FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 27, 2004

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Suzanne Tetreault (202) 418-7450 Lisa Fowlkes (202) 418-7450

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Federal Communications Commission issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture against several subsidiaries of Clear Channel Communications for apparently airing indecent material over several broadcast stations during several days. The material at issue was aired in connection with the ``Bubba the Love Sponge'' program. The Commission proposed the statutory maximum forfeiture of $27,500 for each of 26 apparent indecency violations. This forfeiture is the highest ever proposed against a broadcast licensee.

The Commission found 26 apparent indecency violations that involved graphic and explicit sexual and/or excretory material, and were designed to pander to, titillate and shock listeners. The Commission proposed the statutory maximum forfeiture amount because of Clear Channel's history of transgressions relating to the broadcast of indecent material over stations licensed to its subsidiaries.

The proposed forfeiture also includes $40,000 for Clear Channel's apparent failure to maintain certain required documents in the public inspection files of these stations.

Action by the Commission, January 27, 2004, Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (FCC 04-17). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Martin, and Adelstein. Commissioner Copps dissenting and issuing a separate statement. Chairman Powell issuing a separate statement. Commissioner Martin issuing a separate statement. Commissioner Adelstein issuing a separate statement.

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: Suzanne Tetreault or Lisa Fowlkes (202) 418-7450.

Click here for separate statement of Chairman Michael K. Powell
Click here for separate statement of Commissioner Michael J. Copps, Dissenting
Click here for separate statement of Commissioner Kevin J. Martin
Click here for separate statement of Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein