It was “over the top” but allegedly on satellite radio you are “allowed” to say whatever you want. It is solely up to management on who stays on the air. Corporate sponsorships are nothing like on “free” radio as with a pay service most of the revenue is generated by subscriptions. The Opie and Anthony Show on XM 202 is one of XM Radio’s most popular programs.
The trio bases itself on “cringe” humor and I will admit that is not for everyone, but I like it . I like hearing comedy that makes me feel like I need to take a shower after listening to it. They have done many more “offensive” bits on XM before they announced the merger with Sirius. Sounds to me like the corporate suits are scared of the possible ramifications dealing with the merger.
While CBS will continue to air them on “free radio”, XM won’t for 30 days. That sucks for me because I have a short commute and would listen to the replay staring at 3:00PM as I do my “stuff”. (The broadcast live staring at 6:00AM) I look forward to laughing after a long day at cringe worthy humor. Sometimes they sucked and having a brain when I did not like them I changed the channel, or listened to a CD instead. I heard the beginning of the segment last week that got them into trouble, but did not care to hear a homeless man rant so I listened to some music instead.
Like I said I don’t think this is a free speech issue, but an issue of corporate America regulating what could be said on a supposedly “uncensored” format.
XM (XM Satellite Radio Holdings) makes its profit by selling its online content. It is strictly a business decision to suspend one or more of their employees. While it is certainly possible that the owners felt that the content (that caused the suspension) could cost them subscribers, it is also possible (based only on the information Koz has provided) that the pair had violated an agreement regarding by going forward with planned material.
Below from Wilipedia -
In 2005, AirTran Airways began putting XM Satellite Radio on their aircraft, while in January 2006, JetBlue Airways added XM Radio to their aircraft. United Airlines started carrying prerecorded XM content in March 2006.
Posts: 17236 | Location: Lincoln Place, Granite City, IL, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
No offense but honestly I couldn't care less. For radio personalities, isn't getting fired for one reason or other part of the deal? Change of format, new owners, whatever.
All "shock jocks" should be aware they are on thin ice.
Posts: 1968 | Location: Boise, Idaho, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
DG, XM 202 is an “ explicit language ” channel. (There are several others) Users can block these channels if they so desire.
I understand there is a time and a place for everything and I would be willing to bet AirTran, Jet Blue, and United would not air such channels, and I agree with that.
I would not like for minors, or people who simply don’t like such things to be able to wander across them inadvertently.
Posts: 3654 | Location: Long Island, New York USA | Registered: 06-03-02
My concern is that if I'm paying for an uncensored channel where supposedly anything goes, that's what I want for my money. It's my decision to pay for adult humor and if it goes past my personal boundary tastes, as Koz pointed out, channels can be changed.
If stations are going to advertise/market themselves as being an adult format with uncensored material, that's what they should deliver. Those of us with child-free cars/homes that wish to pay for grown up humor should be able to purchase it!
Posts: 1196 | Location: A danger to this country and the free world | Registered: 03-18-04
It would seem, then, that your complaint is one about false advertising. However, I think it will be very difficult to find any business in the entertainment industry that does not censor, to some degree, its content and its talent. With regard to your last statement, ("Those of us with child-free cars/homes that wish to pay for grown up humor should be able to purchase it!"), all I can say is that the laws of supply and demand apply. If there is a big enough market for completely uncensored radio, and someone thinks he can turn a profit by supplying that market, you'll get your "grown up humor."
Posts: 17236 | Location: Lincoln Place, Granite City, IL, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
The appropriate reaction in this case, if you feel that they were mistreated by the corporation, is to suspend your account until they come back. If you call and demand that you be able to do that, it will be a pain in the corporation's butt. If you get a bunch of people to follow, then you will be getting your point across in a manner that they care about - your money.
The corporation doesn't care if you think it has a backbone. The corporation cares about whether you will subscribe to the service and in this case, whether they can get the airlines to see that they exercise a modicum of control over their talent.
For instance, if HBO decided to clean up their series Rome or any other show, I would just end my subscription with them. Having no kids in the house, I think I should be able to purchase quality entertainment that isn't squeaky clean.
Satellite Radio seems to have a limited audience - people who want to hear uncensored shock jocks like Stern and these guys, people who want commercial free music, and people who don't live near a major radio broadcasting center or drive through areas without broadcasting. Many people really don't care about satellite radio... those of you that do should let them know what you want.
Posts: 3056 | Location: USA | Registered: 06-04-02
“The appropriate reaction in this case, if you feel that they were mistreated by the corporation, is to suspend your account until they come back. If you call and demand that you be able to do that, it will be a pain in the corporation's butt. If you get a bunch of people to follow, then you will be getting your point across in a manner that they care about - your money.”
That is great advice, and I already did that . It took about 40 minutes on the phone this morning and they tried to offer me up to three free months of service not to suspend my accounts. (I have two) I was polite but made it clear why I was suspending them. I also made it clear that if Opie and Anthony are not back in a month I will cancel my subscriptions and get a Sirius unit. Hitting them in the pocket is the only way I see that could possibly work.
I don’t like Howard Stern at all but the commercial free music channels are great, along with Major League Baseball. (Currently on XM but coming soon to Sirius) I do a lot of driving and being able to listen to every Mets game wherever I am is great. The other comedy and music channels are good for long drives.
There are many other “fans” doing the same thing, (The woman on the phone told me that they are being “overwhelmed”) some of the more rabid ones took it to the next level. They organized a “protest” outside on XM’s studio in NYC this morning and destroyed their XM receivers. Personally I think that is stupid but some of those fans are nuts .
I let them know what I wanted and will follow up and cancel my subscriptions if Opie and Anthony end up fired.
Posts: 3654 | Location: Long Island, New York USA | Registered: 06-03-02
I also made it clear that if Opie and Anthony are not back in a month I will cancel my subscriptions and get a Sirius unit.
I doubt this worried them - Sirius and XM are planning to merge.
Trojan and the New York State Lottery have stopped advertising on the CBS version of the Opie and Anthony show. Apparently, they think jokes (jokes?) about rape don't enhance their image much.
I doubt this worried them - Sirius and XM are planning to merge.
I am sure it did worry them. The merger deal originally stood a 50/50 chance of getting the required approval to make it a reality.
According to Mel Karmazin (Sirius Satellite Radio Chief Executive) he optimistically said the chances of winning deal approval from regulators at "better than 50%" back in February 2007.
I am aware that Trojan and the New York State Lottery have stopped advertising on the CBS portion of the Opie and Anthony Show, but they are still on CBS airwaves and I am talking about XM Satellite Radio.
Posts: 3654 | Location: Long Island, New York USA | Registered: 06-03-02
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. I like hearing comedy that makes me feel like I need to take a shower after listening to it. They have done many more “offensive” bits on XM before they announced the merger with Sirius. Sounds to me like the corporate suits are scared of the possible ramifications dealing with the merger. 
