National Council of Negro Women oppose merger (and Howard, O&A and Bubba are the reason)

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) submitted a letter to the FCC yesterday, voicing their general opposition to the Sirius-XM merger.
And one of the main reasons as to why they don't approve of the transaction is... Howard Stern, Opie & Anthony and Bubba the Love Sponge.
"One only has to evaluate the current programming now offered by Sirius and XM to recognize that our concerns and fears are well founded," the NCNW wrote in their letter to the FCC Chairman. "Programming such as Howard Stern, Opie and Anthony, and Bubba the Love Sponge - which help to perpetuate racist and sexist stereotypes in our culture - drive the business of both companies." (emphasis added)
The African-American women's organization goes on to say: "A Sirius - XM satellite radio monopoly will focus it (sic) resources on only its most profitable audiences, with more of the same lowest-common-denominator programming of the Howard Stern variety."
That's quite the assumption for a post-merger scenario.
And if that's the case, why wait? Both companies already seek profitability right now. Why would XM hire Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Maya Angelou, and the Reverend Al Sharpton - after hiring Opie & Anthony mind you - if selling out to the "lowest-common-denominator" was such a priority?
Howard Stern, Opie & Anthony and Bubba the Love Sponge constitute only 3 channels out of over 300 combined - that's 1% of all programming offered by Sirius and XM together - let's not forget that.
The National Council of Negro Women goes on to voice their support for Georgetown Partners. Georgetown, which also has the support of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, is asking that Sirius and XM be required to hand over 20% of their channel capacity so as to "create competition and diversity" in satellite radio.
Disgusting.
[Read the full letter (PDF)]

Comments
all the more reason to let the merger go through
Posted by: 0.0 | January 25, 2008 10:06 AM
Give me a break!!
As for the good reverend...these are private companies creating business models that raise money so they can become profitable. If they wanted your input as to how to do it, they'd ask. Thanks for the suggestion....
Posted by: iband | January 25, 2008 10:08 AM
once again--someone else wants a piece of the action--So if the fcc gives to all those already who want something--sirius/xm will be left with about 2%
Posted by: gary | January 25, 2008 10:16 AM
"Programming such as Howard Stern, Opie and Anthony, and Bubba the Love Sponge - which help to perpetuate racist and sexist stereotypes in our culture - drive the business of both companies."
Hmmm....what is discussed two posts below this one??? XM celebrating black history month.
Posted by: bil | January 25, 2008 10:23 AM
WE
SPEAK
YOUR
NAMES!
Posted by: 0.0 | January 25, 2008 10:44 AM
wheres Imus when hes really needed....
Posted by: Tim wallick | January 25, 2008 10:45 AM
Uniformed and about two months late on the letter. Please ladies, get it together if you want to come together as a group. It took your association this long to come up with this nonsense. I agree with the bil, XM celebrates black history month....... I think both companies are quite diverse in their channels. Plus if the merger goes through, it will be ala carte.
Posted by: jon | January 25, 2008 10:48 AM
NCNW and RAINBOW Push ( Rev. Jessee) are kissing cousins. Once again the Rev and Dr. Dorothy Height are colluding to extort something for nothing. Same old..same old.
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 25, 2008 10:55 AM
Just like my wife (God bless her), always late and screws it up every time.
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 25, 2008 11:01 AM
This is absurd. As a subscriber of both XM & Sirius, I can tell you that neither service attracted me because of their vulgar offerings. In fact, I don't particularly care for any of the "XL" channels, and I choose to not listen to them. My radio, my money, my choice!
Keep your government off my body! I mean radio.
Posted by: Tim | January 25, 2008 11:02 AM
Wow black people really dont know when and how to pick a fight. They just continue to look stupid as life goes on. Like somone said before, they are celebrating black history month, Black personalities like jamie fox and oprah have their own channel, and it just leaves more room for black networks to form.
Posted by: racist | January 25, 2008 11:03 AM
Just like my wife (God bless her), always late and screws it up every time.
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 25, 2008 11:03 AM
The other thing they're forgetting is that nobody is forcing them to listen to this. If they don't like it and if they think Stern, Bubba and O & A are racists, that's fine, but don't try to make that decision for me, or anyone else for that matter. I didn't buy XM specifically for any one channel or format or whatever word you want to use for it, but I bought it for them all put together as a service. Thesewomen can oppose it all they want but the fact remains that Howard, O & A and Bubba will be on in some fashion or another, wether they like it or not.
