[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 168 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE COMMENDABLE SUPPORT EFFORTS OF CLEAR CHANNEL 
                          COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 4, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
commendable efforts of Clear Channel Communications Inc. in their 
support of diversity and small businesses within the radio broadcasting 
industry. For a long time, public broadcasting, especially in the area 
of radio, excluded or carried heavy restrictions on the voices coming 
from minorities and women of this country. These binding practices 
limited the freedom of expression for minorities and women in 
broadcasting and provided a frail platform upon which to deliver 
meaningful public affairs and news within these communities.
  Radio broadcasting in past decades has experienced dramatic, positive 
change with the cultivation of environments which support minorities 
and women's matriculation from their traditional auxiliary support 
positions, such as disk jockeys or custodial workers, into more 
influential roles such as managers, engineers, and program directors. 
The change also removed barriers which once denied favorable 
circumstances for members of these populations to gain ownership and 
syndication. This shift has allowed for a broad array of broadcast 
opportunities to include more autonomy in the presentation of public 
affairs discussions, music, and information which more specifically 
reflects the culture and interest of the minority and female listening 
audiences.
  Technological advancements and a growing social affinity for more 
digital interface have placed pressure on the radio industry to 
maintain its standing among other broadcasting mediums. This strain, 
coupled with the nation's financial tensions, has made staying up to 
speed with the changing times all the more difficult. However, 
impressively, the radio world continues to provide phenomenal listening 
programs to the masses. This tenacity has been seen in no place greater 
than within the minority and women sectors.
  Clear Channel recognizes the impact minority and women broadcasters 
have had on broadcasting and has taken a laudable position to make 
investments to ensure their productive futures. Their plan to divest 
448 radio stations in 88 markets, which lead to the donation of six 
stations to the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council, MMTC, 
shows that Clear Channel has a keen awareness of the value diversity 
plays in broadcasting and shows that they have a sound understanding of 
the needs of small, local radio stations. Clear Channel's efforts to 
enhance the infrastructure for these individuals and business owners 
will aid in their abilities to boost their hiring capabilities, expand 
their listening audiences, increase advertisement revenues and support 
their communities by delivering excellent content.
  Mississippi was one of the states privileged to be a part of this 
gesture of good faith with the acquisition of WHJA (AM) in Laurel, 
Mississippi. James Hardman, a minority broadcaster from Tulsa, 
Oklahoma, with decades of experience, plans to put WHJA back on the air 
under a local marketing agreement (LMA) with MMTC. Hardman intends to 
produce high quality and innovative programs focused on the African-
American community while encompassing the cultural differences across 
the State of Mississippi. Economic and political empowerment in the 
African-American community has been difficult to achieve without access 
and control of the mass media resources that impact our communities. 
Clear Channel's dedication to assist with gains in this area creates 
opportunities for success for African-Americans in Mississippi.
  Mister Speaker, I ask you and my fellow colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the meritorious efforts put forth by Clear Channel Inc. 
towards ensuring the viability of the minority and women communities 
within the radio broadcasting industry.

                          ____________________