[Official] Opie & Anthony: Suspended, and likely FIRED

http//www.postchronicle.com/news/original/article_21279991.shtml

If they are dropped, I'm dropping XM. The irony here is that I just haggled a XM rep into that 3 free months and $77 a year sub deal mentioned on SD. (

Ouch man, that sucks hard (

And to think I was going to get XM...

I don't think they'll get canceled or end the merger shrug

It won't affect the merger... But they'll most likely get dropped by XM if terrestrial radio affiliates start dropping them (they already have had a "0" rating score in the past in 3 U.S. cities).

Personally, I never cared for O&A. So it has no effect on me one way or the other.

I never liked them either shrug

SOWWY THOLEK!

Grrr. ;)

[quote8d46164ff4="h3x"]It won't affect the merger... But they'll most likely get dropped by XM if terrestrial radio affiliates start dropping them (they already have had a "0" rating score in the past in 3 U.S. cities).

Personally, I never cared for O&A. So it has no effect on me one way or the other.[/quote8d46164ff4]

Well, as oft said, Howard has a 0.0 [i8d46164ff4]everywhere[/i8d46164ff4]. At least O&A has a presence on both formats. ;)

As for the possibility for being dropped by XM, the opposite has been stated by management several times. That being, if they get dropped from FM, they'd still be on XM, and it's hard to imagine that not being true in other circumstances. A controversy would drive up subscriptions, which is something Imus couldn't fall back on. Unfortunately, the merger puts some terrible pressure on O&A.

I guess that's why a statement of apology was released yesterday, and repeated on air this morning. (

As for the stations being dropped, I'm not terribly surprised, actually. Some midwest and west coast stations have always been somewhat resistant to O&A, and even back when they were syndicated coast to coast before the Sex For Sam incident in St Pat's. Like Starbucks, you always expand beyond what you consider sustainable, and get rid of ones that don't make money, or ratings, in this situation. Even O&A had admitted on air that some cities probably wouldn't work out, but you never know for sure. It's like how they tried Leykis in NYC. A city where, let's say, Bob & Tom are successful, is one that probably won't understand O&A so well. Then there have been non-talk or sports stations who tried to fit in O&A against format (which can be like oil and water to some) and stations that flipped formats entirely. Even with a popular morning show, dead ratings throughout the rest of the day will usually precipitate a flip, like Columbus.

In the end here, what's sad is that what was found "objectionable" pales in comparison to even things that occurred on FM back when they were on in afternoons nationally. It's the country that's going nuts, which is being driven by the media, not O&A. (

http/" alt=""/img291.imageshack.us/img="291/2884/burningconstitutionlr0.jpg[" alt=""/img8d46164ff4]

If I hear the words "Your moms box" at the end of today's broadcast, I'm readying my hammer...

maybe we should worry about real problems in this country instead of what two buffoons say on for-pay radio. if u dont like what they are saying change the channel or cancel your sub

http/" alt=""/img296.imageshack.us/img="296/4083/nydn20070512oapage3lj0.jpg[" alt=""/img5fb1e45639]

Al again? Just great. roll

Al Sharpton is a retard...

Dl Hughley had a funny yet true commentary/comic routine about black leaders and their response to the Imus issue.
http//youtube.com/watch?v=bYRSF5C2nsU
this relates to what i mentioned before

http//www.nytimes.com/2007/05/12/arts/music/12radi.html

There's a bit of irony at a condom producer saying they don't want to be associated with rape. I guess they feel victims deserve what they get. rolleyes

[quote84e76e2fe1="Wolfeman"]Al Sharpton is a retard...[/quote84e76e2fe1]

QFT

I used to like his activism, but he goes too far with getting on every single issue.

XM Radio Suspends Opie & Anthony for 30 Days...
arrow http//www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-15-2007/0004589074&EDATE=

If black people on XM 66 RAW said something even extremely derogatory against white people, it wouldn't matter.

[quote18a2b7e35e="tylerc"]If black people on XM 66 RAW said something even extremely derogatory against white people, it wouldn't matter.[/quote18a2b7e35e]

[quote18a2b7e35e="Wolfeman"]Al Sharpton is a retard...[/quote18a2b7e35e]

Two excellent statements.

[be3b9e7ee68]JESUS FUCKING CHRIST.[/be3b9e7ee68][/sizee3b9e7ee68]

It looks like they have been fired as well. shock

I'm gonna wait until it makes the news as well, before calling to cancel, but cancel I will.

