Clear Channel Snaps Up Delay Gear for ~250 Stations

Clear Channel collected radio revenue of about $966 million last year. Now it is investing half a million dollars more to protect that income stream.
Radio’s biggest broadcaster said it has purchased more than $500,000 worth of delay gear in the past month or so as part of its Responsible Broadcasting Initiative for stations that air live callers or potentially sensitive material.
“We want our program directors and on-air talent to have all the tools they need to comply with the law,” said Executive Vice President for Law and Government Affairs Andrew Levin. “Parents who have children in our audience deserve nothing less.”
Senior VP of Engineering Jeff Littlejohn said the company has purchased about 250 delays in the past month from vendors.
Radio World reported in February that delay equipment had been flying off dealer and supplier shelves in recent weeks, in the wake of FCC indecency fines and the Janet Jackson Super Bowl incident.
Clear Channel has been emphasizing its response to indecent content. Its press statement included this summary:
“Clear Channel has taken the lead in combating indecent content over the airwaves in recent weeks. The company adopted a zero-tolerance policy which includes a company-wide training course on the FCC regulations relating to indecency, as well as specific disciplinary policies for violators. The company also has suspended or terminated its relationship with two on-air personalities recently for airing inappropriate content on Clear Channel stations.”