Clear Channel and Howard Stern have ended their court battle by agreeing to withdraw their lawsuits and respective claims for damages relating to the radio giant's decision to remove his program from its stations early last year. But while making the announcement, Clear Channel Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Andrew Levin took a potshot at Stern's future home of satellite radio. "Congress and the FCC should be troubled that the current law unwittingly creates a safe haven for indecent programming on other media platforms, including satellite radio," said Levin. "Unfortunately these outlets are fast becoming the wild west for sexually explicit programming. The law needs to catch up to technology or our children will be the ultimate victims."
Clear Channel suspended Stern from WXDX/Pittsburgh, KIOZ/San Diego, WBGG/Miami, WTKS/Orlando, WTFX/Louisville and WNVE/Rochester on February 25, 2004, saying it would keep his show on the sidelines until it received assurances that Stern would come into compliance with FCC rules. That suspension became permanent just over a month later on April 8.
"We are pleased to resolve this contractual dispute with Howard Stern without further legal expense and delay," said Levin of the lawsuit withdrawals. "Today, Clear Channel stations are entertaining listeners without being indecent, and we intend to keep it that way."
There was no comment from Stern, who is on vacation this week from his syndicated morning program, but he should have plenty to say on this matter when he returns to the airwaves on Monday (2/28).