Anyone want a Myfi...?

ill buy your myfi.

price?

BOB AND TOM FTW!!!!!!!!

Sirius FTW )

i am a sirius fan.

howard stern and their dance music is better

[quote6c90d1dfb1="Kidd"]ill buy your myfi.

price?[/quote6c90d1dfb1]

Well, let's give it a day, at least. I'll keep you apprised though. ;)

What's funny is I just got a three pack of skins too, so you may be the first one to open them. (

[quote6c90d1dfb1="tylerc"]BOB AND TOM FTW!!!!!!!![/quote6c90d1dfb1]

True, they are a low cost alternative to Ambien. Do I need a prescription?

[quote6c90d1dfb1="Kidd"]i am a sirius fan.

howard stern and their dance music is better[/quote6c90d1dfb1]

Oh wait, there's goes your deal. ;)

tholek is such a hater.

sell me the dam thing ;)

I think O&A will be your Ambien now, since they won't even be on the air....

[quote8951dc3cf6="tylerc"]I think O&A will be your Ambien now, since they won't even be on the air....[/quote8951dc3cf6]

That comeback was so strong, that I almost felt the air woosh through my hair. rolleyes D

At the moment, it's looking like they'll be on tomorrow morning, but only on FM, which is weird. I'd have thought that CBS would drop them first, if there was a suspension, and have jumped on the bandwagon when XM did it.

This will be the first time I've had to tune in on a regular radio since the St Pat's. incident years ago.

Has anyone else noticed that every time Eric The Midget calls in on The Howard Stern Show, they play the Doctor Who theme song in the background?

http//forum.freeipodguide.com/smilies_mod/upload/6d0eaeb69404d86412ec97661a5d1065.gif[" alt=""/img7a001405fb][img="7a001405fb]http//forum.freeipodguide.com/smilies_mod/upload/d345c0a297b4c637b909e590c50f1472.gif[" alt=""/img7a001405fb]

In the words of George Costanza "Worlds are colliding!" ;)

When O&A first debuted on FM they played Doctorin' The TARDIS a lot in the lead up that morning. Dunno why, I guess the board op might have been a fan.

Just for the record, I'd also be pissed off if Howard got the boot for something like this. Even for Bob & Tom, if they were edgy. It's just just a sign of the country going to hell.

Things like this make me wonder if prohibition will make a comeback...

I'm so scarred my local morning show is going to get canned because they are kinda racially insensitive at times but it isn't bad, just funny. I'd die if Kevin and Bean went away...

[quote0f6c47ba34="Tholek"][b0f6c47ba34]JESUS FUCKING CHRIST.[/b0f6c47ba34][/size0f6c47ba34]

It looks like they have been fired as well. shock

I'm gonna wait until it makes the news as well, before calling to cancel, but cancel I will.

Anyone want a Myfi...?[/quote0f6c47ba34]
Why not give it a try?
http//forums2.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=24167&t=516757[]http//forums2.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=24167&t=516757

[quote0e0c8119d9="Tholek"]If they are dropped, I'm dropping XM.[/quote0e0c8119d9]

Here's a little inspiration for you ;)

http//www.zweg.com/dump/photo/DCAM0304.JPG[" alt=""/img0e0c8119d9]

I heard the audio bit and personally I think it's BS that they're making such a big fuss about this. Censorship is a cheap mother.

No offense, but aren't they a little on the whitebread side? They've been on forever, and I don't recall any real controversy or incidents involving them.

Certain shows that have been under the radar for years probably have little to worry about. However, in the current climate, there's bound to be overcompensation. That will, in turn, make shows dull, lose listeners, and end up causing shows to be kicked off the air anyhow.

I think whether or not you like O&A, Imus or JV & Elvis, you need to make your voices heard now, because if you try and ride out the storm, you may end up losing anyhow.

For O&A, I still have a bad feeling. Suspensions usually become firings, and if they know that's gonna happen, I hope they take it in the chest rather than being forced into digging their own graves and getting in the back anyway.

K&B aren't whitebread. They have actually cut out things like Sex U because of the climate over the past few years. They almost got shutdown once for calling the president of France posing as Jerry Lewis...

