Posted on 02/02/2006 10:13:10 AM PST by BurbankKarl
Sirius Satellite Radio Inc., which liberated radio shock jock Howard Stern from the federal decency standards that he felt had shackled him, is finding that freedom's just another word for $500 million to lose.
Since Jan. 9, when Stern debuted on Sirius, pirated versions of the shows have been made available for free via several online file-sharing networks just hours after Stern signs off. The New York-based broadcaster signed Stern to a five-year, half-billion-dollar contract in 2004.
Now, Sirius is, in a word, furious. "We don't condone the stealing of Howard's show, or any of the content on our more than 125 channels," Sirius spokesman Patrick Reilly said. "We vigorously protect our intellectual property rights and we will actively prosecute those who attempt to steal it."
It is not known how many Stern fans are sidestepping Sirius' $12.95-a-month subscription fee by illegally downloading his show. Because most hard-core fans are used to listening to the show in their cars, presumably many of them would subscribe rather than wait until they're in front of a computer screen.
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A few weeks ago, when the first pirate radio stations began rebroadcasting Stern's show on unclaimed radio frequencies in New York and New Jersey, Sirius immediately notified the enforcement bureau of the Federal Communications Commission — the very body against which Stern has so frequently railed. The FCC in 2004 cited Stern's show on Clear Channel for "repeated graphic and explicit sexual descriptions."
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Funniest thing is, they complained to the FCC.
I put my garbage out at the curb this morning and someone stole it.
They have the prerequisite swat team?
I would think the FCC would want to jump all over this. Protecting the chiiiiii-ldren, and all.
there is no honor among theives.
"..or any of the content on our more than 125 channels."
He had to slip in the number of channels they carry, huh?
Kinda makes me wonder if the they aren't doing it all themselves as a publicity stunt.
The word "intellectual" and the name Howard Stern in the same story is pretty funny. Sterns idea of highbrow entertainment is taking a naked woman, sticking a stick up her butt and then tossing rings at the stick for points. Now that's value that needs to be protected! /sarcasm off
Everybody sing along...
"Video Piracy killed the radio star."
there is no honor among theives.
I don't condone illegal behavior but it couldn't happen to a "nicer" guy. He're hoping the FCC doesn't answer when they call.
Actually, that would be $777 over five years, Pokai...
But since if Howard Sterns hair was on fire, I wouldn't bother to pee on his leg, maybe I am the wrong person to ask if it is worth it.
Hey, Sirius,,,,,, When you lay with dogs, you get fleas.
What if he wasn't on fire?
Check eBay tonight. You might just see it again.
LOL! Poetic justice for Stern, and for Sirius for signing him. Stern's fans have no morals? Who knew?
I he was not on fire, I would gladly pee on his leg, and tell him it's raining...
"Piracy killed the radio star."
Don't you mean... "Piracy killed the satellite star"?
Yeah, aint it rich? And the irony of Stern whining to the FCC. I haven't heard him enough to quote him, but if anyone can find a quote where he's called for an end to the FCC, it would be great. Does the FCC even have jurisdiction here?
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