Have you noticed the lack of variety in music lately?  Perhaps it’s because Clear Channel has been gobbling up many of the media outlets.  According to their website:

Clear Channel Radio, the largest operator of radio stations in the United States, provides advertisers with a coast-to-coast platform of more than 1200 stations. Broadcasting across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Clear Channel programming reaches more than 110 million listeners every week. Clear Channel Radio reaches 54% of all people ages 18-49 in the U.S. daily.  Advertisers spend nearly 20% of their radio advertising dollars with Clear Channel.

In addition to the reach of our own 1200 stations, Clear Channel�s Premiere Radio Network syndicates more than 100 programs to more than 7,800 radio stations total. Premiere reaches 180 million listeners a week with its network of top #1 names including Rush Limbaugh, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Rick Dees, Casey Kasem, Jim Rome, Carson Daly and Art Bell. Premiere also broadcasts Clear Channel Entertainment concerts and new CD debuts, enhancing the synergies between divisions.

Clearly, if Clear Channel has an opinion, we are likely to hear it (or not hear about it if they disagree and don’t want us to know).

I knew that Clear Channel was taking over radio, but I didn’t realize the extent:  9 stations in Los Angeles and 7 in Santa Barbara.  I didn’t know Santa Barbara even had 7 stations in it; I wonder if any remain that aren’t CC.

Stations owned by Clear Channel in the LA area:

KACD-AM (AA), KBIG-FM (AC), KFI-AM (NT), KHHT-FM (UAC), KIIS-FM (CHR KISS), KLAD-AM (T), KOST-FM (SAC), KXTA-AM (S), KYSR-FM (Star 98.7) (Mod AC),

Stations owned by Clear Channel in the Santa Barbara area:

KBKO-AM (S), KIST-AM (S), KIST-FM (CHR KISS), KSBL-FM (K-LITE 101.7, SAC), KSPE-FM (SP), KTMS-AM (NT), KTYD-FM (Rock)

Check you local coverage here by typing in a city name.

So why mention this now?  Because the FCC is reviewing the rules.  The Future of Music coalition is gathering signatures for an open letter to FCC Chairman Michael Powell, asking the regulator to keep the airwaves from being owned by megacongloms like Clear Channel. It’s been signed by people like Stevie Nicks, Jimmy Buffet, Tom Waits and Michael Stipe.  You can sign it here.

If you’re interested enough to read more, there are links about the issue here.