Eric Boehlert, a senior writer for the well respected and well financed e-zine Salon.com, has written a series of articles on Clear Channel Communications, focusing primarily on its radio station ownership and concert promotion activities. To say that Mr. Boehlert’s articles are unflattering would be a gross understatement. Clear Channel is portrayed as a ruthless company that leverages its considerable power at every opportunity.
Companies in the motorcycling industry like to make money, but there has traditionally been an element of enthusiasm and passion for motorcycles that has tempered business practices and lent a genuine sense of goodwill to most of those involved. The AMA, as overseer of the sport of Supercross in this country for so many years, is a membership organization that has as part of its charter the protection and advancement of the interests of motorcyclists and motorcycling. Although far from perfect, the AMA may well be the White Knight here by steering Supercross away from Clear Channel, to the extent it can.
In our article dated November 13, 2001, we pointed out Clear Channel’s huge bargaining leverage over the AMA stemming from its control of so many important venues. Perhaps, these articles by Mr. Boehlert at Salon.com will lend some insight into the AMA’s decision to break away from Clear Channel despite the loss of AMA sanctioning at such hallowed venues as Anaheim, California. In any event, here is a link to the Salon.com page that indexes the articles by Mr. Boehlert on Clear Channel. You might start by reading the articles entitled “Tough company”, “Radio’s big bully” and “Suit: Clear Channel is an illegal monopoly”.
By the way, I have to thank an MD reader for bringing the Salon.com material to our attention.
