Res. No. 975

Resolution in support of efforts by the Clear the Airwaves Project to require the Federal Communications Commission to uphold their regulations and to encourage and promote positive artists and music on radio stations, particularly WQHT (97.1 FM “Hot 97”) and WWPR Power 105.1, who target youth audiences.

By Council Member Barron

Whereas, Music has consistently been a medium for people to communicate their experiences and explore their duality of culture; and

Whereas, Hip-Hop, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Funk and Neo-Soul music, among others, are genres of music that are of important cultural significance in New York City, and are widely listened to and appreciated by the residents of the City and throughout the world; and

Whereas, These genres of music, most notably Hip-Hop, have become the most consumed music in America by youths who can be very easily influenced by the significant and powerful messages contained in the lyrics; and

Whereas, Radio stations, such as WQHT (97.1 FM “Hot 97”) and WWPR Power 105.1 have been the premiere hip-hop stations in New York City for many years; and

Whereas, Although Hip-Hop can inspire youth audiences, the genre has also been criticized for glorifying violence and misogyny in song lyrics; and

Whereas, Clear The Airwaves Project (CTAP) is an organization whose objective is to limit artists who use misogynistic, violent and destructive lyrics on radio stations, such as WQHT (97.1 FM “Hot 97”) and WWPR Power 105.1, that target youth audiences; and

Whereas, CTAP, The National Black Leadership Alliance (NBLA) and The Central Brooklyn Leadership Council (CBL), with support from similar organizations throughout the United States, have organized protests in front of offensive radio stations, held public forums and conducted consumer-based letter writing campaigns to major commercial advertisers, including McDonald’s restaurants, in order to call attention to radio stations that promote content containing messages that are misogynistic and glorify violence to youths; and

Whereas, These organizations are advocating for radio stations, such as WQHT (97.1 FM “Hot 97”) and WWPR Power 105.1, to broadcast Hip-Hop, Rhythm and Blues, Caribbean, Jazz and a wide variety of music that is produced by artists who convey inspiring messages that would leave a positive and empowering impression on youths of the City; and

Whereas, According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website, airing obscene programming at any time is a violation of federal law, as well as broadcasting indecent or profane programming during certain hours; and

Whereas, The FCC is responsible for enforcing the law that governs these types of broadcasts and has the authority to issue penalties, revoke licenses and deny renewal applications, all while making sure that broadcasters’ First Amendment rights of free speech are protected; and

Whereas, CTAP, NBLA and CBL are also advocating for WQHT (97.1 FM “Hot 97”) and WWPR Power 105.1 to adhere to FCC regulations that state that indecent and profane content cannot be programed between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., and more importantly, obscene content be eliminated entirely; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York support the of efforts by the Clear the Airwaves Project to require the Federal Communications Commission to uphold their regulations and to encourage and promote positive artists and music on radio stations, particularly WQHT (97.1 FM “Hot 97”) and WWPR Power 105.1, who target youth audiences.

PM

LS# 9971

5/17/19 10:06am