Pardon my obsolete reference. I am asked from time to time (not often) about what was accomplished during the period I chaired the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Always I talk about encouraging and facilitating the transition from analog to digital communications. Not infrequently, however, the lingering historical connection is with Howard Stern.
Stern had a morning show on radio and failed to find anything humorous outside of sex. His best ratings came from pre-pubescent males. I initiated proceedings against him for violating anti-obscenity laws that were in place to protect children. I became a frequent target on his show; at one point he hoped I wouldn’t recover from cancer surgery.
Okay, I get it. This brief chapter is more interesting, if less consequential than technology transactions. Or is it? Did Stern’s sexual repartee with his fall girl, Robin, have any effect on male sensibilities?
Or, on Beto O’Rourke, who has lugged the F word into politics from somewhere. Or, on a culture that to Beto’s mind will find the adjective unobjectionable or at least non fatal to his political ambitions.
Before my knee talked back, I enjoyed downhill skiing. Then I took up the cross-country kind. I, of course, knew the characteristics of gravity, but got a lesson in the dynamics of pleasure. Downhill was more fun.
I am coming around to believing that contemporary culture is similarly affected. Comedy writers lead the way — politics follows. If there are serious philosophers today I wonder what they think? Or, will anybody care?
Al Sikes is the former Chair of the Federal Communications Commission under George H.W. Bush. Al recently published Culture Leads Leaders Follow published by Koehler Books.
Kenneth Mount Miller says
Excellent! Both mentioned individuals share extreme adolescent phobias where both their manhood and insecurities – plus total lack of accountability for their actions and words – are symptomatic of many of today’s “ perceived” leaders. Freedom of speech comes with responsibility – which as a nation of historic Puritanical values we’ve regrettably allowed to decline.
Stephen Huntoon says
Al,
Thanks for your piece. I am not sure I agree with what you’ve written about Howard Stern. Yes, his show focused on sex, but not exclusively so. I never listened much because I found it pretty disgusting.
But to me that doesn’t have much to do with whether he should be allowed to have a show and say what he wants to say.
Some particulars: I’m not sure it’s quite right that he hoped you wouldn’t recover from cancer surgery. He’s a self-proclaimed shock jock and as the New York Times reported: “In one recent broadcast, Mr. Stern lashed out at the F.C.C.’s chairman, Alfred C. Sikes, who is recovering from surgery for prostate cancer. Parodying a faith healer, Mr. Stern “prayed” that the cancer would spread.” Did he really hope that, or was it part of his act?
Mostly I don’t agree that his target market was “pre-pubescent males” (below around 10-11 years of age). I guess there’s the obvious question of why males with no understanding of/attraction to sex (almost by definition) would be attracted to Howard Stern’s material. And my understanding is that is target demographic was post-18 males including professionals in the 30’s and up.
At the big-picture level I think there should be a presumption against any kind of censorship by government. Period. Censorship laws are easily manipulated by totalitarians against any form of media reporting and political opposition. We see this around the globe.
If the price we have to pay is allowing some shock jock or politician to use the f word then I think that’s pretty small beer. People always can turn the channel for themselves, and of course should do so for their children.
I don’t think government should turn the channel off for them.
Steve
Al Sikes says
Certainly preferable that a cultural tripwire exist! But, when shock becomes the narrative lines vanish and some consideration for children is necessary.