Big trouble brewing for "The Guy James Show" What would YOU do?

[BeachBuckeye]

We're asking for your advise and opinions because DU'ers are a fairly significant portion of our audience. DU'ers have been there with us since the beginning of our show some 2 1/2 years ago.

As most of you know our show is broadcast on two radio stations which are almost 24/7 Right-Wing except for our 3 hours a week on Saturday evenings.

We've now been warned to not make any negative comments about the shows they air including Limbaugh, Hannity, Inghram, Humphries, O'Reilly, Savage and others. We will probably have our show pulled if we defy their edict.

Do we eat it and bow to their demands in order to stay on the air?
Or, do we tell them to take a flying leap and chuck it all? Our instinct is leaning toward the latter but if we do that there will no longer be a Liberal voice on the West Coast of Florida. What would DU'ers advise?

[Unforgiven]

1. Can't you get on

any other stations other than the ones you are on presently?
You could still do the show on the internet as well?

[BeachBuckeye]

9. Only 4 talk stations available here

All of them Right-Wing. The others are small stations with low ratings. WINK and WNOG where we broadcast our show are the two highest rated AM stations in SW Florida. No place else to go really.

[Unforgiven]

28. Do

you want stations with high ratings or do you want to stay on the air?

[BeachBuckeye]

37. Problem is that the small ones

Are RW 24/7 too.

[Unforgiven]

38. What about

WKII 1070 and WCCF 1580?

[BeachBuckeye]

52. not familiar with either of them

Are they in Ft. Myers?

[Oversea Visitor]

31. Think the small station

will get a big boost when you shift to them hey.

[Nite Owl]

2. Sorry Guy

they sure can dish it out but the cowards just can't take it. I look forward to your shows but living under such direct censorship is pretty hard thing to take.

[napi21]

3. Do you have any options on any other stations?

I don't know anything about the radio business, but it seems to me, if you don't have any other options, maybe the thing to do now is to bite the bullet so you can stay on the air, and keep searching for other stations.

I am saying this with selfserving, because I don't want to loose the opportunity to listen to your show.

[Wickerman]

4. how much do you currently lambaste those idiots?

You might consider to continue to do so at the same rate. Offer to the station manager that you are generating controversy and controversy brings in listeners. A smart station manager would promote the shit out of you in some crafty way, start a war with the competition and sit around and collect adverstising dollars with an increased share.

[BeachBuckeye]

19. Pounded Limbaugh pretty hard this past week

played his comments about how the bombings in London were no big deal. Played his comments that blamed it all on "Kennedy, Schumer, Boxer and their ilk". Played several extremely hateful comments he made. I guess they only approve of HIM saying those things and want no one else to play it back.

[Wickerman]

29. sounds like legit criticisms; no wonder you scare them!

:)

[Lydia Leftcoast]

55. In other words, using their own words is "criticism"?

Wow. That's some thin skin there.

[BeachBuckeye]

61. Their own words

And my comments you may see at post #41 of this thread

[amazona]

5. My instinct would be not to make the comments

I suspect you have plenty to say w/out commenting on the other shows that they air. Commenting on other shows is a bit meta anyway. I have to admit that I would probably have to bite my tongue to stop myself taking a dig at Rush though. But is it really worth it?

[bullimiami]

6. i lean toward take a flying leap with you.

what will be next. no criticism of bush? or republicans?

maybe you could just do an internet broadcast until you can find a reasonable station.

[Fridays Child]

7. If those RWers refer to you, are you, then, allowed to break your silence?

On edit: remember that there's no such thing as bad publicity. So mentioning them may not be a good idea, anyway.

[SoFlaJet]

8. the good news is this;

there are so many others targets than the RW spin machine to aim at now especially with the way the tide is turning.The Bush gestapo may have just crossed over the line with the Plame thing-jumped the shark so to speak,pissing off the media and trying to blame them instead of accepting their own culpability.Them getting journalists jailed has scared them and they have crossed the line-fear is a dangerous thing as Springsteen said in Devils and Dust.My advice;do what ya gotta do to keep alive we need all the help we can get on our side.The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few(I learned that one from Star Trek)Aim higher than Limbaugh-he's a worthless junkie fool.Hannity? twerp Savage? Come ON.Rove,Bush,Cheney,Tenet and Bolton are where the targets are now-aim for the generals not the foot soldiers.Stay ON THE AIR!!!!!!!!

