Did XM Go Too Far?

Tyler Savery

With the suspension of Opie & Anthony announced today, the popular question seems to be, “Did Opie & Anthony go too far? For investors in, and consumers of satellite radio, the more appropriate question is, “DID XM GO TOO FAR?”

This is not about whether something said was right or wrong. It is not about whether it is moral or immoral. It is not about whether the comments had class or were classless. This is about whether XM Satellite radio made the correct move in suspending Opie & Anthony.

Satellite radio has been seen as somewhat of a safe haven for expression. On air talent did not have to measure each spoken word worried about substantial fines from the FCC if even something as small as the context was judged to be improper. Satellite radio did not have to live to those standards. The question is, “DES THAT SAFE HAVEN EXIST NOW?”

There are many things to consider. Will consumers who pay for satellite radio rebel against XM for this decision? Will consumers that were considering satellite radio now not find it as attractive because it appears to be simply a bigger version of what is on terrestrial radio? Will sponsors, who have come up with some pretty creative advertising on satellite be scared to open up to more edgy advertising? Will other on-air talent feel that there is a censorship issue, and curb their expression and thoughts in fear of some repercussion?

In my opinion, XM should not have taken this step. This is not to say that I found the comments made by Opie & Anthony acceptable in any way. It is about what I feel is unacceptable on the part of XM Satellite Radio. This move has the potential to set up events that no satellite radio listener wants to see happen. It sets precedence and opens a door to more judgment. Frankly, it takes some of the luster and attraction away from satellite radio.

I would have much preferred to see this issue handled in house. Perhaps something along the lines of a fine that would then be donated to charity. This method would have toned down the duo because it hit them in the wallet, while keeping the issue “in-house” enough so as not to let subscribers feel that the censorship train is barreling down the tracks. I would not even mind XM having made a statement that “THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY OPIE & ANTHONY DO NOT NECESSARILY EXPRESS THE VIEWS OF XM SATELLITE RADIO”, and playing each day during the show.

Satellite radio is a medium that allows listeners access to a broad arrangement of listening. Each subscriber has their own tastes. Each subscriber has the ability to listen to what they want, and tune away from what they do not want. In fact, each listener can even BLOCK channels that they do not like.

In my humble opinion, XM Satellite Radio made an error in judgment that perhaps has the potential to be a far greater error than some ill advised and classless comments made by Shock Jocks. Let’s hope that this does not take satellite radio down a path of censorship and guarded commentary.

Position - Long XM