Under the agreement, Clear Channel will make a voluntary contribution of $1,750,000 to the U.S. Treasury and the FCC will vacate existing fines and terminate current investigations and complaints against Clear Channel. In addition to the one-time payment, Clear Channel agreed to enforce its Responsible Broadcasting Initiative for at least three years, and establish a strong disciplinary plan for any employee who violates Commission rules in the future.
“It was a tough negotiation, but a fair resolution,” said Andrew Levin, executive vice president and chief legal officer. “We didn’t agree that all the complaints were legally indecent, but some clearly crossed the line and for those we have taken full responsibility. No broadcaster has taken stronger steps to ensure its broadcasts comply with the law and we intend to keep it that way.”
In February, Clear Channel announced a Responsible Broadcasting Initiative that includes policies and procedures to ensure broadcasts do not violate indecency laws. Intensive training for all radio programming personnel and on-air talent is well underway.
“The settlement allows Clear Channel to close the chapter on indecency and move forward with our business,” said John Hogan, president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio. “This has been a complicated and controversial issue but it has also proven that we can provide compelling, entertaining and informative programming without being indecent.”
Levin also reiterated the company’s call for the government to establish standards that would apply fairly and evenly across all media platforms.
“Cable and satellite networks should be treated no differently from broadcasters. In today’s media landscape, that is a distinction without a difference. We all need to be accountable for what is said in the presence of our kids,” Levin said.
- Official Clear Channel Press Release
