Censorship vs. Censureship
First, they weren't censored on XM. The segment DID air.
But, they were censured by XM afterwards and rebuked formally in a press release. "XM Radio deplored the comments," the company announced adding, "The management of XM Radio decided to suspend Opie and Anthony to make clear that our on-air talent must take seriously the responsibility that creative freedom requires of them."
But, the fact that Opie & Anthony were "punished" with a 30-day suspension, implies that a message has been sent from management to their talents, warning them NOT to cross whatever line the now notorious homeless guy segment established. This censure masquerades as one more fuzzy "standard of decency".
As Opie & Anthony's employer, XM does have the right to ask them to abide by their rules. But, it is not fair to imply one thing to subscribers then reel in corporate horror when non-subscribers complain about it. And, you have to believe most of the complaints over the recent segment were not Opie & Anthony listeners.
It's the Perception, Stupid!
The REAL problem is the perception of XM by subscribers.
Go to web.archive.org and look at the page for Opie & Anthony's show from January 1, 2006. It says:
"Beware, this is radio like you've never heard it before. Irreverent, uncensored, so good you won't want to stop listening. Featuring outrageous radio from Opie & Anthony..."
If you're going to promote "uncensored comedy", you can't very well punish the comedians or performers when they do what you said they would do! Why? Because you lose your credibility. Is it any wonder Opie & Anthony fans are incensed? Is it any wonder a portion are canceling subscriptions and smashing radios?
Another example: at xmro.xmradio.com, the online version of XM, it specifically says:
"Uncensored comedy including the outrageous, uninhibited talk duo, Opie & Anthony".
I think any reasonable person understands what's being implied: anything goes, so deal with it.
A Mistake in Judgment
XM Satellite Radio has made a huge mistake in judgment. Many Satellite Radio subscribers moved over to satellite because they tired of hollow slogans like "more music", "more variety", "less commercials", and any number of other lies perpetrated by Terrestrial Radio.
Is XM any better in this instance? The issue here is not the content of the segment that was broadcast. While technically, XM did not censor the program (it did go out over the airwaves) management has now established some imaginary, subjective "line in the programming sand" which it expects its talent to abide by - or else.
Censorship vs. Intimidation
It's not censorship. It's worse: it's intimidation. Compared to previous advertising and promises, it comes down to integrity - or a lack of it. In my opinion, XM Satellite Radio owes the Opie & Anthony fans an apology - and a stronger backbone.