[quote68570015dc="hehehhehe"]Why not give it a try?
http//forums2.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=24167&t=516757[]http//forums2.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=24167&t=516757[/quote68570015dc]

Yeah, I know XM did that. There have been reports on SD, FW and elsewhere that they will do a lot to keep you. I was on the line for 15 minutes to get the deal I mentioned above (three months free, and $77 for the rest of the year), and that was just for car owners. Still got it. D

[quote68570015dc="h3x"]Here's a little inspiration for you ;)

http//www.zweg.com/dump/photo/DCAM0304.JPG[" alt=""/img68570015dc]

I heard the audio bit and personally I think it's BS that they're making such a big fuss about this. Censorship is a cheap mother.[/quote68570015dc]

Agreed.

Oh, and Kidd may be out of luck, because that option pictured above has been on the table since I heard the news. Being in NYC, I'm thinking of attending some of the rallies again, and I might get caught up in the heat of the moment. )

[quote68570015dc="Wolfeman"]K&B aren't whitebread. They have actually cut out things like Sex U because of the climate over the past few years. They almost got shutdown once for calling the president of France posing as Jerry Lewis...[/quote68570015dc]

Oh yeah. I do remember that Chirac thing. )

They always seemed more of a "zoo" type show to me though, but then again, not living in cally, I haven't heard them as much as you have. It's also a different market in general. Carolla and Leykis just couldn't make it in NY.

fight for your beloved shock jocks.

show them hell ;)

This made me chuckle despite everything

http/" alt=""/img177.imageshack.us/img="177/6926/dsc02191lb9.jpg[" alt=""/img6a41ac8419]

I'd insert a Blazing Saddles quote, but the FCC may throw me off the internet...

I would love to liseeli Opie and Anthony fired over this. It is something that might actually get me to tune in to lisatelliteli radio.

Does that make you feel better Tholek?

http//forum.freeipodguide.com/smilies_mod/upload/6b15a11e35042623b55aba528b634548.gif[" alt=""/img7dab5d6433]

Howard is discussing an article claiming that O&A are running to Howard begging for a "truce" and an alliance to get their jobs back (which makes no sense since Howard has nothing to do with the incident and isn't the one that decides whether they stay or go)... They're talking about it right now on Howard Stern. Listen to the west coast feed at 6am or download it later on today to find out what Howard thinks.

Also, the Andy Dick roast is coming up.

It'll be available to download at redskunk.org later on today if you don't have SIRIUS.

[quotef5720894e4] They then offered a truce to their longtime nemesis, Howard Stern. "Don't think that they're not taping your show and waiting for you to screw up," Hughes (That's Opie) said. "What do you say Howard, are you with us or are you against us?"

"Maybe it's time for a little uniting," Cumia (That's Anthony) said.[/quotef5720894e4]

http//www.nypost.com/seven/05162007/tv/opie_and_anthony_suspended_tv_don_kaplan.htm

That made my day.

Sorry Tholek (

http/" alt=""/img291.imageshack.us/img="291/2884/burningconstitutionlr0.jpg[" alt=""/img671a7f94bc]
[quote]

roll Oh please.

I'm not sure what the Constitution has to do with this at all. Since when does the Constitution give you the right to say what you want at work, without consequences from your employer?

Rape jokes are in extremely poor taste, and it's totally within the bounds of XM to fire or suspend someone who brings that much negative publicity to their company.

I'm not an extremely sensitive guy, nor am I easily offended, but I if I used my company email address to forward jokes about rape, I would expect to get fired if my employer found out.

Why should this situation be any different? They aren't being PROSECUTED for their comments, so I fail to see where the Constitution is involved here.

The fact that it's completely one-sided? If O&A were black, and were making racist jokes about white people, NOTHING would be done about it. Period.

[quote66b1c854ad="tinkerjenn"]The fact that it's completely one-sided? If O&A were black, and were making racist jokes about white people, NOTHING would be done about it. Period.[/quote66b1c854ad]

That's a separate issue -- they still made light of rape, so I can't fault XM for holding them accountable.

Now if a black person makes a joke about raping a white woman and goes unpunished, that is definitely wrong. But, it's just as wrong NOT to punish O&A just because you don't think a black person would be punished in the same situation. That's still situational morality.

I didn't know about the rape part. That IS a whole different issue indeed.

