Howard Stern's prediction that his show would soon be the subject of a fine by the Federal Communications Commission came true today, when they decided to fine Infinity Broadcasting $27,500, the maximum possible fine, for a radio show that was broadcast in 2001 on WKRK-FM in Detroit.
The FCC received a complaint from a single listener, who supplied them with a tape of the show. The listener claimed that there was a discussion of a sexual nature during the show. The FCC listened to the tape and sent a transcript of it to Infinity, asking them to confirm that the tape was indeed what had been broadcast.
Infinity claimed they were unable to do so; they no longer had a copy of the broadcast, nor had they made a transcript.
Infinity Broadcasting claimed that the fine was unconstitutional, citing the vague definition of indecency.
It is notable that while the same show was likely broadcast across the country, the FCC opted to only fine Infinity for the one station that the complaint stemmed from.
Tomorrow there will be a rally in support of Stern outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles from 6.am. until 10a.m.
