February 19, 2004 -- BESIEGED Viacom president Mel Karmazin read the riot act to execs of all 180 Infinity radio stations yesterday - including Howard Stern's in New York - telling them they'll be fired if they violate the company's new "zero tolerance" policy on obscenity. [hr]
"Don't screw up," Karmazin was quoted as saying by one of three Post sources who took part in a company-wide conference call convened by the top brass of Viacom's radio division.

"If you don't comply, you'll be fired for cause," Karmazin reportedly said. "This company won't be a poster child for indecency."

Karmazin also oversees CBS and was hauled before Congress last week to testify about the Super Bowl incident. Several lawmakers accused him of chasing profits and ratings with no regard for common decency.

Infinity is home to Stern and several other controversial radio shows that have been canceled, fined or suspended for sexual hijinks - including Opie & Anthony after the infamous sex-in-St. Pat's contest.

Last evening after the conference call, Infinity execs issued a blunt memo to all personnel.

"Any station airing programming that has any sexual or excretory content needs to take whatever steps are necessary to make sure that the programming is not even arguably indecent," the memo said.

"When in doubt, leave it out," said the memo, which also ordered all stations to install programming-delay units for on-the-fly censoring "immediately."

Stations were told to seek "advance consultation with counsel" if they have questions about anything "graphic or explicit."

This strict, new policy would appear to put the kibosh on several regular features of Howard Stern's show - who wasn't mentioned yesterday and who is on vacation this week - including "small penis" contests and bits wherein items are placed in, or expelled from, the most intimate of bodily areas.

Karmazin warned 180 Infinity program directors - including those at New York's K-Rock, Mix 102.7, WFAN, WCBS/AM-FM and WINS - that the FCC is looking to make examples of wrong-doers.

"It's exactly what you'd expect a CEO under fire to say," said a conference call participant.

http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/18294.htm

Thanks Janet.

This is actually big news...I wonder if Howie will mention it. He will definitely have to tone it down for awhile, which will irritate him to no end.

It's really sad that Mel would do that. What a pussy conformist. Howard should defineetly go to Sat. radio.

No more anal ring toss. :o

mel is just saying that to appease the ass-wipes in the FCC.

"If you don't comply, you'll be fired for cause," Karmazin reportedly said. "This company won't be a poster child for indecency."

It's amazing it's only Thursday and the Stern Show is falling apart rather quickly during this break…

It's really sad that Mel would do that. What a pussy conformist. Howard should defineetly go to Sat. radio.

Mel is a businessman...he doesn't give a rat's ass about the quality of any of his programs. He just cares about programming that will lead to the most profits for his company. He would throw Howard off the air and replace him with Cousin Brucie if it would lead to more revenue.

.....

It's amazing it's only Thursday and the Stern Show is falling apart rather quickly during this break…

yep.

damn shame that we are living in a society where people don't know how to change the dial if they don't like something. I find all the murders and violence against people on television to be more offensive to me than anything, yet they in power say nothing....what a buncha puritan fucks....I pray for a pox on all their houses.....if HOWARD isn't fired or doesn't quit in the next couple of months, I would predict he will not re-sign and will either go to satellite radio or do something entirely different and concentrate wholly on his production company.

You can be assured HOWARD makes mention of this in a big way on Monday.....fucked up.......this is very serious and there won't be any backing down from Mel on who gets fired if something controversial regarding what he said is prohibited happens.

Well, this sure takes the heat off of Tom and Dead Air Dave.

It also pretty much eliminates Benji's job -- as "writer" and as "Wheel of Benji" -- which could be a good thing.

Between John leaving and this development, I wouldn't be surprised either if Howard decides to pull the plug early. With Mel warning that violation of the rules will result in termination "for cause," Howard can't intentionally violate the policy and pull an O&A and be paid to stay home for the next 22 months rather than put up with this nonsense.

It sucks big time.

Mel is a businessman...he doesn't give a rat's ass about the quality of any of his programs. He just cares about programming that will lead to the most profits for his company. He would throw Howard off the air and replace him with Cousin Brucie if it would lead to more revenue.


Well, duh! That's the man's job! If you aren't going to try to maximize profits for your company, you don't belong at the top of a multi-billion dollar corporation.

Sounds like Cabbie will be headingt o the unemployment line again.

looks like Howie has his way out!

looks like Howie has his way out!
Wha Wha Whaaaat?

This is no "out" for Howard.

It's a muzzle with severe financial consequences.