[quote06f35019bc="tinkerjenn"]The fact that it's completely one-sided? If O&A were black, and were making racist jokes about white people, NOTHING would be done about it. Period.[/quote06f35019bc]

Condi Rice isn't a real black person, she's an oreo! So race has nothing to do with it.
roll

In any case. Al Sharpton makes EVERYTHING about race.

I didn't hear what they said, I just skimmed over the threads on this subject and I guess I stuck my foot in it. lishrugli

[quote34dce4ba4f="tinkerjenn"]In any case. Al Sharpton makes EVERYTHING about race.

I didn't hear what they said, I just skimmed over the threads on this subjeck and I guess I stuck my foot in it. lishrugli[/quote34dce4ba4f]

No problem ) It bothers me just as much as you to see a white person called out for racism, when a black person would get away with the same thing. I just think we need to be careful not to use that as an excuse to let the white person off the hook.

If Person A gets away with something, that doesn't mean we shouldn't punish Person B for it. It means we need to still punish Person B, but fight to make sure Person A is punished for it as well.

[quote6393636694="Big War Bird"][quote6393636694="tinkerjenn"]The fact that it's completely one-sided? If O&A were black, and were making racist jokes about white people, NOTHING would be done about it. Period.[/quote6393636694]

Condi Rice isn't a real black person, she's an oreo! So race has nothing to do with it.
roll[/quote6393636694]

On the off chance that was a joke, I will not temp-ban you. But it's really not funny.

It was a joke in terrible taste, but you can't say everything on satellite radio.. You have freedom of speech, but freedom of speech has limitations... You can't slander a person. So it's not a matter of the first amendment. But I don't think it's worth a firing... It's just some drunk homeless guy saying something stupid over the phone.

A suspension [bf8f2e21f59]without[/bf8f2e21f59] pay with probation would be punishment enough... and you can dock their pay also as far as I'm concerned.

In my opinion, those two are not funny and with the fact that terrestrial radio stations have been canceling them long before this incident happened. It was bound to happen sooner or later.

[quote629d861e83="KeithA"][quote629d861e83="Big War Bird"][quote629d861e83="tinkerjenn"]The fact that it's completely one-sided? If O&A were black, and were making racist jokes about white people, NOTHING would be done about it. Period.[/quote629d861e83]

Condi Rice isn't a real black person, she's an oreo! So race has nothing to do with it.
roll[/quote629d861e83]

On the off chance that was a joke, I will not temp-ban you. But it's really not funny.[/quote629d861e83]

You are right on both counts! It was a joke and was not meant to be funny either. It's the Belefontes' of the world that consider Condi Rice, Colin Powell and others not to be real "blacks."

http//youtube.com/watch?v=fjIuPSuYSOY

lol

[quote4c63f709b7="h3x"]Howard is discussing an article claiming that O&A are running to Howard [b4c63f709b7]begging[/b4c63f709b7] for a "truce" and an alliance [b4c63f709b7]to get their jobs back[/b4c63f709b7] (which makes no sense since Howard has nothing to do with the incident and isn't the one that decides whether they stay or go)... [/quote4c63f709b7]

The parts I highlighted are the comments that were never made. They did think that there should be a unity on some level, and I agree, but neither they, nor I, really expect that from Howard. You could call it some kind of olive branch, but there was no begging nor was it soley to save their jobs. There was even a comment like this when Imus was axed, but at the time they followed it up by saying Howard wouldn't do it, or words to that effect.

[quote4c63f709b7="h3x"][quote4c63f709b7] They then offered a truce to their longtime nemesis, Howard Stern. "Don't think that they're not taping your show and waiting for you to screw up," Hughes (That's Opie) said. "What do you say Howard, are you with us or are you against us?"

"Maybe it's time for a little uniting," Cumia (That's Anthony) said.[/quote4c63f709b7]

http//www.nypost.com/seven/05162007/tv/opie_and_anthony_suspended_tv_don_kaplan.htm

That made my day.

Sorry Tholek ([/quote4c63f709b7]

Was it the actual quote above that made your day, or the inferences you chose to draw from it? ;)

I find it amusing how Howard tries to spin things, though.

[quote4c63f709b7="CollidgeGraduit"]I'm not sure what the Constitution has to do with this at all. Since when does the Constitution give you the right to say what you want at work, without consequences from your employer?[/quote4c63f709b7]

CG, with all due respect, they wouldn't have been hired by XM if they didn't say things like this.

They didn't change, the climate did.

