Clear Channel Domination

[ggw]

How did Kerry vote on Clinton's Telecommunications Act of 1996 that created this monster?

[kosmo vinyl]

well i can probably answer this question without looking up... Yes?  i had hope to ask in return was George w. bush an elected official when this happened and unfortunately we was already governer in 1994

[Bags]

I just heard the Payolas on Netscape Radio (formerly Spinner).  "Eyes of a Stranger" -- from a good album.

[Bags]

SUNOFABITCH....
 
 Netscape Radio is now limited to about an hour a day.
 
 Q: Why is listening to Radio@Netscape now limited?
 
 A: In order to play music online, Radio@Netscape needs to pay fees to the recording industry and ultimately the artists who make the music you enjoy. By putting a daily limit on listening, we can continue to provide you with the best FREE online music experience, with limited commercial interruptions, while still keeping our costs in check. Unlimited listening is available to AOL members through our popular Radio@AOL service which offers the same great audio programming in addition to more exclusive content and convenient access to all of the other great features of AOL. AOL for Broadband members get the added benefit of commercial free, CD-quality listening experience on Radio@AOL for Broadband. Click here to learn more about AOL for Broadband.

[vansmack]

Originally posted by ggw�?�:
  How did Kerry vote on Clinton's Telecommunications Act of 1996 that created this monster?

That's funny.  
 
 Gingrich rode the 1994 landmark House election right through the Telecom Bill - he practically drafted the whole damn thing through his think tank, the Progress and Freedom Foundation.  The Republicans slid the deregulation Radio Deal right past everybody.  While all media attention was on the Constitutionality of the Decency Provisions (the promised "Values" of the Republican party) and the Cable and TV implications, nobody paid attention to the radio provisions.  Except Clear Channel and Viacom (through Infinity), who stockpiled mad finances.  
 
 The expected competition for radio stations ended just shortly after the Bill was signed because the 2 "Bigs" put their stockpiled finances to use and bought all of the radio stations, squeezing out all of the little hopefuls in a matter of under a yer.
 
 So you can ask how Kerry voted, and call it Clintons Bill because he signed it, but I have heard both apologize for it's unintended impact on the Radio markets, but put positive spins on the remaiander of the bill.  
 
 Newt and the 1994 Republican Revolution, well, they're just laughing it up now, aren't they?  Are the Republican's apologizing?  Not while the Clear Channel and Viacom money come pouring into the Campaign coffers....

[ggw]

Viacom gives 74% of its donations to Dems
 
 http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/contrib.asp?Ind=B02

[kosmo vinyl]

Originally posted by Bags:
  SUNOFABITCH....
 
 Netscape Radio is now limited to about an hour a day.
 
 Q: Why is listening to Radio@Netscape now limited?
 
 A: In order to play music online, Radio@Netscape needs to pay fees to the recording industry and ultimately the artists who make the music you enjoy. By putting a daily limit on listening, we can continue to provide you with the best FREE online music experience, with limited commercial interruptions, while still keeping our costs in check. Unlimited listening is available to AOL members through our popular Radio@AOL service which offers the same great audio programming in addition to more exclusive content and convenient access to all of the other great features of AOL. AOL for Broadband members get the added benefit of commercial free, CD-quality listening experience on Radio@AOL for Broadband. Click here to learn more about AOL for Broadband.

Well there's always Radio Kosmo along with several other great stations at Live 365
 
 http://www.live365.com/stations/dj_wren
 
 
 I like three minute nice
 
 http://www.live365.com/stations/308988

[vansmack]

Originally posted by ggw�?�:
  Viacom gives 74% of its donations to Dems
 
  http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/contrib.asp?Ind=B02

Viacom's employee's give to Democratic Candidates:  
 
 In many cases, the organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organization's PAC, its individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. Organization totals include subsidiaries and affiliates.
 
 Hey research hound, show me the numbers for money given to PACs, think tanks, and lobbyists that believe in "deregulation principles" and support Republican candidates, most of whihc Viacom can take a charitable deduction for, because if you believe that a company with revenues of $13.6 Billion only gave away $819K in 2003, I've got some ocean front property in Arizona I'd like to sell you.

[ggw]

Hey selective-excerpter-dog, you left out this tidbit:
 
 The numbers on this page are based on contributions from PACs, soft money donors, and individuals giving $200 or more.
 
 That is not just the total for employees - it includes the PAC money as well.
 
 The other numbers you requested are likely locked away at www.fecinfo.com behind their $2500.00 subscription fee.
 
 How many feet of beachfront?
 
 

Originally posted by vansmack:
   

Originally posted by ggw�?�:
  Viacom gives 74% of its donations to Dems
 
   http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/contrib.asp?Ind=B02  

Viacom's employee's give to Democratic Candidates:  
 
 In many cases, the organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organization's PAC, its individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. Organization totals include subsidiaries and affiliates.
 