Posted by: ridiculous | January 25, 2008 11:59 AM
Headline should change to read:
"Nappy Headed Hoes oppose merger"
Posted by: banff21 | January 25, 2008 12:04 PM
yAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWNNNNNNNNNN
WHOS o&a?
Posted by: FIGHT THE POWER | January 25, 2008 12:05 PM
hope everyone is sending letters to FCC committee letting them know that we are watching to see if they get blinded by the color card. This is business and all opposition by such organizations are simply trying to promote their own agenda's and profitability...they are not trying to defend the rights of consumers nor the rights of men and women of all color to run their business the way they are allowed to FREELY choose here in AMerica. If the FCC gives them any concessions, it will provide more evidence that we are not governed by freedoms but rather by those who scream and cry 'gimme-gimme' the loudest.
what was that???? oh, Our 2 favorite Reverend's crying foul play and give me freedom...freedom to someone else's handouts. Something is definately foul and it's the stench coming from those who continually oppose this merger based on unfounded and unAmerican platforms.
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 25, 2008 12:58 PM
Howie? Bubba? Now I know why I listen daily to Ron and Fez...listener safe they are!
Posted by: Non Howie/Bubba Listener | January 25, 2008 12:59 PM
Wow, intelligent replies on this forum! And here I thought all the howdy vs. doody dipshits were going to measure their weeners again.
I agree with you folks - the whole African-American angle at this merger has been baffling. To my eye, they undermine their more important fights by getting riled up over this drivel. As if offering these "lowest common denominator" programs means that the more erudite sat radio subscribers will be tied to a chair in a cold room and fed caffeine while they're forced to listen to what they don't want to hear.
You know what I don't like? Religious crap. Or modern country music. Or talk programs. But so what, there's a lot of good stuff on, too (at least as I see it). Everyone's got their own list of favorite channels, and my list of favorites is the next guy's list of crap. Not like anyone's right or wrong.
Choices, people, it makes the USA great.
Posted by: surprisedashell | January 25, 2008 1:01 PM
Negro. That's a funny word.
Posted by: johnny griswold | January 25, 2008 1:09 PM
Good point SurprisedAsHell!!! Don't stop the merger because of O&A, Howard, and Bubba...stop it because we don't like country music and religious crap!!
Just kidding.
To the ladies of the NCNW...I can't be certain, but I'm pretty sure that all of the satellite radios have a power button and the option to change the channels. Everyone on the planet has things they don't like, most of us don't try to eliminate them from the planet.
Posted by: Alex the Sane | January 25, 2008 1:09 PM
Well we know that only Bubba & Howard will be making the merger anyways, so 1/3 of the problem will be gone. They should tell them that, and give up 0.0 as a sacrifical offering to the dark heathen gods.
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 25, 2008 1:14 PM
Another example of a Nanny Nation. Gee, if you do not like Stern or O&A, here is an idea... DON'T LISTEN TO IT!
Channel blocking is availabel by calling 1-800-XM-Radio.... I am sure Sirius has channell blocking too.
I do not need ANY group or any government telling me what I can or can't listen to. THIS is what the Imus thing was about.
See it starts here, then they protest and threaten sponsors and try to get Stern and O&A pulled all together.
I am not fan of Stern, but gee wiz, I choose not to listen to him, but I wll be damed if I am going to object to someone who DOES like Stern listen. People that like Stern show listen. Those who like O&A should listne to them, but how dare anyone madate what others should listen to.
I am an adult in America. Period
Posted by: The Squeaky Wheel | January 25, 2008 1:20 PM
Hmmmm....what perpetuates racist and sexist stereotypes more:
1. Howard, O&Q and Bubba
or
2. Rap music ("Superman that Hoe")
Hmmm.....
Posted by: iband | January 25, 2008 1:33 PM
would be nice to have xms oprah weigh in on this perception of failure....
