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Bicameral, bipartisan plaudits for Clear Channel

A half dozen Washington legislators from both sides of the aisle on both sides of the Capitol have put pen to paper (or keyboard to computer byte, as the case may be) to laud Clear Channel for settling its indecency score with the FCC. Here's a sampling.

From the Senate:

Mary Landrieu (D-LA): "I was pleased to learn about the proposed settlement between Clear Channel Communications and the Federal Communications Commission. Like most Americans, I am concerned about indecency on radio and television, and appreciate steps the media industry is taking to ensure family and quality programming. Clear Channel's proposed actions demonstrate a commitment to cleaning up our nation's airwaves. I commend them for also agreeing to enforce a corporate indecency policy. I hope that Clear Channel's approach will encourage others in the industry to adopt indecency standards that will better serve the public's interest."

John Ensign (R-NV): "I commend Clear Channel's recent agreement with the FCC that satisfies all of the indecency complaints against the company. The action is certainly in the best interests of Clear Channel's listeners and the industry at large. I wish more in the media industry would embrace the responsibilities associated with providing content to American households. "

From the House:

Joe Barton (R-TX, Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee): "Clear Channel deserves praise for recognizing the problem of indecency on the public airwaves and for moving to deal with it convincingly. The recent settlement with the FCC is significant, and it demonstrates that at least one media company is taking its obligation to serve the public interest seriously. I believe that families are fed up with the explosion of indecency, obscenity and relentless profanity which is broadcast into our homes at moments when children are most likely to be tuning in. I hope that Clear Channel's agreement with the FCC indicates that it is fed up, too, and I hope that other media companies will take note and act appropriately."

Gene Green (D-TX): "This record settlement between the FCC and Clear Channel sends a clear message to the public that decency issues are now being taken seriously. Rarely should the government determine what constitutes indecency, because our 1st Amendment values are very important to us. But I am glad to see Clear Channel working aggressively to eliminate indecent speech when children are likely to be listening."

Charlie Gonzalez (D-TX): "The consent decree announced today is the latest step Clear Channel has taken to ensure that the nation's broadcast radio system remains a vibrant medium free of indecent programming. It is my hope that other broadcasters will follow in this effort to raise national programming standards so that American families can enjoy quality programming without being assaulted with indecent content."

Chip Pickering (R-MS): "Clear Channel Communications is to be commended for stepping up to the plate and settling all pending complaints at the FCC. Clear Channel has set the example by which all broadcasters should follow in its efforts and commitment to clean up the public airwaves."