 Hey research hound, show me the numbers for money given to PACs, think tanks, and lobbyists that believe in "deregulation principles" and support Republican candidates, most of whihc Viacom can take a charitable deduction for, because if you believe that a company with revenues of $13.6 Billion only gave away $819K in 2003, I've got some ocean front property in Arizona I'd like to sell you. [/b]

[flawd101]

According to www.BWBK.com, DIMMU BORGIR were recently kicked out of a Cleveland radio station.  They don't know any better.  Radio stations in Norway are probably a lot different. The report they give is as follows:
 
 "DIMMU BORGIR, were promptly escorted from the premises after using profanity during a live radio interview Wednesday afternoon for commercial rock radio station WMMS-FM (100.7) in Cleveland. The Norwegian black metal act was in town to promote their appearance on the main stage of Ozzfest at the Blossom Music Center in Cleveland on Thursday, August 19th.
 
 According to a press release, the incident in question occurred shortly after the start of the interview with WMMS midday host, Maxwell. While responding to a question from the DJ regarding JUDAS PRIEST vocalist Rob Halford�??s sexuality, DIMMU BORGIRr vocalist Shagrath and guitarist Silenoz stated that the controversy surrounding Halford�??s homosexuality is �??fucking bullshit�?� and that it was an honor to play on the same stage as JUDAS PRIEST. Maxwell proceeded to declare the interview over at that moment and cut to a commercial. During the commercial break, Maxwell and station management ordered the band to leave WMMS studios. After coming back from commercial, the DJ insulted DIMMU BORGIR on the air, urging Ozzfest attendees to throw rocks and other items at the stage during their set on the main stage Thursday.
 
 The band is claiming that the boundaries of what they could say on the radio were not explained to them by station management before the interview, and that they had no idea what was considered unsuitable language for American radio. At this time, there is no indication that any action will be taken by WMMS�??s corporate parent, Clear Channel Communications."

[vansmack]

Originally posted by ggw�?�:
  Hey selective-excerpter-dog, you left out this tidbit:
 
 The numbers on this page are based on contributions from PACs, soft money donors, and individuals giving $200 or more.
 
 That is not just the total for employees - it includes the PAC money as well.

Read that a little more carefully.
 
 That's money from a Viacom PAC, if there is one or more.  That's not money to a PAC, if Viacom supported one, and usually not their own.  
 
 For example, money given to NAB and their PAC would not show up on your chart because your chart shows only money given directly to candiates through affiliated orgs, not to other PACS, Lobbyists, trade associations or think tanks that have candidates ears, despite the fact that NAB is given credit for keeping the Radio portion of the Telecom Act under the rug.  
 
 So if you are arguing that Viacom (and not their millions of employees) only gave $89OK to candidates, thus they support more Dems than Republicans, then I have more to worry about.
 
 I'm willing to bet that Viacom's dollars are much more hidden and those numbers you have proposed represent the employees of Viacom.
 
     

Originally posted by ggw�?�:
   
 
 The other numbers you requested are likely locked away at www.fecinfo.com behind their $2500.00 subscription fee.
 
 How many feet of beachfront?
 

If you really want cheap beach front property, then fork out the $2500, because you seem very sure in your research and have pre-determined your results.
 
 But I'm telling you - there's no way Viacom has a stockpile of money invested in Infinity at the time of the passing of the TeleCom Act of 1996 (a time when advertising dollars were on the down in the radio industry and stations were losing money hand over fist) unless they're working hand in hand with Gingrich and his cronies.  And at the passing, they pounced on it, added more commercial airtime, and are making a mint.

[ggw]

If you look at the NAB money and - for the sake of argument - make the bold assumption that Viacom donated every dollar that went to Republicans and zero of the dollars that went to Democrats, then the total Viacom giving still favors Dems.
 
 If you have better numbers, feel free to provide them.
 
 But, back to the original topic -- your blind acceptance that Kerry is truly "sorry" about his support of the bill and its effect on radio explains how you have come to be in possession of oceanfront property in AZ.
 
 If he's so regretful about what the bill did to radio, where in his platform is his proposal for rolling back the ownership limits?
 
 Here's a hint -- he doesn't propose any such thing.  Nor should you expect he ever will.  As recently as January of this year, Kerry said "You know we opened up a little on the radio, and I thought that was appropriate."
 
 Continue to blame the Republicans if you choose -- it's the hip thing to do after all -- but don't kid yourself that Kerry is any better.  In fact, considering he plays both sides of the fence by supporting the actions in his votes while attempting to distance himself from the effects in his speeches, he may be worse.

[bellenseb]

You can get around the hour a day limit on Radio@Netscape by just deleting the netscape cookies. The only drawback to this is that you lose your presets, but it's not that big of a deal since it limits you to five presets anyway.
 
 Frankly, $24.95 a month is too much to pay for unlimited access...I'm sure most people have no use for other AOL for Broadband "services"...so I don't feel to guilty about this. There's no "only pay for radio" option.
 
 I really love Radio@Netscape...their new indie stream is so well-programmed. If only I could get this kind of programming in the car...

