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Andy
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Posted on Fri, Nov. 07, 2003
Clear Channel moves to woo bicyclists Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO -Clear Channel Communications has joined forces with the League of American Bicyclists
to promote cycling.
That's after some on-air personalities at Clear Channel radio stations had suggested mayhem against
bicyclists.
In recent months, broadcasts in Houston, Cleveland and Raleigh, N.C., included suggestions to throw
bottles at riders, hit them with open car doors and blast horns. Listeners called in to agree, vent
and share stories.
In announcing the alliance on Thursday, officials for the nation's largest radio group said they
will tolerate no more anti-bicyclist rhetoric by its disc jockeys.
"We look forward to a very productive partnership with this important organization, focused on
promoting safe conditions for bicyclists," John Hogan, president of the company's 1,200-station
radio division, said in an e-mail.
Representatives with American Bicyclists, which represents more than 300,000 riders, met with
officials at Clear Channel's San Antonio headquarters Wednesday to air concerns about "shock jocks"
encouraging motorists to harass cyclists.
Clear Channel said the comments were not meant to be serious. The company has issued an apology and
has disciplined some employees, including firing a Houston producer.
Also, all three stations have since started running public service announcements to educate drivers
about bicycle safety.
Clear Channel stations have promoted or helped sponsor bicycling events for years - more than 100
since 2002.
The company even had a team of riders in this year's Bike to the Beach ride from San Antonio to
Corpus Christi to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The cycling group and company officials intend to meet again early next year to discuss
further steps.
Clear Channel moves to woo bicyclists Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO -Clear Channel Communications has joined forces with the League of American Bicyclists
to promote cycling.
That's after some on-air personalities at Clear Channel radio stations had suggested mayhem against
bicyclists.
In recent months, broadcasts in Houston, Cleveland and Raleigh, N.C., included suggestions to throw
bottles at riders, hit them with open car doors and blast horns. Listeners called in to agree, vent
and share stories.
In announcing the alliance on Thursday, officials for the nation's largest radio group said they
will tolerate no more anti-bicyclist rhetoric by its disc jockeys.
"We look forward to a very productive partnership with this important organization, focused on
promoting safe conditions for bicyclists," John Hogan, president of the company's 1,200-station
radio division, said in an e-mail.
Representatives with American Bicyclists, which represents more than 300,000 riders, met with
officials at Clear Channel's San Antonio headquarters Wednesday to air concerns about "shock jocks"
encouraging motorists to harass cyclists.
Clear Channel said the comments were not meant to be serious. The company has issued an apology and
has disciplined some employees, including firing a Houston producer.
Also, all three stations have since started running public service announcements to educate drivers
about bicycle safety.
Clear Channel stations have promoted or helped sponsor bicycling events for years - more than 100
since 2002.
The company even had a team of riders in this year's Bike to the Beach ride from San Antonio to
Corpus Christi to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The cycling group and company officials intend to meet again early next year to discuss
further steps.
