Advocacy & Safety - Clear Channel doing an about face??

Last night at my bike club's board meeting we had a guest presenter. I think he was the public relations person for 96rock (96.1 FM), one of the Clear Channel stations in Atlanta.
He said that his radio station, in conjuction with Guiness Beer, would be sponsering a ride in mid-March called the St. Practice Day ride and wanted us to help promote it in the cycling community.
He said all of the money raised (ride proceeds and a silent auction for LA autographed stuff, jerseys, a "green" Trek bike, etc.) would go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

He said his station would broadcast several public service announcements, 30 seconds each, promoting the event and saying positive things about cycling.


It sounds like Clear Channel got the message from all the people who wrote letters, sent emails, and telephoned about the comments made by some of the DJs last year about running down cyclists.

I hope this trend continues. There are too many negative things being said and printed about cyclists.


Anything like this happening in other parts of the country?

Not a peep here in Chicago- but I don't listen to every Clear Channel station either...

Koffee

http://www.forbes.com/work/newswire/2003/11/06/rtr1139386.html - Clear Channel vows to work with cyclists in apology

Although I'm guessing that link (or a similar one has already been posted on this site somewhere). I haven't been around here lately and y'all rock about keeping up with issues.

Side note :: Hi Ron!

It is nice to see that they are being earnest about doing some good for cycling and making up for past wrongs. I'll have to give them credit for that.

I guess I'll have to promote them from Malevolent to Simply Evil, based on their recent good deeds. I still am very unhappy about the homogenization of American radio, and these folks are mostly to blame.

Dan

Here in Sioux City CCC is going to be the sole commercial radio station company that is promoting the bike in May that the Siouxland Trails Foundation is hosting. They will start the promorions March 1st and stop April 24th. We are getting about $10.000 worht of free promoting advertising.

The foundation & the ride wil be promoted on all 5 clear channel stations. Of the over 103,000 + people that live in the greater siouxland area 60,000 to 70,000 listen to one of the 5 CCC stations.

This would appear (to the cynical, like me!) to be nothing but damage control that's being done purely for fiscal reasons. I'm not impressed. :D

This would appear (to the cynical, like me!) to be nothing but damage control that's being done purely for fiscal reasons. I'm not impressed. :D

To my knowledge, just about everything done in business is purely for fiscal reasons. Thats it - the bottom line. Sometimes this is from a long-term perspective, sometimes a short-term view. But money is always THE consideration.

It is nice when fiscal reasons also seem to parallel the common good. Sometimes that happens!

I guess I'll have to promote them from Malevolent to Simply Evil, based on their recent good deeds. I still am very unhappy about the homogenization of American radio, and these folks are mostly to blame.

I don't blame clear channel, their goal is to make as much money as possible, so they are doing their job. The real problem is deregulation of federal communications laws, and the poor taste of the average radio consumer.

And if they thought they could make more money bashing cyclists than promoting some cyling events, they would$$$$$$$$.

It is nice when fiscal reasons also seem to parallel the common good. Sometimes that happens!

Yup, there is no question about that. However, giving Clearchannel credit for this parallel is my objection. C/C made a financial decision to do some damage control. This does not relieve them from the responsibility of allowing (and thus promoting) their DJs to advocate striking cyclists down with 3,000 pound automobiles.

The real credit goes to the cyclists who complained, and brought this issue to the front page. Without that, there would be no damage control, and there would be no bike ride to benefit the LAF.

Clearchannel has to do one heck of a lot more before I will forgive them, and listen to any of their stations again.

(hey, I said I was cynical!) ;)

I could care less if they gave me a new Litespeed and sponsored by trip across the United States and paid for sag and steak and lobster every night.
I despise the network. I read the reviews of their music playlist. They are destroying American music with their censorship based on some kind of marketing strategy.
Tom Petty did not write the song 'Last DJ."which you will not hear on Clear Channel.. Some kind of marketing strategy lead their p++ poor dj's to say such inflamatory remarks and when they see they have some kind of rebellion on their hands, they need practice damage control...

Clearchannel has to do one heck of a lot more before I will forgive them, and listen to any of their stations again.

