Glad to see a response to my post...TY hun!

Here's whats happening as ***I see it***...

Someone (who shall remain nameless, because his/her name sparks controversy and it's been pointed out IN VOLUMES that controversy isn't the reason for this site) has cornered the market on making this country a moral country because he/she thinks it is going straight to hell in a handbasket, despite all his/her past discretions (judge not lest ye be...yada yada). For some reason this issue of morality has been their SMOKE SCREEN to show that (1) Yes, the government and it's appointed officials are indeed doing some positive things to better this country in the shadow of war...and (2) Yes, the government has a mighty enough power to herd enough sheep into believing that stomping on the first ammendment will be for the good of everyone, not just those that blindly trust it now...

*That is, till that stomping affects a group or majority directly...and then, and only then, will they see through the smoke...which hasn't happened thus far...it's only been individualized...but it's coming!*

Belial? You say that you think no one has wanted to take on the role of "The Great Media Satan" and be deemed responsible for all of society's ills...correct? Not true my son! Listen and I shall tell you of "the one" who has been at the helm of that media ship for over 25 years! He didn't ask for this role...he was shoved into it!

His name is Howard Stern...a syndicated (countrywide, till he was fired from some stations owned by Clear Channel Entertainment...which he's broadcasted on for over 15 years) talk show host who some have likened to Lenny Bruce (though, Howard hates that similitude). His name is well known amoung his followers AND amoung those who hate him (but seem to listen to him everyday so they can write the FCC about the contents of his show or just bitch about him in general...which, BTW...gives him more listeners and shoots his ratings sky high...so he loves the haters too!). He is referred to as a "shock jock" and has knighted himself "King of all Media"...which he intends to prove when he leaves "the people's" airwaves and begins his show on sattelite radio in January of 2006. He has had 2 best selling books, he has had a top grossing movie, he has produced shows for cable TV ("Son of a Beach"), he has had, and still has, a number one TV show that broadcasts his radio show on "E" TV, he has had the number one morning show in most of his markets for 20+ years (despite what Imus claims...lol...another Howard wannbe), he is working on an upcoming cartoon of his life growing up, and he is now going to produce 3 radio shows for Sirius sattelite radio this coming January (his show and 2 other shows to be named). The only media medium he hasn't delved into as yet is the written media. He does not own a newspaper...and as far as I know he doesn't really want to. So maybe his self imposed claim to fame isn't complete...but the world hasn't ended yet!

My point? In all the years that Howard has been broadcasting...there is ALWAYS controversy! He has been fighting the FCC...single handedly...for umpteen years. And everyone of his "fellow" broadcasters have taken his lead and let their hair down with each controversial move Howard has broken through! Howard was one of, if not...THE, first to syndicate his radio talk show. He has been fined (his company...Infinity Broadcasting) in excess of a million dollars (really so much more)...and thus, after so many years of carrying his show, and in full knowledge of it's content over the years, Clear Channel Entertainment (owned by people strongly affiliated with the he/she I first mentioned) fired The Howard Stern Radio Talk show, withholding pay despite a concise contract, and taking his shows off numerous stations nationwide without a warning or a chance for Howard to fight or appeal the decision.

The only reason stated? The content of his show is indecent! It has ALWAYS been the same type of show...year in and year out. If you heard the name Howard Stern, you'd think one of two things (in a nutshell)..."I hate his guts...he's a pig" or "He's hilarious and I love his honesty". He's had followers from his one tiny show years ago to current day. And...he's had haters that long as well! He's always said...to those who call into the show and those who criticize in other media..."If you don't like my show...don't tune in"!!! As sighted in a line from his movie "Private Parts", poll taker talking to producer: "I asked his followers why they tune in to his show for the 4+ hours he is on air. Most common answer, I want to hear what he will say next. I asked his haters why they tune in for an hour or more. Most common answer, I want to hear what he will say next". Many other radio talk show jocks have immitated him...and fully denied it when challenged. Some have tried to one-up him to be MORE shocking...and have dug their own grave as far as a radio career. He's been able to tip-toe around the nay sayers and those who have made it their life's mission to get him off the air. He (rightfully) stands behind the first ammendment...and has been able to thwart the slings and arrows throughout the years. Till now!

His show is now under the FCC microscope with an even more intense lens. They have started with him because of his fame and intend[ed] to make an example out of him. His "fellow" talk show jocks are shaking in their socks to see what'll happen to Howard. The FCC has made it a priority to prove that they have the power to bring down the giant in the media industry. He is now threatened with "personal" half million dollar fines for EACH indiscretion per show they deem indecent...even from the ones they feel are so from his past shows when played for "Best Of" (shows that have already been aired in the past and went out "as is" and Clear Channel never said a peep) when he is on vacation. He has censored himself to the highest power lately...because he wants to finish out his contract and leave the commercial airwaves with the knowledge that he didn't crumble under the thumb of the FCC. He's offered to show up everyday and do his show as usual and the button pushers who have him on a 7 second delay can push the button to their hearts desire. But truthfully, his content has mellowed since they have threatened personal fines. It could bankrupt him in one show! He's even offered to show up to fulfill his contract of "being on air" and just play music...but it's sickened him to think it might lead to this extreme. NO other radio talk show host (or any other media personality for that matter) will come to him and say, "No matter that we are adversaries, I cannot let you go down as we watch the first ammendment crumble before our eyes". Howard is the only one who has ever spoken up against the FCC and it's deliberate false sense of hierarchy...to the point of openly challenging them to a day in court to define indecency in a clear cut, written guideline for EVERYONE to follow...not just those they feel apalled by.

To date...he will never has his day in court. The FCC has even gone so far as...recently requesting to hold their meetings in secrecy, which is against a law that the name now escapes me (help me here...jseal!). They want privacy to deal behind closed doors and decide the fate of the media spectrum. Usually, the open records of the FCC are available to any and all who request them. Michael Powell (head of the FCC) has given notice to tender his resignation. I am terrified of who will take his (backstabbing, flip-flopping) place.

The good news? Being his usual, insightful self...and before the FCC could fine him into quitting his current show...Howard Stern is moving to sattelite (non-commercial) pay radio. The FCC has NO jurisdiction over them...and Howard has, once again, pioneered a way around the ruling thumb of "Big Brother"!

Cudos Howard! That'll show the bastards! Whether you like him or not...you can't deny his right to free speech! If you don't like him...don't listen to him!

__________________
Minds are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.

~Thomas Dewar~