[vansmack]

Originally posted by ggw�?�:
 
 Continue to blame the Republicans if you choose -- it's the hip thing to do after all -- but don't kid yourself that Kerry is any better.  In fact, considering he plays both sides of the fence by supporting the actions in his votes while attempting to distance himself from the effects in his speeches, he may be worse.

Why do I feel like you stopped right before the "but" in that qoute you offered?
 
 Oh, because you did.  
 
 Playing the fence?  I think he's sufficiently clear here.  Admitting to a mistake is the sign of a true Statesman:
 
 "I have always been in favor of the restraints on the cross-ownership. You know we opened up a little on the radio, and I thought that was appropriate. But look, there have been changes, legitimate changes in the marketplace that reflect real access to information and real access to competition. I am open-minded. I serve on the (Commerce) committee, I have actually voted on these issues, and my record is very clear about favoring real competition, being smart about transitions in the industry that you have to take into account. But I am not going to be hoodwinked into believing that we are in a place today where there is sufficient competition in some of these areas, where we should lift the rules and consolidate, and I am against it."
 
 At least he admits he'll try to stop it from happening again.

[ggw]

True statesman!!  Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
 
 That's the sign of a true politician -- say one thing, but act another.
 
 Sure Kerry talks the talk.  But does he walk the walk?
 
 Hardly.  If this issue was so important, one would assume he would have shown up to vote in the Senate on the bill to relax media ownership last fall.  He skipped the vote.  Why take a position when he can get the best of both worlds?
 
 Don't forget that he did show up to vote in favor of relaxing restrictions on radio ownership.  Which he still feels was "appropriate."
 
 The only "hoodwinking" going on is by Kerry.
 
 Some more numbers for you  -- Here are the two top executives at Viacom  (The #3 guy - Les Moonves - has not given money to anyone this cycle, but gave $2,000 to Gore/Lieberman in 1999):
 
 Sumner Redstone - Viacom Chairman/CEO - Contributions 2004 Election Cycle:
 
 REDSTONE, SUMNER M
 DEDHAM,MA 02026
  VIACOM INC/CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
  5/3/2004
  $1,000
  Kerry, John
 
 REDSTONE, SUMNER
 DEDHAM,MA 02026
    2/3/2004
  $1,000
  Kerry, John
 
 REDSTONE, SUMNER
 NEW YORK,NY 10036
  VIACOM INC
  9/26/2003
  $1,000
  Daschle, Tom
 
 REDSTONE, SUMNER
 NEW YORK,NY 10036
  VIACOM INC
  9/26/2003
  $2,000
  Daschle, Tom
 
 REDSTONE, SUMNER
 NEW YORK,NY 10036
  VIACOM INTERNATIONAL
  4/10/2003
  $5,000
  Democratic Senatorial Campaign Cmte
 
 REDSTONE, SUMNER
 NEWTON,MA 02459
  VIACOM
  5/13/2004
  $1,000
  Kennedy, Edward M
 
 REDSTONE, SUMNER M
 DEDHAM,MA 02027
  NATIONAL AMUSEMENTS INC. & VAAEM I/
  12/5/2003
  $1,000
  Kerry, John
 
 REDSTONE, SUMNER M
 NEW YORK,NY 10036
  VIACOM
  3/28/2003
  $1,000
  Leahy, Patrick
 
 REDSTONE, SUMNER M
 NEW YORK,NY 10036
  VIACOM
  3/28/2003
  $1,000
  Leahy, Patrick
 
 Tom Freston - Viacom Co-President/Co-COO - Contributions 2004 Election Cycle:
 
 
 FRESTON, THOMAS
 NEW YORK,NY 10021
  MTV NETWORKS
  6/1/2004
  $1,000
  Dodd, Chris
 
 Freston, Thomas
 New York,NY 10021
  MTV Networks/CEO
  6/23/2004
  $8,000
  DNC Services Corp
 
 FRESTON, THOMAS E
 NEW YORK,NY 10036
  MTV NETWORKS/CHAIR
  6/30/2004
  $1,000
  Democratic Congressional Campaign Cmte
 
 FRESTON, TOM
 NEW YORK,NY 10021
  CHAIRMAN CEO
  3/28/2003
  $1,000
  Leahy, Patrick
 
 FRESTON, TOM
 NEW YORK,NY 10021
  MTV NETWORKS
  3/18/2003
  $1,000
  Schumer, Charles E
 
 FRESTON, TOM
 NEW YORK,NY 10021
  MTV NETWORKS
  3/18/2003
  $1,000
  Schumer, Charles E
 
 FRESTON, TOM
 NEW YORK,NY 10021
  MTV NETWORKS
  9/27/2003
  $2,000
  Daschle, Tom
 
 FRESTON, TOM
 NEW YORK,NY 10021
  MTV NETWORKS/CEO
  3/18/2004
  $5,000
  Victory Campaign 2004
 
 FRESTON, TOM
 NEW YORK,NY 10021
  MTV NETWORKS/CEO
  5/27/2004
  $2,000
  Kerry, John