear all the whining from key players who are stunned someone thinks it should all be stopped.

Talk radio after 1988+/- has never been about a "fair debate", nor has it been about some noble attempt to "save AM radio". It's been about creating a highly profitable and marketable broadcast product with no other altruistic or noble motives attached. And there's NOTHING wrong with that. Just be honest with your listeners and the general public when you argue against pending legislation. Do you really think Rush Limbaugh gives a shit about anyone else but himself in this whole thing?

Hoosier, keep in mind the big players don't hang up on a liberal caller (the smaller and local shows don't either). I know for a fact those calls are put at the top of the line when they call in. The Democratic machine does put out talking points saying talk radio is right only, many liberals do believe that. My station daily try to make the left feel this is their station as well and do everything we can to encourage them to participate. I'm telling you if the left would participate more they would be welcome. Is WCMI still a liberal talk station? If so I'd like to see the Boyd county breakdown and see how they are doing where it's signal is strong. It is not talk radio's fault if a liberal doesn't get involved. It's definately not because this business doesn't try.

No talk show host is a reporter. We all are commentators by nature. I don't have Rush on my station, but I would liket to think he does want to protect or basic constitutional rights (and protect his massive fortune ).

We have to look at this in the prespective of the entire industry, not just a big player that gets on our nerves.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Hoosier, keep in mind the big players don't hang up on a liberal caller (the smaller and local shows don't either). I know for a fact those calls are put at the top of the line when they call in.

They DO move these callers to the front of the line, but it isn't in some "free and equal speech, giving the other side their say in the matter" context. What you'll hear is the host allowing the caller to vent or start to make an argument, then they are interrupted by the host (who has total control over the caller's audio). There may, or may not, be some back-and-forth between caller and host, but you'll notice the closing "drive-home-the-point, just to show you I'm right about everything" remarks are made by the host LONG after the caller was jettisoned into magic dialtone land. It's sort of like 'Checkmake, listeners! There you have it. I'm right once again --- and -- BACK -- after this commercial message!' <stopset>

The Democratic machine does put out talking points saying talk radio is right only, many liberals do believe that.

It is, but the Democratic party/liberals/progressives/ whatever have yet to put together a solid and marketable talk radio program. Most of the left-leaning shows to date were big on ideology but short on talent to deliver a package people would enjoy hearing. There are dozens - maybe hundreds - of Limbaugh also-rans out there who could never bring home the bacon like El Rushbo can do it. It isn't so much the conservative message that sells, it's the way everything is packaged and presented. Limbaugh is a true radio talent. Jon Stewart has a similar gift of presentation and timing with the liberal-leaning "The Daily Show" on cable and satellite television.

No talk show host is a reporter. We all are commentators by nature.

Thank you. You are very honest. Talk radio is not News Radio, but I don't think everyone understands that. My prediction is that, when all is said and done, the Fairness Doctrine will not see the light of day in a law book or an FCC regulation. This may be one time I actually agree with those Godless, self-serving bastards at the NAB.

[AmpedNow]

This is one thing I give Hannity credit for. He has liberal guests on his shows all the time. But still, there are many that won't go near his show, or anywhere near FOX news, even when they're invited.

Yet many of these same people want the FD reinstated.

Conversely, though, many of them only want to preach to the choir.

Bill Cunningham is the absolute worst.

I miss Drudge.

[Force Commander]

Hoosier, keep in mind the big players don't hang up on a liberal caller (the smaller and local shows don't either). I know for a fact those calls are put at the top of the line when they call in.

They DO move these callers to the front of the line, but it isn't in some "free and equal speech, giving the other side their say in the matter" context. What you'll hear is the host allowing the caller to vent or start to make an argument, then they are interrupted by the host (who has total control over the caller's audio). There may, or may not, be some back-and-forth between caller and host, but you'll notice the closing "drive-home-the-point, just to show you I'm right about everything" remarks are made by the host LONG after the caller was jettisoned into magic dialtone land. It's sort of like 'Checkmake, listeners! There you have it. I'm right once again --- and -- BACK -- after this commercial message!' <stopset>

The Democratic machine does put out talking points saying talk radio is right only, many liberals do believe that.

It is, but the Democratic party/liberals/progressives/ whatever have yet to put together a solid and marketable talk radio program. Most of the left-leaning shows to date were big on ideology but short on talent to deliver a package people would enjoy hearing. There are dozens - maybe hundreds - of Limbaugh also-rans out there who could never bring home the bacon like El Rushbo can do it. It isn't so much the conservative message that sells, it's the way everything is packaged and presented. Limbaugh is a true radio talent. Jon Stewart has a similar gift of presentation and timing with the liberal-leaning "The Daily Show" on cable and satellite television.

No talk show host is a reporter. We all are commentators by nature.

Thank you. You are very honest. Talk radio is not News Radio, but I don't think everyone understands that. My prediction is that, when all is said and done, the Fairness Doctrine will not see the light of day in a law book or an FCC regulation. This may be one time I actually agree with those Godless, self-serving bastards at the NAB.

Correct as far as how some big players treat liberal callers, but all do not. I can definately tell you most local hosts don't do that.

Assuming you are talking about only the national syndicated host, quite a lot are conserative but not all. While most suffer weak ratings like Bill Press, there are notable exceptions (Ed Schultz, Stephanie Miller, Alan Colmes) that are doing well. If they can do well, so can others. They (others) need to hire talented PD and Exec. Producers to make it happen.

Maybe I am naive, but I envision those who don't get that talk show host are not reporters might be the same people who caused congress to move the DTV date. Some people just don't get much of anything. Your thoughts?