[quote4c63f709b7="CollidgeGraduit"]Rape jokes are in extremely poor taste, and it's totally within the bounds of XM to fire or suspend someone who brings that much negative publicity to their company.[/quote4c63f709b7]

Of course, but again, they were hired to do what they did. It's a little like Watergate. Nixon sold Liddy and co. under the bus when they were caught, but they acted on orders. Here we have DJ's hired to be this way, and believe me, they have said other things that you would probably consider even in worse taste, and when the public reacts negatively, they claim they stepped over the line.

The fact is they didn't. At least not as far as XM had been concerned. XM knew where the line was for them, and hired them knowing it. They cannot now say they didn't.

If you don't care for O&A, or that type of edgy humor, I understand. It's an acquired taste, but rather than place the blame on O&A, place it on XM for hiring them in the first place. O&A can't really be faulted here.

[quote4c63f709b7="CollidgeGraduit"]I'm not an extremely sensitive guy, nor am I easily offended, but I if I used my company email address to forward jokes about rape, I would expect to get fired if my employer found out.[/quote4c63f709b7]

Again, with all due respect, that's not analogous to this situation. You weren't hired to do that in the first place.

[quote4c63f709b7="CollidgeGraduit"]Why should this situation be any different? They aren't being PROSECUTED for their comments, so I fail to see where the Constitution is involved here.[/quote4c63f709b7]

Well, they won't be hung for this, that's true. However, the increasing trend of intolerance in this country does go against the essence of that document. XM, and even CBS, are well within their right to hire and fire whomever they wish, but the tactics used to pressure the companies into the recent firings are despicable, and only serve to curtail free speech on a national level. Don't think for one moment that people like Sharpton would concentrate on comedians alone. He'd just as well try to remove conservative editorial talk shows from the air as well, had he the power.

Again, even if you HATE O&A, they are, at the very least, another line drawn in the sand. Let this go, and others will fall as well. (

[quote4c63f709b7="J4320"]http//youtube.com/watch?v=fjIuPSuYSOY

lol[/quote4c63f709b7]

Patrice is [i4c63f709b7]so[/i4c63f709b7] right. The shame is his show on O&A's channel is up in the air now considering the current situation. It's Ron & Fez 24 hours a day at the moment.

Guys, this has nothing whatsoever to do with "free speech" as referred to by the 1st Amendment. It always amuses me (well, at first, before it gets maddening) when I see all the comments (Digg is full of 'em at the moment) yelling about how things like this are a violation of freedom of speech and whatnot.

It is no such thing. The ONLY freedom of speech guaranteed by the 1st Amendment is protection of the PEOPLE from persecution by their GOVERNMENT in retaliation for SPEAKING OUT AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT. That's it.

The government can still prosecute you for your speech in many ways. If you incite riots or terrorism, commit threats (i.e. assault), yell "fire!" in a crowded theater, etc., you can be prosecuted in a court of law.

And as CG mentioned it most definitely, in no way whatsoever, prevents private entities from regulating speech. You can't be insubordinate or bring shame and ridicule to your employer and expect to keep your job. You can be sued for libel and slander. You can be held liable for speech that discriminates or deprives another citizen of their rights. And so forth.

O&A and Don Imus were private employees of a private company who are beholden to customers, stockholders, and advertisers. When their bottom line is threatened due to any substantial loss of either, then heads are gong to roll... period.

I think it is this knee jerk reaction now that a super vocal minority dictates policy for the majority. If people were truly offended by Imus or O&A then they'd stop listening and the ratings would drop. Let the free market tell us what we like and what offends us, not a few douchebags that have careers stirring crap up...

I would like to reverse myself and say that they should not be fired. As Tholek pointed out XM knew what they were getting. That being said I will not subscribe to satellite radio if means putting money into the pockets of such human debris like Stern and O&A.

[quoteab68e44156="Big War Bird"]That being said I will not subscribe to satellite radio if means putting money into the pockets of such human debris like Stern and O&A.[/quoteab68e44156]
IMO that's a flawed reasoning. Do you have cable or satellite TV? Do you like or agree with every channel? While I'd love nothing more than a completely ala-carte TV and XM subscription model, where I pay a buck a channel (my total bill for both TV and XM would then be less than $15 a month I'd guess), the reality is almost all of us pay for information that we don't want.