(hey, I said I was cynical!) ;)

Yes CC sins go much deeper than the cycling issue until I see that change maybe I 'll listen to their stations. But then again they make it easy here all their stations in this market are cr@p i

I could care less if they gave me a new Litespeed and sponsored by trip across the United States and paid for sag and steak and lobster every night.
I despise the network. I read the reviews of their music playlist. They are destroying American music with their censorship based on some kind of marketing strategy.
Tom Petty did not write the song 'Last DJ."which you will not hear on Clear Channel.. Some kind of marketing strategy lead their p++ poor dj's to say such inflamatory remarks and when they see they have some kind of rebellion on their hands, they need practice damage control...

Cyclezealot, the CCC rock station here in Sioux City plays Tom Petty's song The Last DJ almost every day. It's a favorite among the listeners here.

The anti-cycling broadcasts were not the only ones that caused them trouble:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,109644,00.html

The anti-cycling broadcasts were not the only ones that caused them trouble:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,109644,00.html

Interesting ... c/c can do broadcasts enciting the killing of cyclists, and walk with no more consequence than having a few cyclists mad @ them. However, if they produce a show that (in the FCC's own words):

The segments included graphic discussions about sex and drugs that were "designed to pander to, titillate and shock listeners."

they get $755k fine imposed. I mean, which is worse????? :rolleyes:

Cyclezealot, the CCC rock station here in Sioux City plays Tom Petty's song The Last DJ almost every day. It's a favorite among the listeners here.
NC...There a web sites dedicated to CCC...Our San Diego stations do not play Last DJ...Like to sit down and talk to Petty about CCC..Bet he receives satelite radio in his car...

For the critics of the Clear Channel responses, I ask, "what do you want from them?"

I think that the bicycle community accomplished it's aim of convincing a major communications corporation to be sensitive to bicycle issues and to stop promoting violence against bicyclists.

They made public apologies.

They are donating money, air time, and resources to promoting bicycling.

If you expect the folks at Clear Channels to slit their wrists over this, forget it.

I think that the bicycling community and Clear Channel have made progress together on this issue.

when they sell off about 900 of their monopolistic stations, re-staff their studios with live, talented dj's, not centralize musical offerings, allow diverse music and news offerings, re-hire the thousands they have laid off, tone down the boisterous shouting that passes for dj's; then I will consider listening.
Anyone see Michael Powell visited their centralized offices in Memphis, is it.?
Talk about conflict of interest..Golden plum there...
The taste less attack on cyclists is only a part of my hatred of CCC. Soon, they will find their next victim to sensationalize.
Lots of information on the web about how they limit our access to news, music,entertainment..We need all be informed about their operation.

I never ever listen to the tripe that passes for entertainment on any of the CCC stations in my area. It helps that I like talented musicians who generally write at least some of their own music, and sound good even if they do an acoustic set. Since CCC never plays that kind of music it's easy not to listen. I won't even talk about the DJs with their sophmoric potty humor. Used to be that people recognized highly produced, highly marketed bands for what they were, marketing exercises (think Monkees). I'm not saying that every once in a while a catchy tune didn't accidentally come out of the mix, but let's face it; Without a marketing whiz behind them, you would never hear from many of the biggest musical acts of today. CCC is just a symptom of a greater ill. It goes hand in hand with Star Search and American Idol and Next Model of whatever the heck they call that show. Not only have the marketers figured out how to manufacture stars, they've now figured out how to make the whole process of picking the lucky ones a money maker as well. True talent will rise to the top without all these clowns. Public radio offers a valid choice, and I urge you to check your station out. Usually there are shows for any particular genre, so just about everyone should be able to find something that pleases them.

I never ever listen to the tripe that passes for entertainment on any of the CCC stations in my area. It helps that I like talented musicians who generally write at least some of their own music, and sound good even if they do an acoustic set. Since CCC never plays that kind of music it's easy not to listen. I won't even talk about the DJs with their sophmoric potty humor. Used to be that people recognized highly produced, highly marketed bands for what they were, marketing exercises (think Monkees). I'm not saying that every once in a while a catchy tune didn't accidentally come out of the mix, but let's face it; Without a marketing whiz behind them, you would never hear from many of the biggest musical acts of today. CCC is just a symptom of a greater ill. It goes hand in hand with Star Search and American Idol and Next Model of whatever the heck they call that show. Not only have the marketers figured out how to manufacture stars, they've now figured out how to make the whole process of picking the lucky ones a money maker as well. True talent will rise to the top without all these clowns. Public radio offers a valid choice, and I urge you to check your station out. Usually there are shows for any particular genre, so just about everyone should be able to find something that pleases them.

