http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 9:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 10:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
Props to Clear Channel for unlocking the secret to maximizing the potential profit of terrestrial radio, and in turn, laying it to waste.]]>Mar 25th 2008 11:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 2:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 9:47AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 10:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
Besides, it's an f'ing subscription service; the equivalent of cable, and last I checked, no one was trying to force HBO to tame down their programming.

Yet another giant with the FCC in their pocket. We'll see how this shakes out. It's funny that it hasn't been an issue until the merger stood a chance of going through.]]>Mar 25th 2008 11:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
Seriously though, Sirius already has some censored channels. hope this never goes through]]>Mar 25th 2008 9:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 10:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 11:50AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 9:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 10:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 11:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
do you cover your ears when someone curses? you big baby]]>Mar 25th 2008 11:39AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
Of course, at the same time, BrettB and his pals are tapping feet in bathroom stalls, cheating on their spouses and viewing the most hardcore of hardcore pornography.

Wait: Satan made them do it.]]>Mar 25th 2008 12:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 9:50AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 9:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
If I have to pay to be censored with satellite....then HBO/Showtime/Cinemax/Stars better be censored too!]]>Mar 25th 2008 11:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 2:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 9:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 9:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
It's so sad that CC is responding to the "monopoly" (my understanding is that each service for the foreseeable future will continue to be operated independently) by trying to create its own, but it's sadder yet that some people think that's a good idea.]]>Mar 25th 2008 10:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
I'm not saying I agree, I'm just saying that it's not as insane as people are making it out to be.]]>Mar 25th 2008 10:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
by your rationale, DirectTV/DishNetwork should not be able to carry HBO or any other pay channels. ergo your point is moot]]>Mar 25th 2008 10:50AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 10:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
"Indecent" content is still blocked from minors by a subscriber fees (minors can't have CCs).

I have a problem with ANY company trying to take choice away from ADULTS. It makes me want to boycott any Clear Channel run stations in my area tbh.]]>Mar 25th 2008 10:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
Sorry, but I do not see this any different than being able to order up some skinamax or hbo on my cable or sat provider.

I pay for sirius content because I don't want want commercial vanilla radio.

on last thought....If CC is able to steer the FCC, doesn't that mean that they are acting like a monopoly? These rules are put in place to keep competition and limiting one company or provider from dictating the marketplace.
]]>Mar 25th 2008 10:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 10:38AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/leave Sirius and Xm alone clear channel you are looking stupid ]]>Mar 25th 2008 11:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
Even though their signal is encrypted, they are still using "public spectrum" to broadcast their signal. Think about the recent FCC spectrum auction. Nearly every "radio frequency" that is useful is licensed for use by the government. XM/Sirius license their broadcast spectrum just like Verizon, AT&T, your local ABC affiliate, and yes, Clear Channel radio stations. This means that the SPECTRUM is in fact "public," even the content of the BROADCAST is not "publicly accessible."

This is what differentiates HBO and the other premium channels. There is no public spectrum in use. The FCC hasn't licenses any radio frequencies to those service providers. They aren't "broadcasters" in FCC-speak. They are content providers for cable operators, and the cable operators use closed networks to push the content to paid subscribers. There is no "public spectrum" in the mix. So to say that "HBO can do it" is irrelevant. They don't fall under the same set of rules because they don't use the public spectrum.

Again, this doesn't mean ClearChannel has a leg to stand on. The FCC's decency rules stem from the fact that any person with access to ubiquitous hardware can access most "broadcast" content. That is clearly not the case with satellite transmissions. The FCC would have to expand its justification for the decency rules to encompass applying it to these facts--something that they have been loathe to do in the past, and which they would have a very hard time justifying due to the "difficulty" and deliberate choice involved with accessing a satellite transmission.