Posted by: Tim wallick | January 25, 2008 1:34 PM
black people will never put the crutch down, it gives them something of an excuse to never really have to try to be a normal part of society.
does not help that one of the richest/highest paid black individuals in the entertainment world....is actually howard's side kick......for 20 years.
wait how can you be a racist....oh never mind....she must be his slave
Posted by: PNess | January 25, 2008 1:48 PM
its funny how black organizations were embracing the merger, now we have a group of incompitent women who fail to realize there are a number of black hosted shows who do the same exact thing!. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: iLLKiD | January 25, 2008 1:49 PM
its funny how black organizations were embracing the merger, now we have a group of incompitent women who fail to realize there are a number of black hosted shows who do the same exact thing!. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: iLLKiD | January 25, 2008 1:49 PM
its funny how black organizations were embracing the merger, now we have a group of incompitent women who fail to realize there are a number of black hosted shows who do the same exact thing!. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: iLLKiD | January 25, 2008 1:50 PM
IF they were spewing racism, they would be facing FCC wrath ALREADY. The truth is that these people are trying to get in on the 20% that Jesse Jackson wants handed out. They figure that if the FCC is going to give out free doggie treats, they want to be ready at the bowl.
The reality is that another organization caught wind of a handout, and they started whootin' and hollerin' like it was a free t-shirt at a NASCAR event. Woooooooo!
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 25, 2008 1:57 PM
IF they were spewing racism, they would be facing FCC wrath ALREADY. The truth is that these people are trying to get in on the 20% that Jesse Jackson wants handed out. They figure that if the FCC is going to give out free doggie treats, they want to be ready at the bowl.
The reality is that another organization caught wind of a handout, and they started whootin' and hollerin' like it was a free t-shirt at a NASCAR event. Woooooooo!
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 25, 2008 2:00 PM
It's funny to think that they are actually referring to themselves as Negros...
IF satrad were spewing racism, they would be facing FCC wrath ALREADY. The truth is that these people are trying to get in on the 20% that Jesse Jackson wants handed out. They figure that if the FCC is going to give out free doggie treats, they want to be ready at the bowl.
The reality is that another organization caught wind of a handout, and they started whootin' and hollerin' like it was a free t-shirt at a NASCAR event. Woooooooo!
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 25, 2008 2:01 PM
Wake up White People!
Posted by: Daniel Carver | January 25, 2008 2:10 PM
>> 1. Howard, O&Q and Bubba >>
Who's O&Q?
Posted by: Pete | January 25, 2008 2:35 PM
the National Council of Negro Women are discriminating against 4 white men.
Posted by: jeff | January 25, 2008 2:41 PM
They didn't mention Ron & Fez in the letter because Earl still needs a job!
Posted by: NorCalMurph | January 25, 2008 2:51 PM
Don't like it , don't listen to it .
Posted by: AAA | January 25, 2008 3:12 PM
"A Sirius - XM satellite radio monopoly will focus it (sic) resources on only its most profitable audiences, with more of the same lowest-common-denominator programming of the Howard Stern variety."
While the writer is absolutely correct about the merger monopoly causing content quality to decline, it is important to remember that Stern is NOT profitable for Sirius and will never be at current rates and unless he is willing to take a huge pay cut, he probably will not be (and SHOULD not be) part of the landscape for a second five-year contract -- certainly not if there is a merger (and thus, there is no competitive reason to keep him around).
Post-merger, we will see content costs reduced in an effort to become profitable and consolidate operations. If they could get Stern for $20M/y going forward, that's one thing -- but $150M/y? No way.
Those who believe the content will be BETTER after a merger are delusional.
Posted by: Stack Pointer | January 25, 2008 3:34 PM
Holy shit, who uses the word "Negro" anymore?
Holy makel, theys be cazy.
Maybe the "Negro" is making a comeback. That would be most excellent.
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 25, 2008 3:50 PM
The grammatical errors in that letter are simply appalling. I cannot fathom that anyone would take this rubbish for a stonework engraving.
The grammatical errors alone show that NCNW's place in society is not a high one, and rightfully so.
I am not a racist, but drivel like this may make me so.
Go forward, merger! Go!!!
Posted by: SuperH | January 25, 2008 5:24 PM
How can anyone take an organization seriously that openly uses the word "negro" within it's title in this day and age?
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 25, 2008 5:35 PM
How can anyone take an organization seriously that openly uses the word "negro" within it's title in this day and age?
