Editor:

In response to your editorial of 9/21/01, I too was disturbed by the news that Clear Channel Communications had released a list to its 1200+ affiliated radio stations of 16 songs that were considered inappropriate for airplay in the wake of the Trade Center tragedy. The news that Clear Channel Communications had issued a list of songs deemed inappropriate (including peace anthems such as John Lennon’s "Imagine" and the Youngblood’s "Get Together") raises legitimate concerns about protecting freedom of expression.

I agree with your editorial in offering the opinion that freedom of artistic expression must be safeguarded. However, your editorial was inaccurate in claiming that Clear Channel Communications had "banned"the 160 songs from airplay.

According to NPR coverage of this story, Clear Channel released the list suggesting that the 160 songs were inappropriate, while leaving airplay up to the discretion of individual affiliate stations.  Both NPR and Clear Channel spokespersons were clear that this was not a "ban" as such.

Commerical radio stations already have the life squeezed out of their playlists under ordinary circumstances due to the fiscal realities of corporate control.

Nevertheless, the news of Clear Channel’s attempt to homogenize their playlists in the wake of the attack is disturbing. However, their attempt was not a ban, as your editorial stated. Just as I would challenge media outlets to promote and protect freedom of artistic expression in ordinary and in turbulent times, I also challenge your paper to safeguard its duty of accurate and responsible journalism.

Sincerely,

Kim Kosakowski

Music Department, Scripps College