He's under contract and Mel's made it clear that if he violates the new rules, he's out -- and Infinity won't have to buy him out of the contract.

Also, Howard has to think about the folks who thought they had 22 months to find new jobs before he doesn't re-sign -- Gary, all those scary-talented guys they hired with the "Jackie" money, the E! crew, all would be out of work without notice if Howard walks away from $20-30 million/year.

A blast from the past...remember when the FCC first revised their indecency rules beyond the original 7 Dirty Words?

http://www.sternfannetwork.com/albums/album20/The_Guidelines_Are_A_changin.mp3

this will give him an out he will get fired by mel for the publicity and go over to xm satelite for a bundle of cash

this will give him an out he will get fired by mel for the publicity and go over to xm satelite for a bundle of cash
Chances are, Howard's contract includes a "no compete" clause so that, if he were to walk, he couldn't go on the air with a non-Infinity station for a period of time.

Of course, since Howard entered that contract back in December 2000/January 2001, they may not have anticipated "satellite radio" and it may be a matter of interpretation whether the clause would necessarily include satellite radio.

Looks like I gotta get me one of them XM satillite radios I reckon cuz Stern aint got no show without indecency,,,Shit I might as well listen to that pill poppin RuSh or G.Gordon,,Fuck that Ill burn in hell before I listen to those QUACKS,,,,,STERN and O & A on satillite,,,Give Me Indecency !!!!! :s&m: :bwtd:

Chances are, Howard's contract includes a "no compete" clause so that, if he were to walk, he couldn't go on the air with a non-Infinity station for a period of time.

Of course, since Howard entered that contract back in December 2000/January 2001, they may not have anticipated "satellite radio" and it may be a matter of interpretation whether the clause would necessarily include satellite radio.

I would imagine that a "no compete" clause would only be in effect if they paid him through the duration of his contract period, But I'm confident that the Howard Stern Show will continue, so none of this matters!

You're probably right, Dan.

In fact, now that I think about it, that's just the kind of deal Infinity had with O&A -- and by paying them throughout their contract period, Infinity's kept them off satellite as well as Clear Channel. Howard has to have better contractual terms than those two.

However, I think you're also right that Howard's not going to give up and quit. This might be a good thing. For too long, they've caved to the obvious. Now, they're going to have to be more creative, which can only make the show better.

But I'm confident that the Howard Stern Show will continue, so none of this matters!


You mean for the remainder of his contract, or beyond his contract?

Screw the FCC.
Howards needs to be on sat. radio.

The religious right is taking over our Country. This is a direct response to the fundamentalist who have some how gained a foothole in the Republican party. Despite the fact that 65% of the Country indicated they had no problem with the SB half time show M. Powell has decided it is his job to determine what is suitabel for the rest of us. I have 2 little children & they have never heard the Stern show. It's called taking responsibilty for one's own life. Instead today, big brother is going to dictate good taste & protect all of us from ourselves.

This is as much a problem in the Democratic party who coddle to every minority group that is offended by the smallest of jokes. At some point the folkes on this board will realize that neither one of these parties really represent their views, & will start thinking about taking their country back from the extremist on both sides. I am so tired of this shit.

This is the fucking reason why when people ask me why
I think Janet jackson and Timberlake are asswipes.. I have no problem with seeing a titty.. but fuck.. this stunt was just fucking stupid and not creative at all. And them two fucks knew better not to do that on a family show and they did it to get exposure!!

This is why and call me radical.. but fuck.. now these two clowns ruined it for a lot of people. I knew this was going to happen folks. Timberlake is laughing all the way to the bank.. this little spoiled brat has never worked a real job in his life..
and has been pampered by mommy his whole life,
he is a jaded fuck head.. Same goes with Janet jackson.
I never really hated timberlake.

but after this whole thing I want to bash his head in. Because I knew this shit would fuck it up for everyone else. And it is going to. So to the Stern Mafia you know what to do..
get the word out.. where ever these fucks (Janet and Justin) do appearances make their life a living hell. You all know what to do..
you all have done it before (Bon Jovi, Chevy Chase, Kathy lee Gifford etc..)

Boycott all their products that they promote..
let Mcdonalds (who is a huge sponsor of timberlake) know you are not going to eat their crap food anymore.

really man.. cant keep on leting these MTV fuck balls ruining it for everyone else.

here is a start.. contact Mcdonalds and tell them what you think
of them promoting this Bonehead.. who now has ruined it for everyone else. Hopefull we wont have to hear that annoying
' bada ba ba ba "I'm loving it" jingle anymore.

call Mcdonalds tell them what you think.
Call us. Within the U.S., you can call us on our toll-free telephone number at 1-800-244-6227.

