Government Tuning into Radio Stations

NBC and executives from four other networks are defended their reputations to Congress, Thursday. Lawmakers are looking at whether or not the Federal Communications Commission`s decency fines are too lenient. Many radio stations across the country have been getting a lot of attention in recent weeks over indecency, and stations in Little Rock aren`t any different. A billboard posted by 93.3 the Razor has gotten some attention. "I think they are ridiculous, disgusting and distasteful and degrading to women," said one caller to the radio station. "America`s a great country. We have the right to disagree. We have the right to voice our opinion," said Program Director Andrew "Hoser" Todd. But the controversy doesn`t stop with a billboard. "Some of it`s pretty shocking," said Dean Davenport, a Little Rock resident. Some radio shows are getting more flak for their choice of words. "I`m all for freedom of speech, but I believe they have a responsibility to the kids, some stuff said on the radio is not appropriate for kids," said Anthony Williams, a Little Rock resident. "The media is driven by ratings, so I think there are some people who go out of their way on purpose to push the envelope as far as they can," Todd said. The question remains, do stations go too far or are they exercising their right to freedom of speech. Country 102.9 program director Bud Ford says he hears plenty of foul words coming from colleagues at other stations. "You can be edgy without being indecent, you can also use innuendo to your benefit as well," Ford said. He adds it`s not always necessary. But Ford and other jocks say indecency depends on where you are. "There are certain places you can get away with things, and there are certain places you can`t get away with things. In the Bible Belt, you would expect some problems," said "Broadway Joe" Booker, director of operations at Power 92. "What is indecent and how do we determine what`s indecent, and who makes that determination," said Todd. Another local radio station 103.7 the Buzz, Thursday, apologized for a stunt made on their morning show Wednesday. On a bet, a station producer carried a cross from the radio station to the corner of Markham and Chenal and back, in order to promote interest in the movie, "The Passion of the Christ." Thursday, the station president, Philip Jonsson made that statement after receiving so many calls and e-mails from listeners.