oh @Andyo: secret government transmission are in fact on "public airwaves," but access to those airwaves is restricted--folks aren't allowed to build hardware that accesses those frequencies without a closely controlled license from the FCC, and even then the transmissions are encrypted. And Wifi signals are on "unlicensed" spectrum, and don't involve "broadcast" (indiscriminate blanket transmission)--so while technically on the "public airwaves," they fall under different rules.]]>Mar 25th 2008 11:50AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 11:51AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 1:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 2:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
You are correct that satellite TV is a similar model. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a "whole," because I again never said that "satellite radio should be subject to the same rules," only pointed out the deficiency in the "HBO does it" argument. More of an oversight. ;-)

That said, satellite transmission of subscription-based programming, like HBO on DirecTV, is an apposite comparison, and is a good precedent for XM/Sirius to point to. The FCC either 1) has an exception in place for DirecTV/Dish, etc, or 2) has been overlooking them entirely on the decency front (not likely). XM/Sirius can make a very strong argument that they should be treated exactly the same: they offer many channels, not all of which feature "indecent" content, and few of which feature nothing but indecent content, all on a closed distribution network.]]>Mar 25th 2008 2:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
1) That is not accurate. CC may not "buy" the airwaves, but their individual broadcasters (stations) do pay for the local license. That license contains the conditions. It is a distinction without a difference. Few if any operators "buy" their spectrum in the manner of the national cellular carriers. Most spectrum is licensed. Now, your point MIGHT be relevant if XM and Sirius actually have purchased rights to their spectrum, rather than "leased" it--but I don't have that information nor do I care to look for it right now. If that's the case, you are right, the rules change.

2) Again, I'm not saying CC should prevail, just that they have a jurisdictional argument. I'm not really "making an argument" so much as "adding information to the discussion." Or at least that's my intent. ;-)]]>Mar 25th 2008 2:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
Local licenses are fees though, not leases for the airwaves. It's a crappy distinction, but one that exists nonetheless. There is no cost as such for the right to use the airwaves. I guess I could be wrong in terms of radio, but I know this is the television standard. I believe they follow the same regulation. Whether XM/Sirius leases or has purchased it's spectrum it does not operate in the open frequency between 89.1 and 107.9. ]]>Mar 25th 2008 2:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 10:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
Clear Channel gobbled up all of the local stations, and the FCC is pursuing "obscenity" more and more. Nobody listens to the radio because nobody wants to hear dead spots and blanks where their music used to be. In order to cover costs from a falling listener base, Clear Channel crams in more and more ads, and fewer and fewer people listen.

When was the first time that you heard a song on MTV and they censored the word "green" or something similarly ridiculous? Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.]]>Mar 25th 2008 10:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 11:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
I am glad that 93x, my favorite radio station, isn't owned by them and they won't be able to take them out since they are owned by ABC Disney.]]>Mar 25th 2008 9:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 12:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 2:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
They get the same business result either way, but they choose to fight for the option that is worse for the consumer. Yeah, way to make people hate you more than they already do. ]]>Mar 25th 2008 9:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
Granted the TV V-Chip doesn't seem to be used, although I believe that the broadcasters are required to encode the information to make it work. Even cable tv and sat tv have parental controls, yet I don't know anyone who uses them.

It's unfortunate that people will complain about content, even though they potentially have the ability to restrict that content from the privacy of their own homes. Instead they figure that NO ONE should hear/see things that they don't want to see.
]]>Mar 25th 2008 10:08AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 10:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 10:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 12:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/From the Wiki:
"With 1,200 stations, Clear Channel is the largest radio station group owner in the United States, both by number of stations and by revenue. According to BIA Financial Network, Clear Channel Radio recorded more than $3.5 billion in revenues in 2005, more than $1 billion more than the number-two group owner, CBS Radio."
There are plenty more reasons not to like them
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clear_Channel_Communications#Criticism_of_Clear_Channel]]>Mar 25th 2008 10:08AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/Mar 25th 2008 10:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/clear-channel-wants-the-fcc-to-force-xm-sirius-to-obey-indecen/
Send your comments to the FCC at FCC.gov I did last night. Look for the link to comments on the merger. Do it, Do it NOW!!!

Be nice and state just the facts and how you feel!! Fill they in box!! ]]>Mar 25th 2008 10:12AM