Write us. Our U.S. corporate mailing address is:
McDonald’s Corporation
McDonald’s Plaza
Oak Brook, IL 60523

email here..
http://www.mcdonalds.com/app_controller.custsat.custsat_form_marketing.htm

Now, they're going to have to be more creative, which can only make the show better.

And where, pray tell, will they find this creativity?

Artie?

Benjy? :D

The religious right is taking over our Country. This is a direct response to the fundamentalist who have some how gained a foothole in the Republican party. Despite the fact that 65% of the Country indicated they had no problem with the SB half time show M. Powell has decided it is his job to determine what is suitabel for the rest of us. I have 2 little children & they have never heard the Stern show. It's called taking responsibilty for one's own life. Instead today, big brother is going to dictate good taste & protect all of us from ourselves.

This is as much a problem in the Democratic party who coddle to every minority group that is offended by the smallest of jokes. At some point the folkes on this board will realize that neither one of these parties really represent their views, & will start thinking about taking their country back from the extremist on both sides. I am so tired of this shit.


Well you got my vote.

Robinsmuff in '04 :cheer: :usa:

This is the fucking reason why when people ask me why
I think Janet jackson and Timberlake are asswipes.. I have no problem with seeing a titty.. but fuck.. this stunt was just fucking stupid and not creative at all. And them two fucks knew better not to do that on a family show and they did it to get exposure!!

This is why and call me radical.. but fuck.. now these two clowns ruined it for a lot of people. I knew this was going to happen folks. Timberlake is laughing all the way to the bank.. this little spoiled brat has never worked a real job in his life..
and has been pampered by mommy his whole life,
he is a jaded fuck head.. Same goes with Janet jackson.
I never really hated timberlake.

but after this whole thing I want to bash his head in. Because I knew this shit would fuck it up for everyone else. And it is going to. So to the Stern Mafia you know what to do..
get the word out.. where ever these fucks (Janet and Justin) do appearances make their life a living hell. You all know what to do..
you all have done it before (Bon Jovi, Chevy Chase, Kathy lee Gifford etc..)

Boycott all their products that they promote..
let Mcdonalds (who is a huge sponsor of timberlake) know you are not going to eat their crap food anymore.

really man.. cant keep on leting these MTV fuck balls ruining it for everyone else.

here is a start.. contact Mcdonalds and tell them what you think
of them promoting this Bonehead.. who now has ruined it for everyone else. Hopefull we wont have to hear that annoying
' bada ba ba ba "I'm loving it" jingle anymore.

call Mcdonalds tell them what you think.
Call us. Within the U.S., you can call us on our toll-free telephone number at 1-800-244-6227.

Write us. Our U.S. corporate mailing address is:
McDonald’s Corporation
McDonald’s Plaza
Oak Brook, IL 60523

email here..
http://www.mcdonalds.com/app_controller.custsat.custsat_form_marketing.htm


Timberlake is not the problem. One tit and evreyone is up in arms? Remember that anchorwoamn who was fired/quit over being semi-nude on her holiday in Florida? In 1988 Pat Robertson ran for President and from the ashes of that campaign arose the Christian Coalition which is now 1.6 million strong and is now the single largest political action group in America and "effectively controls the Republican party in at least twelve states, including Texas abd Florida" (from Franken's Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot). Remember stem cell research? With an election coming it is time to send a message that you won't tolerate censorship.

Howard has always said that the imitators will ruin it for him...they are more responsible for this crackdown than the nip slip, that was just the final straw...

Timberlake is not the problem. One tit and evreyone is up in arms? Remember that anchorwoamn who was fired/quit over being semi-nude on her holiday in Florida? In 1988 Pat Robertson ran for President and from the ashes of that campaign arose the Christian Coalition which is now 1.6 million strong and is now the single largest political action group in America and "effectively controls the Republican party in at least twelve states, including Texas abd Florida" (from Franken's Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot). Remember stem cell research? With an election coming it is time to send a message that you won't tolerate censorship.

Howard has always said that the imitators will ruin it for him...they are more responsible for this crackdown than the nip slip, that was just the final straw...

I totally agree with you.. but really this is the straw that broke the camels back.. Clowns like this ruin it for everyone else..
I totally agree with what you said... But Timberlake and Janet should not be given a free ride. These clowns
are being praised from ruining it for everyone else.

and I find that disturbing... these clowns should get a taste
of what the Stern mafia can make their life a living hell.
They deserve it for getting all these conserv. in a tissy.

