Who Should Run Urban Radio?

Tuesday, April 19, 2005


Who Should Decide What's Indecent?


During an NAB conference panel on broadcast indecency this morning, Emmis Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan said the issue of who should dictate what constitutes indecent programming is just as difficult as determining what programming violates the FCC's indecency regulations.

In a reference to Emmis' CHR/Rhythmic WQHT/New York (Hot 97), he asked whether a "64-year-old Congressman from Tupelo, MS," who likely doesn't relate to an Urban station's young audience, could or should have the power to set standards for that station. He pointed out that the station's audience is similar to those of TV shows like Fear Factor or Celebrity Boxing in that it seeks out a type of programming that only appeals to certain segments of the population.

Smulyan also noted that society has become "more coarse" over the years and has changed a lot since the 50s, when shows like The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet were on TV.

Clear Channel CEO Mark Mays added that considering the 24-hour nature of the radio business, the industry should be credited for the few instances of indecency that actually arise. Both Mays and Smulyan also said both of their companies carefully train their airstaff and have policies their talent must follow to protect them and the company from drawing indecency fines.

Maybe Jeff Smulyan is letting us know that broadcasters along with Congress don't have a clue. The comments of the Emmis CEO clearly let us know that broadcasters along with Congress don't know the audience that brings in billions. The comparision to "Fear Factor and Celebrity Boxing" mirrored the comments of Rick Cummings President of programming made on Hannity & Colmes on March 9th. During that interview Cummings also stated that he is a 50 year old white guy who does not understand the Hip hop culture.

By the way I worked for Emmis for two years and never received one minute of training. Maybe it is time to let broadcasters know that the Urban audience has more on the brain then sex, violence and drugs.

Drop Jeff or Rick a note and let them know.

Jeff@emmis.com
Rick@emmis.com