I dislike O&A but I love XM. I'm paying for the content I want and ignoring the rest. Much like with my TV programming. I assume O&A aren't paid on a subscriber basis, but on a ratings basis. I don't contribute to their ratings if I never listen to them. In fact, most people who listen to them probably don't contribute to their ratings either. Just like with TV, there is a select group of people who directly contribute ratings stats. The broadcasters are entirely oblivious to what the majority of us watch/listen or don't watch/listen. Unless/until our tuners report back what we're watching (as Tivo's do), they're totally dependent on organizations like Nielsen's. Thus there is no idealogical basis for depriving yourself of other programming you might be interested in.

[quote69e7e5829a="dmorris68"]Guys, this has nothing whatsoever to do with "free speech" as referred to by the 1st Amendment. It always amuses me (well, at first, before it gets maddening) when I see all the comments (Digg is full of 'em at the moment) yelling about how things like this are a violation of freedom of speech and whatnot.

It is no such thing. The ONLY freedom of speech guaranteed by the 1st Amendment is protection of the PEOPLE from persecution by their GOVERNMENT in retaliation for SPEAKING OUT AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT. That's it.

The government can still prosecute you for your speech in many ways. If you incite riots or terrorism, commit threats (i.e. assault), yell "fire!" in a crowded theater, etc., you can be prosecuted in a court of law.

And as CG mentioned it most definitely, in no way whatsoever, prevents private entities from regulating speech. [b69e7e5829a]You can't be insubordinate or bring shame and ridicule to your employer and expect to keep your job.[/b69e7e5829a] You can be sued for libel and slander. You can be held liable for speech that discriminates or deprives another citizen of their rights. And so forth.

O&A and Don Imus were private employees of a private company who are beholden to customers, stockholders, and advertisers. When their bottom line is threatened due to any substantial loss of either, then heads are gong to roll... period.[/quote69e7e5829a]

I agree.

The one part I did embolden doesn't apply that well, since XM had no issues before, and O&A have said "worse". I mean them as well, not some homeless guy in the studio.

[quote69e7e5829a="Wolfeman"]I think it is this knee jerk reaction now that a super vocal minority dictates policy for the majority. If people were truly offended by Imus or O&A then they'd stop listening and the ratings would drop. Let the free market tell us what we like and what offends us, not a few douchebags that have careers stirring crap up...[/quote69e7e5829a]

Ditto.

[quote69e7e5829a="Big War Bird"]I would like to reverse myself and say that they should not be fired. As Tholek pointed out XM knew what they were getting. That being said I will not subscribe to satellite radio if means putting money into the pockets of such human debris like Stern and O&A.[/quote69e7e5829a]

I'm glad you can see it for what it is, except that last sentence of course. ;)

[quote69e7e5829a="dmorris68"][b69e7e5829a]I assume O&A aren't paid on a subscriber basis, but on a ratings basis.[/b69e7e5829a] I don't contribute to their ratings if I never listen to them. In fact, most people who listen to them probably don't contribute to their ratings either. Just like with TV, there is a select group of people who directly contribute ratings stats. The broadcasters are entirely oblivious to what the majority of us watch/listen or don't watch/listen. Unless/until our tuners report back what we're watching (as Tivo's do), they're totally dependent on organizations like Nielsen's. Thus there is no idealogical basis for depriving yourself of other programming you might be interested in.[/quote69e7e5829a]

I can't quote any numbers off the top of my head at the moment, but management have said that 202 is the most listened to channel on XM, and did say there had been a sharp rise in subs back when they were signed. Take that as you may.

[quotef687106ff6="Tholek"]I agree.

The one part I did embolden doesn't apply that well, since XM had no issues before, and O&A have said "worse". I mean them as well, not some homeless guy in the studio.[/quotef687106ff6]
I wouldn't classify the O&A situation as being insubordinate to the employer. I'd classify it as I did in my last paragraph of that quote, where I said that XM as a company is beholden to customers, stockholders, and advertisers. I can almost guarantee you there have been some backroom discussions regarding losses on all 3 fronts. Not all of XM is ad-free, only the music channels AFAIK. That almighty dollar speaks far louder than any loyalties to your employees. Just ask Don Imus and the Greaseman. )

