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January 06, 2005
The Engadget/Hugh Panero (XM CEO) Debacle
Just a quick note on this, just because several have been emailing me about it.
The boys over at Engadget caused quite a stir yesterday when at CES the question was asked:
“Dr. Laura over the past couple of years said that gay people are biological errors. You talked before about decisive programming (i.e. Stern), I wonder what XM’s position is on hate speech was and if you condone it. And why would you associate yourself with her after you said you wouldn’t associate with Howard Stern because of controversial issues. Are you going to lose subscribers, and do you feel gay people are biological errors?”
They then went on to ask:
“Any plans on putting the KKK on? ... Any plans on other racists on the network? KKK? Arian racists? Anybody else coming on board soon?”
This caused quite a frenzy amoungst the commenters of that post.
Here's my take on the whole thing.
Engadget is welcome to ask, or post, any political questions or commentary they want. They can, because it's their site, and if you have a problem with it - then don't read it. Simple as that.
In following that line of thinking,
XM Radio is welcome to include any programming they want as well. They can, because it's their service, and if you have a problem with it - change the fucking channel. Simple as that.
Don't like it? Don't listen.
Talk radio is a very emotionally charged subject. That's why it gets the ratings. If XM chose to exclude some programming because of personal political opinions, then they would be NO BETTER than the FCC. Newsflash: Just because XM signed on Dr. Laura, doesn't make Hugh Panero a racist. It really doesn't work that way.
Whether you agree or disagree with anyone's political opinions, I hope you understand that Satellite Radio provides a medium in which you can actually listen to radio without censorship. FREE SPEECH should not have to follow any political agenda - Right, Left, Center or whatever.
That's all I gotta say on it. Now back to the real Satellite Radio news.
January 6, 2005 10:37 AM
Comments
While I enjoy Engadget, I think that question was a bit over the top. The same question could have been presented to Mel about whether he's going to give Daniel Karver his own show. Oh wait, doesn't Eminem have hateful lyrics? Jesus Christ, give me a break.
Me? I don't care. I invite all non-PC talk, because, quite frankly, the world isn't as cut and dry as people would like to think. Some people don't like other people. That's just how it is. You don't have to agree, and may think it's wrong, but... good luck changing it. I don't like Dr. Laura, but some people do. Who cares.
Satellite radio is all about having that freedom. Cripes.
Posted by: Doug at January 6, 2005 12:59 PM
yeah, I agree with your assesment. But I am surprised that Panero seemed to get a little flustered about the questions. He should have had a proper canned answer for that (like any CEO would). In the end I don't thing it's a big deal. I'm not sure if engadget was trying to make a statement or just having some fun (it seems they must be on the sirius bandwagon).
Posted by: Monmin at January 6, 2005 01:18 PM
EXACTLY! Great point with Eminem. The gay community doesn't necessarily like what he says either.
Satellite Radio is about having the FREEDOM to listen to what you want - even if other's don't agree with it.
Posted by: Ryan at January 6, 2005 01:19 PM
Somehow you all missed the point. Panero is defending bringing Dr. Laura onboard on the basis of free speech, despite the controversies surrouding her and the many comments she's made like "gay people are biological errors". But he and XM won't associate with Howard Stern because of "controversial issues"? WTF?
This issue is not about free speech, but rather an apparent double-standard XM has over associating with controversial talent. So gay controversy is OK, but boobie and stripper controversy is not. That is a BAD message to send.
Posted by: Ian at January 7, 2005 03:17 PM
Maybe the "controversial issues" is a smokescreen for "We didn't want to overpay like some other satellite company."
Posted by: Craig at January 8, 2005 06:10 PM
Stan is right you are all missing the point. XM clearly has a double standard, and seem to pander to thier customers.
Posted by: stan at January 9, 2005 09:12 AM
In retrospect, Ian's point is valid. Panero should have just said, "$100/million a year isn't a good deal".
Stan,
1. By Stan did you mean "Ian"? If not, it's an odd statement.
2. It's actually "their", not "thier".
3. XM listens to their customers. Doesn't seem like bad practice to me.
Listen man, I get your drift. You're a Howard Stern fan and you'll blindly defend Sirius to the end, which I respect. Your posts are just awful though. Poor punctuation, coupled with terrible grammar = looking like an idiot. Get with the pogram!
Posted by: Doug at January 9, 2005 10:43 PM
Sorry Doug. I didn't mean to offend you. I hope you will still be willing to provide spell check; maybe I could just e-mail you my posts for your approval. BTW, remarks like the ones you made will get you 1000 more anti XM posts. All under different names of course. XM BLOWS!
Posted by: Stan at January 10, 2005 12:36 AM
XM is anti-Stern and anti-gay. Go figure!
Posted by: Stan at January 10, 2005 12:43 AM
I don't see the anti-gay point. Sirius has the Faction channel - does that make Mel a skateboarder?
That's the same comparison you're making.
Posted by: Ryan at January 10, 2005 09:59 AM