[bemildred]

10. You can't let them control your show.

Do these couple stations get to dictate what you say?
It's all about control. Politics is not patty-cake. Do you want to
get rich or do you want to kick Conservative ass? (I know, I know,
you were hoping for both.)

That said, you can consider the money, how widely you are syndicated,
whether other shows obey similar strictures about bashing you, other
access to the market, etc.

But, ideally, you tell them to fuck off.

[BeachBuckeye]

13. No money involved on my end

I do not work for the station. I own the show and pay for the air-time out of my pocket and with donations from listeners. Obviously, the station doesn't even care about the money.

[bemildred]

14. So, do you put your message on Prozac to get your message out?

I'm glad it's not a money issue, that makes it much clearer.

[BeachBuckeye]

42. see the comments posted below

That is what got their panties in a bunch.

[bemildred]

43. LOL. I'll bet it did.

:thumbsup:

[Oversea Visitor]

35. In that case

tell them to take a hike go and build up the smaller stations. The product here is the show, the listeners follow the show not the station.
Your listeners will be still with you. Maybe you pick up a bigger following after the shift. Hey new market hey.

[acmejack]

11. You have a sizable streaming audience.

Perhaps use 365Live or a similar setup? I don't want to lose you but I can understand the integrity aspect too.

[Liberal In Texas]

12. Tell them to shove it. I faced the same dilemma when I worked for FOX.

It was either my personal integrity or the high road. I chose the high road.

It's tough, but I'm much happier now. I sleep better now. And guess what? I'm making money! (Not a fortune, but enough to keep the wolves away from the door.)

I really think "The Guy James Show" can find another venue.

Good luck, and God speed. I'll be rooting for you.

[RetroLounge]

15. Go on the air and bash the hell

out of everyone of them for your entire show.

Then drop them a PFO letter and look elsewhere.

RL

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

40. Agreed. The blaze of glory approach.

Make it comprehensive and damning.

[KG]

16. the RW is a target rich environment, even w/o thier radio clowns.

there is so much info to get out and ideas to discuss, i think it's a waste of time to even give the blowhards the time of day.

[Liberal In Texas]

17. One other thing....Hve you ever though about just flat out buying your own

radio station?

Yes, I know that sounds absolutely crazy. But Art Bell and his wife bought one in Nevada. Other people have. It can be done.

And yes, I know you don't have enough money in the old savings to do that. But if you do a business plan, start gathering investors, etc. oh you know...(I sure don't, I'm no business man.)

But it's a possible thing. Think big!

[Steven_S]

18. If all they are asking is not to make negative comments....

about the other shows then that might be easy. Just don't make negative comments about them. Just tell the truth.

Watch the vitriol, watch the hyperbole, just comment that "they are mistaken" when relating to something the others said that you don't agree with.

You can attack their positions without attacking them personally.

Besides, there are so many things to discuss without bringing these particular right-wingers into it.

Best to you

[annabanana]

20. you guys are clever.....

can you slam them on the DL? So they're never really sure they're being taken to the woodshed?

I bet you can...

[liberalnurse]

21. Okay Guy......

We can suck up a while until another option is in the bag. I can handle it, you can handle it....We can handle it. There are a multitude of issues to talk about that need aired! We are savvy and sly....

Now we have new goals.....Let's not throw what we have worked for away. There is always other options...right around the corner. Once in the bag....Well, it's a new ball game! Awareness of the right wing slime is common knowledge to your listeners and not what the Guy James Show is about in the first place. It's not that hard to stay in the boundaries if we think about it.....until new options are firm.

[BeachBuckeye]

63. Point well taken

It just difficult to be threatened by "the man".

[Unforgiven]

22. WPTK

can you go back to ptk? or will it be the same edict?

[BeachBuckeye]

34. PTK was sold for 2 million bucks

A small 3000 watt AM station....$2,000,000! Unbelieveable. The Catholic Network bought it.

[Gloria]

23. Attack Bushco, forget about the radio jerks....it's more impt. to

get Bushco's transgressions out to the public than to bash the radio jerks that we don't even bother listening to....

[Garbo 2004]

24. You can start every hour of the show reminding listeners that you have

been warned not to make any negative comments about the other shows the station airs, perhaps naming them, and so those shows and hosts will no longer be discussed. That should get the point across. It might be fun to do that for a while until they either chuck you or you walk off on your own. Better than complying and saying nothing and better than just walking off immediately, IMO. Tell the truth and shame the devil.