The religious right is taking over our Country. This is a direct response to the fundamentalist who have some how gained a foothole in the Republican party. Despite the fact that 65% of the Country indicated they had no problem with the SB half time show M. Powell has decided it is his job to determine what is suitabel for the rest of us. I have 2 little children & they have never heard the Stern show. It's called taking responsibilty for one's own life. Instead today, big brother is going to dictate good taste & protect all of us from ourselves.

This is as much a problem in the Democratic party who coddle to every minority group that is offended by the smallest of jokes. At some point the folkes on this board will realize that neither one of these parties really represent their views, & will start thinking about taking their country back from the extremist on both sides. I am so tired of this shit.

"i am a partner in a small but successful employment firm.."

I totally agree with you.. but really this is the straw that broke the camels back.. Clowns like this ruin it for everyone else..
I totally agree with what you said... But Timberlake and Janet should not be given a free ride. These clowns
are being praised from ruining it for everyone else.

and I find that disturbing... these clowns should get a taste
of what the Stern mafia can make their life a living hell.
They deserve it for getting all these conserv. in a tissy.

I think what you are really angry about is that the nip slip was from janet jackson and Timberlake tool. If it had been Pamela Anderson tit pulled by Carmen Electra, now that would have been worth it. Timberlake was at the Stones SARS concert in Toronto and he was the only act to get booed when he went onstage. Now if there is one guy that I would love to see feel the rage of the Stern mafia it is Limbaugh. He cranks up these right wingers like crazy, meanwhile he has been married three times, was on the dole once and is a drug addict who when caught by police pulled a lefty liberal move, lawyered up and obstructed the police. That guy is well connected to the right wing nuts, would love to see that guy get harrassed.

Now if there is one guy that I would love to see feel the rage of the Stern mafia it is Limbaugh. He cranks up these right wingers like crazy, meanwhile he has been married three times, was on the dole once and is a drug addict who when caught by police pulled a lefty liberal move, lawyered up and obstructed the police. That guy is well connected to the right wing nuts, would love to see that guy get harrassed. [/B]


You don't know shit. If there is one person on the radio who feels Howard should do as he pleases, it is Rush. I listen to Rush everyday and he has never once mentioned Howards name, even after all of the crap Howard dishes out about him.

Don't any of these douche bags wonder where the money will come from after Howard leaves. They won't have to pay any fines, but they also won't be earning any money.

For the record Tom's a DICK! Yesh!

The problem, IHMO, with the Super Bowl was that for most people, they turn on the Super Bowl and dont expect to see nudity. People had no choice in the matter.

When you turn on the Howard Stern show or any of his clones, then you know you are going to hear doody jokes, strippers, sex talk, and all that stuff. So you can choose to listen or not.

Timberlake is not the problem. One tit and evreyone is up in arms? Remember that anchorwoamn who was fired/quit over being semi-nude on her holiday in Florida? In 1988 Pat Robertson ran for President and from the ashes of that campaign arose the Christian Coalition which is now 1.6 million strong and is now the single largest political action group in America and "effectively controls the Republican party in at least twelve states, including Texas abd Florida" (from Franken's Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot). Remember stem cell research? With an election coming it is time to send a message that you won't tolerate censorship.

Howard has always said that the imitators will ruin it for him...they are more responsible for this crackdown than the nip slip, that was just the final straw...

they "ruined it for everyone else" what are we in third grade?
maybe every citizen should have to write something 100 times on the blackboard?

i cant believe how ignorant and childish people can be. who the fuck cares about a tit on tv. i'll bet if it was Britney it'd be a different story.

the problem with the FCC is that none of the rich corporate tyeps have the balls to stand up to them and take them to court if they did they might find the first amendment would cover them.

now that these assholes are getting a "postive" response to their crackdown they are planning to go after the porn industry.
im sure cable and HBO will be next.

hopefully Bush will go down in november and then we can hope for an amendment to disallow any and all descendents and relations of GW from ever running for national office.

that horror family has done enough damage to this country.

allegedly "angy and depressed"

rich

[B]
i cant believe how ignorant and childish people can be. who the fuck cares about a tit on tv./B]


Someday, when you finally grow up and have children...then you just might understand.

Tit on TV is fine...just not at 7:00pm...during the Super Bowl.

Someday, when you finally grow up and have children...then you just might understand.

Tit on TV is fine...just not at 7:00pm...during the Super Bowl.

Just not between 6am and 10pm.