http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/10/opinion/fonda-morgan-steinem-limbaugh/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
Many people, from politicians to celebrities to soldiers, are calling for the FCC to remove Rush Limbaugh from his post as a radio talk show host based on his hate inciting speech towards women, gays and lesbians, non-white races, etc...
People are complaining that his syndicator, Clear Channel Communications, who have always stood behind what Limbaugh has said, have been accused of not using their license "in the public interest" because of the dehumanizing nature of his speech.
Many people, Rush included, say that his speech isn't hateful at all, but humor based or that he is simply creating entertainment for his fans.
Personally, I don't understand how he hasn't been dropped yet. While he is entitled to say the things that he says, he shouldn't be allowed to in the way that he has been. It reminds me of the Don Imus "knappy headed hoes" comment. He was fired in an instant. Why hasn't this happened with Limbaugh yet?
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Great question! The short answer is "capitalism." You are correct in citing the FCC's mandate to ensure that those who use the public airwaves and get radio licenses use those airwaves in "the public interest, neccesity, and convenience." But that is insufficient when you get an audience as large as Rushbo's. Imus offended an entire race and gender by his comments. And his audience contained a far greater share of liberals than Rush's. But this story isn't over. Clear Channel only cares about ratings and advertising revenue. If the departure of Rush's sponsors is as severe as it looks, then his days are likely numbered. I'd not bet on that, however, because hate speech has a very large audience, especially among old, white (and obese) men. They know, down deep, that their days are numbered, that the growth in the non-caucasian population in this country shrinks the caucasian majority by two percent per year. And that fear of losing power is what drives those who need to turn in to Rush to get their fragile egos artificially stoked.
ReplyDeleteBecause any publicity is good publicity . . . at least until a certain point. Unfortunately I don't think Rush is going anywhere. Controversy always brings a larger audience and the station probably hopes that the increased audience will stick around for the shows after Rush.
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