Just a thought.

[youthere]

59. I have to agree with Garbo..

I would ride it into the ground. Rant after rant about how you have to "toe the line" and you can't comment on the lies of the other broadcasters because the station likes their bullshit to be pure.

[proud patriot]

25. can you use it , I mean incorperate the censorship into the show

make it a running joke ? Otherwise if it were me
I don't think I could make that promise to them .

Perhaps they are testing you Guy ...:think:

All my best if I think of anything else
I'll post it .....Darnit x(

[ConsAreLiars]

26. It depends on your goals.

By diverting whatever time/effort is toward those guys to a more direct focus on the underlying issues you might bee more effective rather than less. Attacking the RW talking point of the day, or exposing the truth of what is happening, without ID'ing each cog in the machine by name (they're pretty much interchangeable parts, anyway) could be more effective, even with the wavering ones.

For me, it isn't essential to the value of the service you provide, and I think your presence in the area is important to the organizing work going on.

You might step up the fight a bit by using a standard "My contract or the station owner does not allow me to speak critically of XXX ...."

I suspect the station is losing listeners -- you might look at ratings reports if you can, and somebody is using that to justify shutting you down. There has been a little info here about AAR growing while the RW shows are losing share.

[Zorra]

27. Listen to a RW radio jerk that your stations don't carry and rip her/him/

them apart on the air when called for?

IMO, you need to keep your "voice in the wilderness" out there for all of our sakes.

[Oversea Visitor]

30. Well

They already telling you they dont want a Liberal voice.
Fight.
1) You be a pretty unhappy camper working in that environment anyway.
Why torture yourself. Start looking for alternative now.
2) The Guy James Show is a product with its following. Now now dont
go pissing off your customers.
3) Just tell them your listeners love you the the way it is so end of
the day changing track means reduction in listeners. Anyway your
rating be better somewhere else hey.

OK DRAW THE BATTLE LINE. STATION NEED LISTENERS. LISTENERS IS REVENUE.

Bottomline listeners tune in to the show hey not the other way around.

[Skinner]

32. That sucks.

That is so lame. Sadly, I think it all comes down to this:

If they pull the show, then you're not going to be making negative comments about anyone. So, basically, your two choices are these:

1. Do what they ask you to do. Result: You can't bash Limbaugh, Hannity, Ingram, O'Reilly, Savage, etc. But you *can* bash all the other assholes on the right wing.

2. Refuse to do what they ask. Result: You still can't bash Limbaugh, Hannity, Ingram, O'Reilly, Savage, etc. And you also can't bash all the other assholes on the right wing. Because you have no show.

Given those two options, I would at least try to live with their restrictions. If it sucks, you have the option to quit later. I vote stay on the air.

[BeachBuckeye]

45. Thanks Skinner!

I'll seriously consider your good advice.

[ohio_liberal]

48. It is good advice

However, if you choose to go out in a blaze of glory, don't quit. Make them let you go. Then use that to your advantage.

[G_j]

51. my first inclination was the second choice also but

then again these are such extraordinary times. The drips have been adding up and (fingers crossed) we could even be approaching a point of critical mass. Perhaps it would at least be better to wait until DSM, Plame and a host of other scandals play out. Certainly one liberal voice among a chorus of RW voices is important at this extremely crucial juncture in time.

It is a tough question though. How very inappropriate to be told not criticize people who make their living lying and slandering others.

edit: oops, this was supposed be to a response to the OP

[msongs]

65. Challenge their license: invite the FCC people to talk about it on air....

they have to have multiple view points in the public interest. Invite members of the FCC board to come on the air and talk about the subject

Msongs
www.msongs.com/political-shirts.htm

[sellitman]

66. As usual Skinner is the voice of reason.

I think his way is the only way.

Stay on air...we need you!

[jmatthan]

78. This is a problem for the 1000 DU Activists

eom

[dissent1977]

33. Be creative, and go all out on the right-wingers

You need to attack Limbaugh, Savage and all the other ones, but you need to do it in a way that brings all kinds of attention. If you are going to get kicked off the air you have to make sure people notice when you get the boot. If there is enough public outcry another station will likely pick you up, and your ratings may well be higher than ever before. I say attack, and make sure you attack as loudly as possible.

[Catherine Vincent]

36. Well, if it were my show I would abide by their demand.

As long as the others agree to not bad mouth you. You said there aren't that many liberals shows there, so we need you among all those loud mouth conservatives.

