Clear Channel Pulls Stern for Good

In light of the $495,000 FCC fine for its broadcast of Howard Stern, Clear Channel has decided to cancel the program on 6 of its stations.
“Mr. Stern’s show has created a great liability for us and other broadcasters who air it,” said John Hogan, president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio. “The Congress and the FCC are even beginning to look at revoking station licenses. That’s a risk we’re just not willing to take,” said Hogan.
In February, Clear Channel suspended the show in the six markets that previously aired it. At that time, the company asked for assurances from the show’s syndicator that steps would be taken to bring the program into compliance with FCC regulations.
Hogan said Clear Channel received no assurances.
“Unfortunately, the FCC’s latest action, combined with deafening silence from the Stern show on their future plans to comply with the law, leave us no choice but to abandon the
program for good.”
Stern syndicator Infinity Broadcasting declined to comment on Hogan’s statements.
Earlier this year, Clear Channel began a zero-tolerance policy for indecent programming.