I hail from South East Michigan..Last Fall I was there.I tried finding adult alternative station..Was there one at 98.8? ANy good.? Rest of dial was crap.
Remember the old days of Baby! on the Riff. Detroit used to have innovative radio..No more? Hope WDET is still an option? Detroit used to be in the running for the home of the Rock and Roll museum...
I doubt CCC would even make room for Motown. God, at least we can hope we can pin music such as 'boy bands' on some force such as CCC, instead of thinking such crap is American music.!

CZ, there was, for a while, a Canadian channel around 96 on the dial who had a DJ named Ann DeLisi who did a fantastic show with a lot of great adult contemporary music on that you never heard anywhere else. Half my music collection was purchased due to music I heard there. WDET is still a great option, I listen through the work day to the wide variety they play. They also have some great shows during the weekends. Yeah, I remember WRIF, and the D.R.E.A.D. card I used to carry, along with the big comb in my back pocket. The rock and roll I used to listen to exclusively is still played on 94.7, the classic rock station, which I still tune into now and then...

CZ, there was, for a while, a Canadian channel around 96 on the dial who had a DJ named Ann DeLisi who did a fantastic show with a lot of great adult contemporary music...


Ann DeLisi is still on 96.3. She has a show on at 9-11am on Sunday mornings called New Adventures in Hi-Fi (http://www.963wdvd.com/showdj.asp?djid=10002). It is one of the bright spots on the dial. I listen to it when I am running sometimes.

Now if I could just find Peter Werbe ....

Dan

For the critics of the Clear Channel responses, I ask, "what do you want from them?"

For starters, I would want all the DJs involved fired. The sad fact is that it's too late for this move now. If CC management were really interested in fixing this problem, they would have sent a REAL message out. That message would have been swift, and obvious. Firing all involved would have been a good first step in getting that message across.


I think that the bicycle community accomplished its aim of convincing a major communications corporation to be sensitive to bicycle issues and to stop promoting violence against bicyclists.

You're joking, right? CC has not been convinced of anything short of the fact that some damage control must be done in order to shut up a few vocal cyclists. This sort of thing can and will happen again unless REAL measures are taken. Instead, CC does a few token moves in order to placate us. It’s simply a case of TO LITTLE – TOO LATE.

Mike,

I am not as harsh as some of the people here I am happy with the DJ's be reprimanded. However CC's actions run much deeper than this issue and have stirred up many other problems in many different areas. There response to the cycling issue only came about not because we put pressure on them that didn't work. It only came about when we put pressure on their sponsors. And s far as I have seen there actions are just what bac said, token and until I see a more responsible management of the company I will continue to not listen to their stations.

They made number 5 on the list:

http://www.business2.com/b2/web/dumbest/1

Support community radio--we're near Portland, OR, and are thoroughly spoiled by classical 89.9 and eclectic 90.7. 90.7 aka KBOO even has a bicycling show once a month. Yes, we support both.

Ann DeLisi is still on 96.3. She has a show on at 9-11am on Sunday mornings called New Adventures in Hi-Fi (http://www.963wdvd.com/showdj.asp?djid=10002). It is one of the bright spots on the dial. I listen to it when I am running sometimes.

Now if I could just find Peter Werbe ....

Dan

I didn't know that, thanks! Yeah I miss Pete's show. For awhile he was on AM radio...

I'm not going to get involved in this debate, but wanted to promote what I think is one of the best radio shows on the air today. It's a weekly, non-profit show called E-Town (www.etown.org) and can be heard across the country on NPR and other public and commercial radio stations.

The first time I heard it, I thought - WOW! It's taped with a live audience - usually in Boulder, Colorado, and celebrates all kinds of diversity in music. Each show also profiles someone making a positive contribution to their community. If you've never heard it, I encourage you to visit their site and learn more. I've attended a few live tapings and try to listen each week - it really is a breath of fresh air for today's commercialistic radio landscape...

Thank the gods forTriple J (http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/) and the ABC in general. I never have to listen to the tripe the commercial networks spew out (although I did like the Martin Molloy show when it was on B105 - those guys were a cack).

I like Live365 internet radio too. Anykind of music I want and lots of comedy without bonehead DJs interupting the tunes. Desktop Grass is playing right now.

