Clear Channel Stoops to Arrest Threats to Stifle Progressive Voices
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| Also listed in: Ohio Bloggers | Central Ohio |
Tom Thon - Clear Channel VP and Market Manager 614-487-2511 / 614-419-4068
Today at the Statehouse they were heard. The voices that were surreptitiously silenced at 9am earlier in the day would be heard on this occasion. The people do what the people do in this country when they are unfairly silenced. They gather and let everyone know about it.
Supporters of progressive radio in Columbus came out in force and showed that the actions of Clear Channel in ending the progressive format would not happen without a fight - or at least a public showing of disapproval.
More Photos
The Statehouse action was well attended and included words from many in attendance along with Lisa Madrid of OhioMajorityRadio.org, Brian Rothenberg from ProgressOhio.org, Bob Fitrakis of The Free Press, and Mary Jo Kilroy. Mayor Coleman was invited, but did not attend. The gathering was also treated to a call from Stephanie Miller and everyone bid her farewell as her planned last show on WTPG was cut off a day ahead of schedule.
More Photos
The group then gathered in a funeral procession led by a real funeral procession motorcycle driver and easily 3/4 of the 75 plus that was at the Statehouse was also at Clear Channel. Both Lisa and Brian presented both petitions (numbering at this point over 6,000) and talked to Tom Thon, the VP and Market Manager at Clear Channel. I was not allowed in the office, but Brian says that Mr. Thon was not very nice and upon leaving even threatened he and the rest of us with arrest if we didn't leave.
Of course it is private property and he's probably within his rights, but does anyone else find it ironic that a company whose business relies on the free expression and Constitutional guarantees of the media would threaten arrest to those wishing to express their displeasure?
I kinda do. I gave Mr. Thon a call earlier. You might want to as well. 614-487-2511. You might also try 614-419-4068.
Today at the Statehouse they were heard. The voices that were surreptitiously silenced at 9am earlier in the day would be heard on this occasion. The people do what the people do in this country when they are unfairly silenced. They gather and let everyone know about it.
Supporters of progressive radio in Columbus came out in force and showed that the actions of Clear Channel in ending the progressive format would not happen without a fight - or at least a public showing of disapproval.
More Photos
The Statehouse action was well attended and included words from many in attendance along with Lisa Madrid of OhioMajorityRadio.org, Brian Rothenberg from ProgressOhio.org, Bob Fitrakis of The Free Press, and Mary Jo Kilroy. Mayor Coleman was invited, but did not attend. The gathering was also treated to a call from Stephanie Miller and everyone bid her farewell as her planned last show on WTPG was cut off a day ahead of schedule.
More Photos
The group then gathered in a funeral procession led by a real funeral procession motorcycle driver and easily 3/4 of the 75 plus that was at the Statehouse was also at Clear Channel. Both Lisa and Brian presented both petitions (numbering at this point over 6,000) and talked to Tom Thon, the VP and Market Manager at Clear Channel. I was not allowed in the office, but Brian says that Mr. Thon was not very nice and upon leaving even threatened he and the rest of us with arrest if we didn't leave.
Of course it is private property and he's probably within his rights, but does anyone else find it ironic that a company whose business relies on the free expression and Constitutional guarantees of the media would threaten arrest to those wishing to express their displeasure?
I kinda do. I gave Mr. Thon a call earlier. You might want to as well. 614-487-2511. You might also try 614-419-4068.
I work in Hilliard but decided at 11:15 to run back downtown to try and make it to the Statehouse rally but since traffic was so bad and I had to park at City Center, I only made it for the last 30 seconds, quite literally. Regardless, my spirit was with you all and though it was a sad day for our local progressive community, I do think it reaffirmed the solidarity we have, and for that I am grateful.
There is always more to do and we are happy to help in any way we can, including use of our online tools and office space (as I mentioned at the rally).
PS - The deleted comment in this thread was from a wingnut in PA. If they won't allow us on their radio stations, I'm not going to allow them to comment on my blog post. Nyah.
So, we shall meet soon I'm sure of it. :-)