Do you remember a time when radio stations were permitted to play what THEY wanted? Neither do I. And, if I do, it is a fog. I vaguely remember a time where a song wasn't played twice in the same hour. I think their MIGHT have been SOME diversity, but, I'm not sure. It is sad that our future generations are going to grow up in a Clear Channel world, but what can we do about it? Clear Channel seems to control not only our DJs, but our bands. Telling us what they think we should be listening to. The future doesn't look very bright for music lovers and the bands they worship.
I didn't know much about Clear Channel before I started writing this, and I still don't claim to. But, like most people, I was taught to hate them without knowing anything other than that they control what we hear on the radio. So, before I wrote this 'article' I thought I'd do some research so I don't sound like a complete idiot on the topic. I was amazed at how much Clear Channel controls and how much power they have over what we consume. And, it made me hate them even more. All of my information comes from Clear Channel Bites, a very detailed site about Clear Channel and the evils they bring to the world. I recommend going to this site for further information. This Rolling Stone Article is also very interesting. Also, check out the Clear Channel website and learn more from the source.
Clear Channel not only owns radio stations in every state in the US, but they control 135 concert venues and account for 70% of concert ticket sales in the U.S. in 2001. They control everything that goes in and out of the radio, black-listing bands that do not use their concert promotion firm or "coercing acts into playing shows for little or no fee by refusing to air their latest songs unless they appear". Since this is predominatly a music page, I wont go into detail as to the many other things they control in the entertainment industry. If you are interested, PLEASE visit the sites listed above. I will just say that one thing I learned from Clear Channel Bites, the Bush family is VERY close to the company. Surprised? Neither was I.
I can't believe I wondered why one of my favorite local radio stations (owned by Clear Channel) shut down. I stopped listening (along with many other people) to it once CC dug their deep bloody claws deeper into my favorite DJ. So, many people lost their jobs because of a lack of interest in the crappy Alt. Rock they were shoving down our throats. I mean, how can you justify playing the same song on the hour EVERY hour. We lost talent because of greed. Because of some old white guys who have never even heard the music they are forcing us to listen to. They rely on how much a band can promote them, rather than the sheer talent of a band. If they don't have to listen to this crap, why should we?
Recommendation: Question what you are REALLY listening to. Do you REALLY like Good Charlotte, or are you drawn to them because every time you turn on the radio they are being played? Are they REALLY THAT talented...obviously the answer is, NO. So, don't tempt yourself. Find your music somewhere else. I find most of my music off of the internet...(i.e. searching through Amazon.com) In closing, learn more about what you are listening to and the politics behind it. Or, just listen to what you are really hearing and not what you are being told you hear.
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