Howard Stern's move to satellite not acceptable, says media watchdog group

Oct 7, 2004 / 22:00 pm

A media watchdog group says Howard Stern's move from broadcast radio to Sirus Satellite Radio in 2006 is not an acceptable compromise.

The popular morning show host has been the target of several concerned citizens groups over the years, which oppose the obscene and crass content of his show.

"Because of lax FCC enforcement of the broadcast indecency law, Howard Stern has been permitted for years to befoul the public airwaves with a mean-spirited form of filthy, indecent and lewd burlesque," says Morality in Media president Robert Peters.

"Now that the FCC finally appears to be moving in the direction of fulfilling its statutory responsibility to enforce the broadcast indecency law, Stern announces that he will move to a satellite radio medium that is virtually identical to broadcast radio," he continues.

The only difference, Peters explains, is that satellite radio listeners will have to pay a monthly fee instead of paying through the purchase of products and services that are advertised in broadcasting.

While there may be a legal distinction between the two mediums, says Peters, there is no practical difference.
 
Peters also criticizes Sirius for describing its programming as suitable for a general audience and for relinquishing responsibility for content that its listeners or anyone else may find inappropriate.

"If the company that provides the programming and reaps big bucks in profits from it is not responsible, who is?" asks Peters.

Morality in Media is a New York-based, nonprofit organization that is working to curb traffic in illegal obscenity and to uphold standards of decency in the media.