[quotef687106ff6="Tholek"][quotef687106ff6="dmorris68"][bf687106ff6]I assume O&A aren't paid on a subscriber basis, but on a ratings basis.[/bf687106ff6] I don't contribute to their ratings if I never listen to them. In fact, most people who listen to them probably don't contribute to their ratings either. Just like with TV, there is a select group of people who directly contribute ratings stats. The broadcasters are entirely oblivious to what the majority of us watch/listen or don't watch/listen. Unless/until our tuners report back what we're watching (as Tivo's do), they're totally dependent on organizations like Nielsen's. Thus there is no idealogical basis for depriving yourself of other programming you might be interested in.[/quotef687106ff6]

I can't quote any numbers off the top of my head at the moment, but management have said that 202 is the most listened to channel on XM, and did say there had been a sharp rise in subs back when they were signed. Take that as you may.[/quotef687106ff6]

They could be basing that on ratings surveys, which still comprises a fraction of their membership. Or they could be basing it on customer comments during signup ("so, what brings you to XM today?"). Their current tuner technology is one-way only, so there's no way for them to automatically know what we're listening to.

But it still doesn't answer the question as to whether O&A's contract negotiations deal with ratings or subscribers. The distinction being, for sake of illustration, if O&A get $1 per subscriber, then every subscriber directly contributes to their compensation even if they hate 'em. That would probably bother me. If, on the other hand, their compensation is derived from ratings, then O&A are compensated directly according to their popularity. That I don't have a problem with, because I know I'm not compensating them out of my own pocket.

[quote64366cf3ed="Tholek"][quote64366cf3ed="h3x"]Howard is discussing an article claiming that O&A are running to Howard [b64366cf3ed]begging[/b64366cf3ed] for a "truce" and an alliance [b64366cf3ed]to get their jobs back[/b64366cf3ed] (which makes no sense since Howard has nothing to do with the incident and isn't the one that decides whether they stay or go)...

The parts I highlighted are the comments that were never made. They did think that there should be a unity on some level, and I agree, but neither they, nor I, really expect that from Howard. You could call it some kind of olive branch, but there was no begging nor was it soley to save their jobs. There was even a comment like this when Imus was axed, but at the time they followed it up by saying Howard wouldn't do it, or words to that effect.[/quote64366cf3ed][/quote64366cf3ed]

Oh, I know they never said they were begging to get their jobs back. But it's obvious (at least to me) that's what they're doing. O&A are looking for some sort of unity or alliance and there's no reason for it since Howard has nothing to do with O&A and what they do. I think this "olive branch" (as you put it) is nothing more than an attempt to save their jobs by hiding behind Howard Stern... If this peace treaty is genuine then why didn't they offer this branch of peace before the incident happened? Because they're knee deep in shit right now, they see this as their last option (but what they should've done was keep their mouths shut and ride out the 30 day suspension [which XM is still paying them] and they wouldn't have a problem.

[quote64366cf3ed="h3x"][quote64366cf3ed] They then offered a truce to their longtime nemesis, Howard Stern. "Don't think that they're not taping your show and waiting for you to screw up," Hughes (That's Opie) said. "What do you say Howard, are you with us or are you against us?"

"Maybe it's time for a little uniting," Cumia (That's Anthony) said.[/quote64366cf3ed]

http//www.nypost.com/seven/05162007/tv/opie_and_anthony_suspended_tv_don_kaplan.htm

That made my day.

Sorry Tholek ([/quote64366cf3ed]

[quote64366cf3ed]Was it the actual quote above that made your day, or the inferences you chose to draw from it? ;)

I find it amusing how Howard tries to spin things, though.[/quote64366cf3ed]

I just find it amusing that they're running to Howard with their tails between their legs (again my words, not the article)... and for what? Howard has nothing to do with this, and he isn't the one that will determine whether they stay or go... This call for an alliance is silly and its probably going to dig their graves deeper.

To Tholek and anyone else interested...

Brief discussion about O&A on today's Howard Stern Show

[b0343941556]Download[=http//www.savecitra.org/citra/fipg-howard-051607.mp3]Download[/b0343941556]

The entire broadcast (including today's Andy Dick roast and the Wrap-Up show) are now available at RedSkunk.org

[quotea1b9da8ebd="h3x"]Oh, I know they never said they were begging to get their jobs back. But it's obvious (at least to me) that's what they're doing. O&A are looking for some sort of unity or alliance and there's no reason for it since Howard has nothing to do with O&A and what they do.[/quotea1b9da8ebd]

You [ia1b9da8ebd]really[/ia1b9da8ebd] believe that he will go on untouched by this? He may be less relevant, but he's still another DJ in the same genre of radio.