Keep up the good work!:thumbsup:

[KelleyKramer]

39. Couple questions ...

But first I must say.. what a bunch of freaking cowards!!

Can you point out when they lie? Is that considered a 'negative' comment by these cowardly Fascist suits?

Or what if you just play sound of one of them lying.. and then with no commentary just ask your audience 'did ya hear that??'

The more I think about it, the more ridiculous this is.

You would know best if it might be effective to prepare a long list of questions like that for the 'suits' to answer (after all, they are threatening to pull you, so you need the exact ground rules of their censorship), and see if maybe they will figure out on their own how ridiculous it is.

Other than that, I would suggest...

One. Consider quitting only if you think you can get enough publicity out of it to be picked up by another station.

Two. Stay, and slowly push the envelope and see how far you can take it.

Also, sounds like they want you off anyway, and this is just a very cheap and cowardly way to do it.. but if you agree to the ground rules, I would ask for them in writing.

Best!
Kelley

[BeachBuckeye]

41. Much great advice give so far. Here are the comments that got them upset

This was the opening monologue during the 7pm hour this past week. The storm cut the stream to the internet but this is what the on-air audience heard:

Rush Limbaugh is a pill popping maggot who makes his 35 million a year feeding off of the ignorance, hatefulness and downright stupidity of his listeners. Anyone who listens to his program and takes what he says as truth should be ashamed of themselves. His people know that the illegal drug addict has a standing invitation to appear on this show and defend his outrageous, putrid attacks on Democrats. He is proudly put forth as the anchor of many right-wing radio stations across the country, including this one. They mold their entire schedules around him. They warn all of their on air personalities that they must tow the Limbaugh line or hit the highway. I have personal knowledge of this.

You’re on a right-wing based station and don’t spew the party line, you’re gone. Its comical really to see what happens when a Limbaugh infected station decides to go the final mile and eliminate any hint of what might be considered less than fanatical right-wing views. You should hear the rhetoric by some of the local personalities on these stations after they’ve been warned to totally conform to Rush’s ideology. I’ve heard people who were fairly moderate make sudden 90 degree turns to the right just to keep their jobs. What media whores they are. They must be so proud. Oh yes, they try and convince themselves that they REALLY do believe the lies coming from Limbaugh’s mouth but in their quiet moments alone it must be gut wrenching to know that you are willing to sell your soul for a buck. Hell, Limbaugh does it so why not every other air personality on the stations?

They try and defend their actions to those of us who will not sell out by saying cute little phrases their consultants have taught them. “Oh, we owe it to our conservative base to give them what they want” they say. Sure you do. Sure you do. You owe it to your right-wing base to give them what they want so you can make the almighty buck. To hell with the rest of the community. To hell with those who might not agree with the fanatical ravings of a half crazed drug junkie. Never mind that the whole world knows that Limbaugh is in trouble with the law for buying illegal amounts of prescription drugs. Never mind he is so gutless he couldn’t even do it himself but had to send his maid out after his fixes. Never mind that the man himself and I hesitate to call him a man…..never mind that he has called for the prosecution and imprisonment of those who illegally take drugs. “Lock them up and throw away the key” he said many times on his program. And yet there are radio stations across this country who seem to be proud to have this slime ball on their program line-up. How much of a conscience and community responsibility do you have if you promote the likes of a Rush Limbaugh? it’s the money……of course it’s the money. Just like millions of Americans , radio stations all across this land are willing to sell their self respect to bring in the greenbacks…..money tainted by the stench coming from a self-absorbed, hypocritical drug addicted con-man…..Rush Limbaugh.

He’s on something like 600 stations? That may be off the mark I don’t know. But I receive e-mail almost every day from someone who says I’m jealous of Rush Limbaugh. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have my self respect and I would never think of selling out for the almighty dollar. This show is only on two stations right now along with a very respectable internet audience but I would rather talk to several thousand of you each week and bring you truth than I would sell my soul to the devil for dirty money.

[Hard_Work]

69. hmmmm

read it through again in your head, and everywhere you have him who shall not be named, insert a censor <beep>. I would continue my rants, but beep out the name of the personality. Technically, you conform to the new rules, right?

By incorporating the disclaimer in another post that you are not allowed to lambast other personalities on the station, you can turn this into a running joke, and at the same time get the message/point across...

[Fescue4u]

44. Radio shows reporting on radio shows is bit lame anyway

Take a major news event without any developments for awhile. After a few days they start reporting on what the other stations are doing, or what THEY are doing themselves.

