Satellite radio provides shelter for shock jocks

October 10, 2004
When radio shock jocks Opie and Anthony considered their next career move after two firings in four years, the twisted twosome was ready to feign rehabilitation. Or at least that was the plan when they sat down with satellite radio executives.

"We were trying to convince them that we're reformed now, we've learned our lesson," recalled Greg "Opie" Hughes, one-half of the deposed radio ratings juggernaut. "And we heard over and over again, 'Guys, just go crazy. Do whatever you want in there."'

Welcome to the future of American radio.

O&A -- as they're known to a legion of fans -- debuted last week on XM Satellite Radio, bringing their slice of boys' locker room life to every market from coast to coast. The industry's other big player, Sirius, then announced a staggering $500 million deal with self-proclaimed "King of All Media" Howard Stern.

If satellite radio was off a lot of listeners' radar before last week, it now looms as large as the antenna atop the Empire State Building. One industry watcher expects more and more big-name defections from the AM and FM dials if the Federal Communications Commission crackdown on content continues.

"The ancient regulations that the FCC is imposing on terrestrial radio are out of step with reality, and definitely striking a blow against AM and FM radio's ability to remain culturally pertinent," said Michael Harrison, founder of the trade publication Talkers magazine.

Translation: the post-Janet Jackson broadcasting world, with its increased government scrutiny and million-dollar fines for ill-defined indecency, is the best recruiting tool for satellite radio since it began broadcasting three years ago.

Like cable television, satellite radio is not subject to federal indecency rules because it's provided only to paid subscribers. In the case of XM, the 2.5 million customers shell out $9.99 a month; at Sirius, more than 600,000 buyers pay $12.95 a month.

Both Stern and the O&A duo rejected lucrative offers to remain on traditional radio. Both said constant censorship from their employers and the FCC drove them off.

"I'm going because I choose to, not because I was forced out," Stern said after announcing his January 2006 switch to his current 12 million daily listeners. "They've lured radio's biggest star to satellite. It's attractive now to do satellite."

Even Hughes and partner Anthony Cumia, who loathe Stern after a lengthy on-air feud, agreed his decision lent more legitimacy to a business that could use the attention. Sirius has lost an estimated $1 billion since its launch.

"It's put the spotlight on satellite radio," Cumia said after the pair finished their first week of shows. "Just because personally he's an (expletive) doesn't mean he isn't a huge radio star."

The satellite stations have already provided a haven for acts with a far lower raunch factor than the shock jocks, including ex-NPR morning host Bob Edwards, who just debuted on XM.

For an act like Hughes and Cumia, this newfound license to "spread the virus" -- their expression for luring new listeners -- is a revelation.

In 1998, they were fired by a Massachusetts radio station after announcing the very-alive mayor of Boston was killed in a car crash. Four years later, they were fired in New York City after airing a live account of a couple having sex in St. Patrick's Cathedral.

And here they are, resurrected, given carte blanche to get nastier than ever. Yet the boys have some thoughts about what could land them back on the unemployment line.

"We were thinking human sacrifice," offered Cumia.

"Our new contest, 'Sex for Allah,' might cause a problem," Hughes added with a grin, before pausing.

"Here's a perfect end quote," he finally said. "Stay tuned."