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DISSENTING STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS
Re: AMFM Radio Licenses, L.L.C., Licensee of Station WWDC-
FM, Washington, D.C;, Clear Channel Broadcasting Licenses,
Inc., Licensee of Station WRXL(FM), Richmond, Virginia;
Capstar TX Limited Partnership, Licensee of Station
WOSC(FM), Bethany Beach, Delaware; Notice of Apparent
Liability for Forfeiture
In this case, three Clear Channel stations aired
graphic and explicit sexual content on nine different
occasions -- including the use of sexual material in
promotional rebroadcasts. Clear Channel has been the
subject of repeated indecency actions at the FCC, and this
show in particular has been the subject of previous
complaints. Yet, notwithstanding the repeated nature of
Clear Channel's transgressions, the majority proposes a mere
$27,500 fine for each incident. Such a ``cost of doing
business fine'' is never going to stop the media's slide to
the bottom.
For repeat offenders as in this case, I believe the
Commission should have designated these cases for license
revocation hearings. I recognize that Clear Channel has
taken some steps in recent days to address indecency on its
stations. A hearing would have provided the Commission with
the ability to consider what actions the stations took in
response to these broadcasts and to decide on the
appropriate penalty.
I am discouraged that my colleagues would not join me
in taking a firm stand here against indecency on the
airwaves. The time has come for the Commission to send a
message that it is serious about enforcing the indecency
laws of our country. That message has yet to go forth.