Nipplegate's watchdogs have more than just eyes. They have ears, too. Radio station operator Clear Channel Communications
In Stern's case, he lives on. In the vast majority of markets, Viacom's
If you're looking for a statement from me on whether this was the right move for Clear Channel on a moralistic level, watch how quickly I hand off this hot potato! If I wanted to be divisive, I would have started my own radio talk show.
What interests me is the investing angle. I can think of a few possible winners -- that's right, XM Satellite Radio
At a time when traditional broadcasters can't afford to lose their core diehard listeners to XM and Sirius, even the most noble of intentions in cleaning up their stations could shoo folks into the captive arms of their subscription-based rivals. That's just not sound radio business.
Will Bubba the Love Sponge and Howard Stern get back their audiences, or is it time for them to hang it up? Are they prepared for retirement? Are you? To get an early start, head over to our Retire Early Home Page discussion board. Only on Fool.com.
Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz lives in Miami, one of the six markets that went Sternless yesterday. He does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this story.