Stations Cleared of Cyclists Harm Complaints

The FCC has denied complaints filed against three Clear Channel stations for airing comments that allegedly would incite drivers to harm cyclists.
The caste stems from July 2003 when the commission received complaints that stations WDCG(FM), Durham, N.C.; WMJI(FM), Cleveland, Ohio and KLOL(FM), Houston, Texas had aired material that encouraged listening drivers to harass and/or harm bicyclists. Clear Channel said none of the stations aired language that advocated violence towards cyclists. In response to complaints it received though, the stations aired public service announcements promoting bicycle safety and the hosts of the shows in question aired apologies.
The agency said the speech was protected by the First Amendment and the comments did not merit enforcement action.