Mike,

I am not as harsh as some of the people here I am happy with the DJ's be reprimanded. However CC's actions run much deeper than this issue and have stirred up many other problems in many different areas. There response to the cycling issue only came about not because we put pressure on them that didn't work. It only came about when we put pressure on their sponsors. And s far as I have seen there actions are just what bac said, token and until I see a more responsible management of the company I will continue to not listen to their stations.

Well, ngateguy, I agree with you. CC's response was not due to true remorse. You are most certainly correct that the bicycle community aimed true by hitting the sponsors rather than the station.

In any event, I think we did pretty good. I never got any satisfaction out of getting somebody else fired. Anyway, if the DJs were fired, you don't know what kind of nuts would take their places.

Thank the gods forTriple J (http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/) and the ABC in general. I never have to listen to the tripe the commercial networks spew out

Agree wholeheartedly! Although I have to admit I do owe Stan Zemanek one favour. A few years ago I was having trouble sleeping when I moved into a new house, putting Stan on the radio cured that little bout of insomnia in no time!!! In any case, I would never have discovered Katy Steele on commercial radio.

As to the original question -- I'm going to reserve judgement on this issue. Clearl Channel have tried the old "public apology" stunt before, only to rehash the same old vitriolic rubbish a week later. All I really want from them is that they now STFU on the issue. I will wait and see if that actually happens.

Agree wholeheartedly! Although I have to admit I do owe Stan Zemanek one favour. A few years ago I was having trouble sleeping when I moved into a new house, putting Stan on the radio cured that little bout of insomnia in no time!!! In any case, I would never have discovered Katy Steele on commercial radio.

As to the original question -- I'm going to reserve judgement on this issue. Clearl Channel have tried the old "public apology" stunt before, only to rehash the same old vitriolic rubbish a week later. All I really want from them is that they now STFU on the issue. I will wait and see if that actually happens.
Chris.. I doubt you can pick up CC in Australia...? But then, give it a couple years- no doubt they will control and replace Katy Steele..
So many of us radio fans, CC's treatment of cyclists is only a small part of our pique with CC..Monopolists who want to standarize music broadcast for a whole Nation..That is what qualls so many of us..
Those not knowing what they are doing, please research them. Lots of information on the web...For starters.

Chris.. I doubt you can pick up CC in Australia...? But then, give it a couple years- no doubt they will control and replace Katy Steele..

I could probably get CC on the Internet if I really wanted to, but on the basis of what I read here, I have no real desire to do that.

As far as controlling Katy Steele goes, I doubt they'll bother. I mean, she actually sings! She doesn't dance half-naked in front of a camera like some plastic Spitney Brears type. Hence she's exactly the type of thing networks like CC or whatever the Australian equivalent is will continue to ignore - and this is exactly why I listen to Triple J. I mean, the CC impersonators still haven't discovered Gersey yet, and it's been four years!

I could probably get CC on the Internet if I really wanted to, but on the basis of what I read here, I have no real desire to do that.

As far as controlling Katy Steele goes, I doubt they'll bother. I mean, she actually sings! She doesn't dance half-naked in front of a camera like some plastic Spitney Brears type. Hence she's exactly the type of thing networks like CC or whatever the Australian equivalent is will continue to ignore - and this is exactly why I listen to Triple J. I mean, the CC impersonators still haven't discovered Gersey yet, and it's been four years!
Chris.You know after all Australia is the origin of Rudolph Murdock smutting up the world's media.. So when CC attacks the land of Oz, guess it is retribution..
Murdock to journalism is basically smut with smattering of news as a pretense to sell newspapers.
In the US., Murdock can't get away with as much sex on the front page, as he did in London's "Sun", (I think it is.)But he does his best under the restraints of North American prudence...
Does not sound like Katy Steele would make the sex sells kinds of tabloids..print or electronic. Yellow Journalism never dies, it just changes forms.!

Like to sit down and talk to Petty about CCC..Bet he receives satelite radio in his car...

Have to be careful of sattelite radio as well. XM is an unholy alliance between GM (bought up trolley lines mid 1900's, shut down, replaced with busses) and Clear Channel. Get two flavors of evil there, instead Go with sirius! Fewer commercials and no CC censorship etc.

Just wanted to make it clear that to buy XM to avoid Clear Channel was jumping out of the frying pan into the fire, as you are then actively sending CC a monthly check.

take care,

Jester

The true test of CC's sincerity and management effectiveness will be whether there are any future anti-bicyclist incidents. If it ever does happen again, I hope the bicycling community is as effective as it was this time around.