[quotea1b9da8ebd="h3x"]I think this "olive branch" (as you put it) is nothing more than an attempt to save their jobs by hiding behind Howard Stern... If this peace treaty is genuine then why didn't they offer this branch of peace before the incident happened?[/quotea1b9da8ebd]

As I mentioned above, they [ia1b9da8ebd]did[/ia1b9da8ebd] when Imus was fired, albeit not as directly. They can't "hide" behind anyone, and I'm still surprised you're still trying to infer that.

[quotea1b9da8ebd="h3x"]Because they're knee deep in shit right now, they see this as their last option (but what they should've done was keep their mouths shut and ride out the 30 day suspension [which XM is still paying them] and they wouldn't have a problem.[/quotea1b9da8ebd]

Like we've both said before, the climate in general has changed for the worse. O&A don't see Stern as their "last option", just as another major player in their business who hasn't made a stand on this. They look at it as both having a common enemy, while Stern sees [ia1b9da8ebd]everyone[/ia1b9da8ebd] as his enemy. This would surely affect Stern if O&A are kicked off, but he's more interested in seeing his competition twist in the wind.

[quotea1b9da8ebd="h3x"]I just find it amusing that they're running to Howard with their tails between their legs (again my words, not the article)... and for what? Howard has nothing to do with this, and he isn't the one that will determine whether they stay or go... This call for an alliance is silly and its probably going to dig their graves deeper.[/quotea1b9da8ebd]

You don't have to tell me those were your words. I can't think of any impartial journalist who would write such a thing. ;)

Again, this does have a lot to do with Howard, although it's laughable to think he'd [ia1b9da8ebd]ever[/ia1b9da8ebd] be in a position to decide whether they'd stay or go. He wanted them gone back in the day, and was ignored, because ratings will always be louder than him. Now, hopefully (for your sake) he won't find out how this will affect him [ia1b9da8ebd]the hard way[/ia1b9da8ebd], but if he does (despite my joy at the comeuppance) I'd voice my support of him, just like O&A. At least I can be objective about that.

Also, for anyone interested in listening to O&A, who doesn't live in a city where they're on FM, check out the following links

http//tuner1.dc1.sonixtream.com/solon/media/tuner/Tuner?aff=923freefm&UseSame=true&type=NN
http//bitemytorrent.com

After listening to that clip, I gotta admit, Howard is still funny.....when he tries so hard to say he knows nothing about O&A, nor thinks about them.
http/" alt=""/img340.imageshack.us/img="340/3303/bagdadboblargenn5.gif[" alt=""/imga1b9da8ebd]

;)

In today's Daily News

http/" alt=""/img238.imageshack.us/img="238/787/nydn20070524dw6.jpg[" alt=""/img463291aa53]

http//www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2007/05/24/2007-05-24_talk_is_freefms_over__out_at_wfny.html

If this happens, radio is dead to me. Ron & Fez will get the boot from FM, and God knows if XM will even keep [i463291aa53]them[/i463291aa53] if the XM O&A suspension does become a firing.

Damn. They even [i463291aa53]look[/i463291aa53] depressed now. (

They should've just apologized and kept their mouths shut. That's all I'm going to say about Opie & Anthony. Do they deserve to be fired from CBS or XM? No, I don't think so. But if CBS is changing formats, then they should at least pay the rest of their contract off (then again, they would never pay off a contract that they just renewed).

Personally, contemporary music sounds like a better format choice for that time slot... Those two are just not funny. But I feel your sorrow, Tholek (

Thanks......and ditto on Stern. ;)

Not sure if this has been posted, but I called XM about O&A to try to get some free service (SlickDeals thread), but the customer service rep said they WILL be back after the 30 day suspension.

I know.

The trend these days when jocks are fired, is to suspend for long enough so that their story dies off in the press, and then terminate. This is what happened to O&A in response to the St. Pat's incident, and is a common practice with most air talent infractions. JV & Elvis also fared the same.

XM has no reason to confirm a already finalized termination until they absolutely need to. It's possible they will return, but it would be an exception to the rule, and the FM format flips aren't helping.

At least it seems, for the moment, that they may survive the flips as a rock station morning show. We'll see...