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The Indianapolis Star reports Tom Griswold of the Indianapolis-based (CC Radio's WFBQ-FM) syndicated "Bob & Tom Show" says he has no intention of testing CC Radio's "zero-tolerance" policy on indecency. Griswold and co-host Bob Kevoian have made careers out of sexual innuendo and double entendres on morning airwaves, as their "Bob & Tom Show" is syndicated to more than 130 affiliates via Clear Channel's Premiere Radio Networks.

"We're going to do a show that a soccer mom can listen to with her kids in the car," Griswold told the paper.

Griswold said, however, a standard represented solely by previous fines makes it difficult to know what material is off-limits. "The rules are very vague," Griswold said. "I'm not going to take the chance of being anywhere near the line. We have pulled way, way back."

Griswold said he and Kevoian asked comedian Rodney Carrington, one of the show's most-frequent guests, to refrain from playing a handful of questionable songs in Wednesday's broadcast.

"We have to make this decision at 6:30 in the morning, talking to some comedian," Griswold told the paper. "The FCC has months or years to read transcripts and listen to tapes to decide, after talking to 16 lawyers, what is or what isn't acceptable."

CC Radio's "The Regular Guys" off air in Atlanta

CC Radio WKLS-FM Atlanta morning duo "The Regular Guys" (Larry Wachs and Eric Von Haessler) are off the air until further notice. Sources tell us they want clarification from about CC Radio CEO John Hogan's new contractual policy (2/26/04 RBR Daily Epaper #39) that talent will be personally liable for fined levied in any future cases of on-air indecency.

RBR observation:

We wonder how many DJs and hosts will be willing to sign such new wording? It's entirely possible Wachs and Von Haessler aren't interested in signing. At the very least, they are likely bringing in their attorney on the matter.

Emmis, Susquehanna adopting indecency policies as well

The Indianapolis Star reports Emmis Communications is preparing a "zero-tolerance" policy on indecent content. Rick Cummings, Emmis Radio President, told the paper attorneys are reviewing details that will be included in such a policy. "We want it to be carefully thought out. It's no secret that the FCC standard is a little bit vague."

Last week, the FCC imposed $28K in fines for material WKQX-FM Chicago's Mancow broadcast in 2001 (2/19 RBR Daily Epaper #34).

Cummings said seminars are planned for on-air personalities and managers.

"We've told all of our people, 'Look, just don't be "blue" anymore. You can still be controversial, you can still be edgy,' " Cummings told the paper.

The same is coming soon from Susquehanna: "We are expecting, either today or tomorrow, some statement from the president of our company to all the air talent," Dan Bennett, Susquehanna Dallas VP/Market Manager told the local Star-Telegram newspaper. "But I can assure you that we have dealt with it a lot internally. Our guys totally understand that this is a real serious issue, and we need not to make mistakes."

David Kennedy to receive 2004 Beville Award

The NAB and Broadcast Education Association (BEA) will award the 2004 Hugh Malcolm Beville, Jr. Award to Susquehanna Radio President David Kennedy. The

Beville Award, which recognizes the memory and life's work of broadcast research pioneer Mal Beville, is presented annually in honor of outstanding contributions to the field of broadcast audience research. This year's Beville Award will be presented at the BEA Annual Convention Awards Ceremony, 4/16 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Hannity's new book to debut at #1 on NYT bestsellers' list

New York, NY, February 26, 2004-Sean Hannity's new book, "Deliver Us From Evil: Defeating Despotism, Liberalism, and Terrorism," will debut at #1 on The New York Times hardcover nonfiction bestsellers' list on 3/4, according to The New York Times.

"We are proud of this latest achievement by Sean," said John McConnell, SVP/Programming at ABC Radio Networks. "It's one more example of the public appeal of the insightful views and commentary that listeners of The Sean Hannity Show enjoy every day."

GAO report recommends nixing 17 VOA services

A recent GAO report to the Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations for the fiscal year 2004 budget request to Congress, the Broadcasting Board of Governors proposed the elimination of 17 Central and Eastern European language services managed by the Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) in order to free resources for higher-priority initiatives such as the war on terrorism.

Wired 96.5 helps Philly elementary school

Beasley's "Wired 96.5," WLDW-FM, began staffing a busy school crossing intersection of Bliegh Avenue and Walker Street in Mayfair to help students safely navigate their way to and from school each day. In response to the Philadelphia Daily News article calling for a permanent school crossing guard at the intersection, Wired 96.5 will staff the intersection with a crossing guard at 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for students' arrival and departure from school until a permanent school crossing guard is assigned. Wired 96.5 will broadcast live from the intersection at Edwin Forrest Elementary each morning and afternoon to update listeners on its efforts to keep community schoolchildren safe.

Commenting on the community effort, Wired 96.5 on-air personality, Rocco the Janitor said, "Being from South Philly, I understand the importance of community. Our efforts to help keep the students of Edwin Forrest safe reflect that. Wired is just as committed to the community and we look forward to being at Edwin Forrest each morning and afternoon until the City commits to the student's safety by hiring a permanent crossing guard."

NABOB announces Communications Awards Dinner

NABOB will hold its 20th Annual Communications Awards Dinner on Friday, March 12, at Marriott's Wardman Park Hotel in Washington D.C. The dinner annually honors the most prestigious names in entertainment, communications and public service.

National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters Executive Director Jim Winston has encouraged NABOB members to adapt to their marketplaces, diversify and expand.

This year's honorees include Gordon Parks, Jeffrey Wright, Elaine Jones, Patti LaBelle, Bobby Blue Bland and playwright August Wilson.

Christian stations jump on "Passion" bandwagon

Religious radio stations are finding Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" as a great promotional vehicle to latch onto. In Los Angeles, Salem's KKLA-FM has taken up the controversial question of "who killed Christ?" with a campaign to have listeners confess their responsibility and need for redemption by signing an "I'm Responsible" petition on the station's website. In Detroit, Michigan Catholic Radio's WCAR-AM booked all of the seats in one theater of a multi-plex for the premiere Wednesday to resell the tickets to its listeners - - and ended up buying out three theaters.