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 25, 2008 5:36 PM
I don't think they have much to worry about as it is taking so long to get this through that it is a sign that there is so much opposition that it most likely will not ever happen or it would have been approved by now.
Posted by: LAPTOP GAMER | January 25, 2008 5:40 PM
I seriously doubt Howard will do anything to O&A. I don't think he cares that much or put that much thought into them. These pests need to realize that Howard isn't "out to get" O&A, they do quite well destroying their own careers without any help from him.
Stop blaming Howard for their lack of rise in this business. O&A always shoot themselves in the foot in the end!
Posted by: JJJ | January 25, 2008 6:15 PM
But doesn't "Georgetown ...asking that Sirius and XM be required to hand over 20% of their channel capacity" only perpetuate the "myth" that minorities want something for nothing?
Why is the NCNW speaking now? It stands to reason that up until now they approved the merger. Could it be that Stern et al are so low on the radar that they don't really threaten the NCNW? In fact, hasn't this been proven to be the case? Objections from the NCNW are contrived and anti-American.
Posted by: Anon | January 25, 2008 6:36 PM
This is Dorothy I. Height's Wikipedia entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Height
She is 95 years old. At that age, she should have learned more grammar rules. Please, use a comma to slit your throat so we can get on with this approval!
Posted by: SuperH | January 25, 2008 7:28 PM
I like the word Negro! Doesn't that mean black in Spanish?
Posted by: O&A Convert | January 25, 2008 7:50 PM
Funny, Ryan, I thought the point hiring of Sharpton and Oprah WAS to cater to the lowest common denominator.
Posted by: Thrawn | January 26, 2008 2:34 AM
With this kind of response you would think that the NCNW was the UN. Is any one surprised this group is against the merger? I would guess it members are not subscribers of pay radio or do they see any sense in paying for radio. I would guess they as are many other groups are against some of pay radio's more infomous dee jays, the one who are known for sex in church skits and other outlandish bits.
But what I am surprised is the number of post this article has gotten. I enjoy this blog very much. I enjoy the exchanges to a point between Howie and O and A fans. I now see this lowest denomiator NCNW talked about. I am suprised to see how many posters are happy to say negro. Damn. I can not remember how many posts were made in articles about Family groups who were against the merger.
I love my XM. I listen to maybe 10 channels, thats my choice. I donot like shock jocks, that's my choice. There are going to be people who donot like my channel choices or the fact I pay for my radio.
This morning after seeing this article I wondered if there would be this outpour. I was wrong. I thought the readers of this blog were more enlightened. We are part a special community. There are all kinds to music and talk all in a space of 100 plus channels. What makes XM special is its differences. Peace
Posted by: wmccaskey | January 26, 2008 2:49 AM
Hoo Hoo, Robin.
Whay are they picking on me? I've got you, and you're supposed to give me a pass on these things.
I may be sex-obsessed, sexist Hebe, but I'm and equal-opportunity sex-obsessed, sexist Hebe.
Hoo Hoo.
Posted by: Hoo Hoo | January 26, 2008 5:26 AM
Hoo Hoo, Robin.
Whay are they picking on me? I've got you, and you're supposed to give me a pass on these things.
I may be sex-obsessed, sexist Hebe, but I'm and equal-opportunity sex-obsessed, sexist Hebe.
Hoo Hoo.
Posted by: Hoo Hoo | January 26, 2008 5:26 AM
Hoo Hoo, Robin.
Why are they picking on me? I've got you, and you're supposed to give me a pass on these things.
I may be sex-obsessed, sexist Hebe, but I'm and equal-opportunity sex-obsessed, sexist Hebe.
Hoo Hoo.
Posted by: Hoo Hoo | January 26, 2008 5:26 AM
Sorry about that double post, everyone. I typed "whay" instead of "why," and I'm very upset here.
Hoo Hoo
Posted by: Hoo Hoo | January 26, 2008 5:33 AM
Sorry about that double post, everyone. I typed "whay" instead of "why," and I'm very upset here.
Hoo Hoo
Posted by: Hoo Hoo | January 26, 2008 5:33 AM
Hebey jeebies, Greg.
It must be all of the hair relaxer that they're using. It's seeping into their brains. That explains Francine and Oprah. Condi Rice must be shaving hers and wearing a wig.
