Radio Waves

Today might have been the most important show of Opie & Anthony's career. All CBS Radio would tell the press is that they'll would be on the air today. Not "today and into the future." That comes as CBS is determined to show the bright line between satellite and the more responsible over-the-air radio - where it says last week's O&A comments didn't and couldn't air.

Then comes the news that Opie and Anthony have been suspended by XM Satellite Radio for 30 days for making offensive sexual comments. Suspended? Excuse me, but didn't they mean fired?

Their "suspension" came after a bit about the raping of the Secretary of State, The First Lady and The Queen of England. In fact, Opie and Anthony laughed as they imagined the look of horror on Condoleezza Rice's face if she were punched in the face during a violent sexual encounter. Do we really need this on any radio, satellite or otherwise?

O&A are no strangers to this stuff. These are the same guys that aired a couple having sex in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. I'm all for freedom of speech but major corporations don't need to hire, promote, broadcast and profit off this stuff. These two men have a responsibility to broadcast in the interest of their listeners and the nation. The vast majority of us find this unacceptable and extremely offensive.

There should be no suspension here. Their bosses should fire them immediately. They should not be allowed to air on any radio station. If you want to talk about that stuff, do it in your basement not on the radio. If those that are entrusted with the public airwaves can not recognize blatantly offensive and distasteful elements then Opie and Anthony are not the only ones that should be sent to the unemployment line.

Don Imus was recently fired for his comments. It disturbs me that anyone associated with Opie and Anthony allowed this to happen in light of the sudden decency awareness. It is time for America to clean up all these ridiculous acts of Shock Jocks, Rap Musicians and anyone else who is in the entertainment business. It's not funny any more and most sensible Americans refuse to buy it.

This issue happens right here in Pittsburgh. If you have to bleep out words of a songs DON'T PLAY THE SONG. If an artist is not a positive influence, DON'T PLAY THE ARTIST. If a person can't get a laugh without some sex or drug reference then they have no talent and need to find another job. I can't believe the trash that comes out of the speakers when John McIntyre is on. The times I listened I was disgusted and while I don't like to see anyone lose their job, John should be fired immediately. But then again this is the same station that airs Opie and Anthony for Pittsburgh to "enjoy". I can only hope that will change.