Making Radio Stronger In A Disaster
Vulgar Yes. Slander No.
Bubba the Love Sponge Clem has been found not guilty by a jury of his peers in a courtroom in Tampa in a case that was being watched closely by many in radio as a First Amendment issue. It took a jury three hours to decide former rival Todd "MJ" Schnitt did not prove he was harmed by Clem in a radio war between the two that dates back five years. Clem's attorney said to the jury on Wednesday, "What do you do in a radio war you are losing? Sue. Sue. Sue.
In his closing statement Clem's attorney asked the jury, "Are we really here over an egging and hurt feelings?" He added, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me." Schnitt sued Clem for defamation after Clem repeatedly called both Schnitt and Schnitt's wife Michelle vulgar names on the air and fans of Clem's show shouted Schnitt down at station events and were accused of egging Schnitt's house.
Clem's attorney told the jury, "this is about the first amendment and is protected free speech. You may not like some of the words but that's not the issue. This guy #Todd Schnitt# has made a lot of money insulting people, including his own wife." The jury voted no on all counts brought against Clem in the case.
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(1/31/2013 1:37:56 PM) How is this different from Rush, Sean, Hugh, Bill and others who bad mouth non-public and public figures with names like slut, whore, socialist, commie, and many worse because they disagree with their political stands. Ye shall reap what you sow. |
| - steve fuss |
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(1/31/2013 11:39:56 AM) Too bad they both couldn't lose. While it may not be libelous, one does have to wonder in what context calling someone a "whore" could be considered good radio. Back when I was on the air, I would have expected to be fired for saying such a thing. And I would have no doubt deserved it. |
| - Steve |
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(1/31/2013 10:46:37 AM) Our industry should be so proud... It's nice to know that the 1st Amendment protects even bottom-feeders but really, shouldn't we strive for something better from our medium? |
| - John Devecka |
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