Posted by: Tony | January 26, 2008 5:41 AM
Yo! Girls,
Don't blame us because everyone picks you last for the cheerleading team.
Posted by: Bubba | January 26, 2008 5:45 AM
Hey O & A,
They can't pick on me because I LOVE black Trannies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Little Jimmy | January 26, 2008 5:48 AM
Yo, Bubba!
Goods pointz abouts demz Negro girls. Dey don't halfsta worriez abouts me comenz halfsta demz.
Ahz only stabz da whites womenz!!!!!!!!!!111
Posted by: O.J. | January 26, 2008 6:12 AM
Yo, Bubba!
Goods pointz abouts demz Negro girls. Dey don't halfsta worriez abouts me comenz halfsta demz.
Ahz only stabz da whites womenz!!!!!!!!!!111
Posted by: O.J. | January 26, 2008 6:12 AM
Yo, Bubba!
Goods pointz abouts demz Negro girls. Dey don't halfsta worriez abouts me comenz halfsta demz.
Ahz only stabz da whites womenz!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: O.J. | January 26, 2008 6:13 AM
I'm black and I.... wait a sec.... NEGRO?!?!?!?
Posted by: Frank z | January 26, 2008 7:56 AM
Of course another low level interest group trying to use "the shock jock" argument. I guess bitching and moaning about the rap channels just didn't make any sense to them.
Negro is such a quaint word, like colored.
Posted by: The NAB Sucks | January 26, 2008 8:02 AM
God bless National Council of Negro Women!
Posted by: 0.0 | January 26, 2008 9:38 AM
It's kinda ironic
http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm-honors-black-history-month.html
although down with the MERGER!!!
Posted by: 0.0 | January 26, 2008 9:40 AM
I find some of the content on Shade 45 about on par with what's on Howard 100.
What's the problem again?
Posted by: Pththththt | January 26, 2008 10:06 AM
iband said...
"Hmmmm....what perpetuates racist and sexist stereotypes more:
1. Howard, O&Q and Bubba
or
2. Rap music ("Superman that Hoe")
Hmmm....."
I tend to believe it's groups like the National Council of Negro Women that are keeping racism alive. Most of us don't even think twice about it until one of these groups speak up. I think they need to point the finger at themselves to see the true racists.
Posted by: Dragline | January 26, 2008 6:41 PM
Did you know new wrinkle creams were first originated in ancient Egypt? According to research, the use of anti aging products in the ancient times is very common that even the lower class workers were given the opportunity to use these anti aging commodities. facial wrinkle cream secrets were discussed in the book of Cleopatra’ s book of beauty secrets. She was world’ s well known expect in beauty and anti aging concerns. The use of new wrinkle creams are common to both genders. Men and women use body oils...
Posted by: New York City bus tour | June 9, 2008 11:43 PM
Are all these celebs and ever increasing non celebs wise having botox? Well if you can survive the slight needle jab, the procedure is actually non permanent. It wears away in about 6 weeks.
Posted by: New York City botox | June 14, 2008 7:24 PM
Howard Stern is not at all racist. Opinionated, yes, but not racist. First of all, his co-host is a black woman. Second, he's Jewish, a race that is a frequent target of bigotry itself. Howard has frequently fought with and belittled white supremicists. Not to mention that he is a huge defender of gay rights and gay marriage. uge. Georget Takei (a prominent gay rights spokesperson) is the show's official announcer and Howard praised Brokeback Mountain as an incredible movie that all the "religious right politicians" should be forced to watch so that they can see the potential damage to lives that their anti-gay policies can produce. That hardly sounds like a bigoted racist.
I don't listen much to Bubba, so I can't really defend him, but he seems like a good guy when he's on Howard's show. And I have no idea who "Opie and Anthony" are, so I can't comment on them.
Posted by: Hain-Z | June 20, 2008 3:25 PM
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the lungs pleural sac (pleural mesothelioma), or the peritoneum lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). Shortness of breath and pain in the chest are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in people who worked in jobs where they breathed absestos. A history of asbestos exposure exists...
Posted by: Craigslist New York | June 28, 2008 5:47 AM
Tomorrow I start my new diet, and later this week I will add these supplements purchased to my dietary intake. I will take another journal entry to go over the supplements I take, and the timing of taking them.
Posted by: New York City Body Contouring | June 29, 2008 9:13 PM