Personally, I would discuss the issues rather than discussing the other shows.

[Ganja Ninja]

46. Right wing propaganda is an issue.

Getting an ultimatum like this is just how they operate and how they control the media. I wouldn't accept it and I would go on talking until they fire me.

[JanMichael]

47. How about a DU Activist group writing campaign to the local

media?

[ArkDem]

49. Have another fundraiser.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

50. Have you thought about approaching Sirius. It seems that with the gap

of no AAR, perhaps they can find a slot for you.

[ThomWV]

53. Tell Your Audience

I would open every show with the disclaimer that you are not permitted to say anything that disfavors those people. Then continue with your show and use a beeper to beep out the names. You can hold the beeper in your own hand.

Make a public mockery out of their demands.

[Catherine Vincent]

54. That's a good suggestion.

Guy, be sure to let us know what you decide.

[Occulus]

64. Public mockery

Didn't Howard Stern do exactly that- and isn't he now a national radio voice?

I'm just sayin'.

[Hard_Work]

70. ahhhhughhhh

I posted essentially the same idea before I finished reading the thread.:)

Great minds, I guess...

[Dudley_DUright]

73. What happens if your callers

talk about "the list"? Will the station require you to censor them as well? You can always use the Rove excuse and not mention them by name but just refer to them as for example "that pill popping propagandist". Everyone would know who you mean.

[BeachBuckeye]

75. Good idea Dudley!

Lets do it. Hell, they are probably monitoring this thread anyway so lets go for it and see if they squeal.

[Dudley_DUright]

80. Blush

:blush: Just trying to help. You can think of "the list" as sort of like George Carlin's seven dirty words you can't say on radio/TV. You can obliquely refer to them all you want, but you can't say them explicitly without being bleeped.

[newyawker99]

56. kick

:kick:

[JanMichael]

57. Kick

nt

[nittygritty]

58. just lay low for awhile

on bashing RW talk-show assholes.

Plenty of other scandals to focus on for now.

Doesn't mean you can't sneak in a lick or two every once in a while, as far as Limpballs or the other radio bastards are concerned...

Better to have you remain on the air kicking RW butt on other issues than not at all, IMO.

[Coexist]

60. I would go with my gut.

I hate censorship - but cannot make a decision (or even help make one) when someone's livelihood is involved.

[BeachBuckeye]

62. Really, its not my livlihood involved

DU'ers and other listeners pay for some of cost of the air time for the program. I make up the shortfall out of my pocket.

[insane_cratic_gal]

67. Don't compromise your rights

Why can't you discuss RW talks shows?
Why is there a gag order on your opinion.

Tell em to piss off!

[Norquist Nemesis]

68. What are "and others"?

I can see getting around it by not being specific in naming a show, but instead being descriptive such as "a far-right conservative host" or "one of the right-wing media drones". But if "and others" is not defined, that puts you in an untenable situation as a liberal radio show.

If they are demanding that of you, (the "and others" thing), then you should demand the same restrictions on the other shows. Also, start getting the word out about this (call reporters, editors, producers...media contacts you have) to get this discussed in the public arena.

Just my 2cents.

[Puzzler]

71. I assume, of course...

... that the RW shows they air never make any negative comments about you, or any other LW programs. ;)



-P

[MsTryska]

72. I'm sorry - does the First Amendment not apply

in this situation?

[BeachBuckeye]

76. No, it really doesn't

They own all the toys on the playground and they can pick them up and go home any time they please.

[MsTryska]

79. oh....that sucks

well y'all could always switch from sniping other show to sniping the politicians and "expert pundits" instead, maybe?

[FreedomAngel82]

74. Just wondering

do you think you could get together with other progressive talk hosts and open a left-leaning network and that way you guys don't have to worry about censorhip. :shrug: So are they allowed to say things about you and other progressive talk show hosts and play things from your show? They're allowed to spew their hate speech.

[jmatthan]

77. You will have to demand for a common policy

in that whatever you agree to, the others will also have to agree to also, otherwise it would be a violation of your rights.

So they have to agree not to criticise you or any other liberal talk shows that are on air, as you should write the agreement in a manner that involves the air waves rather than just your station.

A clever US lawyer should be able to get this done in a manner whic makes it impossible for them to make you sign any such agreement.

Jacob Matthan
http://jmpolitics.blogspot.com
Oulu, Finland