" During the seminar's panel discussion on programming news/talk radio, moderated by Clear Channel VP Gabe Hobbs, KXL Program Director James Derby stunned many in the audience by admitting outright that Lars Larson was prohibited from further criticism of a local hospital's practices, after it complained to the station.
From the seminar attendees, you could hear audible gasps. One radio executive later told me he felt bad for Larson, who wasn’t in an immediate position to defend himself.
"
Baby James admitted that the decision was from pressure of the sales department after the hospital had finally signed an advertising contract with KXL.
as people sitting in the seminar, I too am shocked however not surprised.
I know that some people have criticized Lars in the past for changing his mind on an issue and accused him of "backing down" to management's wishes. E.g. the Christmas cross.
Lars Larson works for KXL, and KXL does not operate for free, and whether we like it or not, Lars has to do what his boss tells him to do.
As Lars's popularity grows nationwide, that may change. Nevertheless, for now, welcome to capitalism.
11 comments:
unfortunately, the article does not say
Yes, I noted much the same yesterday in my note "Lars Muzzled". I've been sensing some friction in the studio, as Lars formerly used to crack jokes pretty frequently about Sweet Baby James but of late hasn't mentioned him. I think the cat's been released from the bag.
I'd be curious to know what he said. It usually takes a LOT to get someone gagged. Howard Stern was outrageous but he was a gold mine because of it. If you find out what was said, please post it.
So much for the First Amendment. I have an idea the complaining hospital was OSHU. Lars has been on their case, as well as that of the City Council, over their Disneyland tram and the escalating expense.
At any rate it is a shame. But, as Robin said, KXL is a business, and money rules. And James Derby was most likely passing on what he was told by someone higher up in the food chain. Maybe even Paul Allen????
The First Amendment does not apply. The FCC didn't muzzle Lars. His boss did, as is his right, because his boss is paying for the broadcast license.
But the important thing is, we now have evidence that advertising dollars CAN be used to change Lars' tune on a subject. Of course, he would NEVER allow money to influence his decision to support or attack a political candidate. No, that would never happen...
I'm sure nothing changed Lars' tune, he just isn't allowed to sing it on air. I STILL wish someone would find out what it was he said. Is it so bad that no one will repeat or print it? I will be searching for more info on this as it just doesn't sound right. If it was a minor thing, it wouldn't have made news; if it wass a major thing, it would be headlines and we would know exactly what it was. Something doesn't add up.
Laua, you are right. Something is definitely wrong in the state of Denmark. I listen to Lars daily and haven't heard anything derogitory about any hospital other that ridiculing the OSHU Disneyland ride.
Gullyborg, as usual, has his head up where the sun will never shine. Lars is still working for someone who pays his salary. He, therefore, must adhere to what his bosses dictate, whether it is right or wrong. Apparently Gullyborg does not work in such a repressive environment. Therefore, he cannot understand that concept.
Gullyborg needs to get out in the real world occasionally to find out how the working half lives.
Laura - here's what went down:
Lar's wife got sick and he took her to the hospital. Ran into some troubles there, and he ranted about it on-air. I heard the broadcast in bits and pieces, and so I forget the actual hospital, but I think it was Good Sam.
Not that it really matters. On a subsequent broadcast, he semi-apologized for the rant, noting that he's a human and was concerned about his wife, yadda yadda.
Thought that was kind of odd, but then dismissed it. I'm usually working when his show's on, so I only grab bits'n'pieces.
Max, I remember now what it was that Lars was ranting about. It was Providence Hospital. As I remember, he had taken his wife in for some pains she was experiencing. She apparently sat in the emergency(?) room for about 14 hours before she was even seen by a doctor. I believe the problem was kidney stones. I could be wrong. At any rate, I think he had a very valid grievance against the hospital. Apparently they didn't agree. Providence, it seems to me, has a bit of explaining to do as to why it took 14 hours for Mrs. Larson, or anyone, for that matter, to be treated for something that brought her to the emergency room in the first place. I sincerely hope that, if I ever have to be taken to an emergency room for anything, it will not be to Providence. Apparently the staff there does not comprehend the meaning of "emergency".
As for their not liking what Lars said on the radio about his problem, I can only quote Harry Truman - "If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen".
scottiebill,
where in my statement did I say ANYTHING to set you off?
I said that if Lars isn't talking about it, it is because his employer pulls the strings. Isn't that what YOU also are saying?
there is no reason for you to be making personal attacks about the position of my head.
I have had similar experiences with hospitals locally. I ranted and raved when they sent a bill and they dropped it. Of course they almost killed my brother through pure incompetence. By the time I got him to another hospital 2/3 of his brain was covered in blood and he would have been dead in less than 24 hours. The local hospital had drugged him up, sent him home and labeled him a drunk. After emergency brain surgery, he is OK. The bill from the hospital went away after I turned the air blue, but this kind of stuff should not be happening. I don't care if Lars was emotional or not - it sounds like he had a legitimate gripe.
And thanks for the up date guys!
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