John Banzhaf Files Challenge To Red Zebra's WWXX License Over Use Of 'Redskins' On-Air

Banzhaf

BROADCASTING AND CABLE's JOHN EGGERTON is reporting that GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY law professor and activist JOHN F. BANZHAF III has followed through on his threat to challenge broadcast licenses for the on-air use of the name "WASHINGTON REDSKINS," and his first target is REDSKINS owner DANIEL SNYDER's RED ZEBRA BROADCASTING.

BANZHAF told B&C that he has filed a challenge to the license of Sports WWXX/BUCKLAND, VA, a simulcast with sister WTEM-A (ESPN 980)/WASHINGTON covering the western portions of the D.C. exurbs near WARRENTON, VA.

While the term "REDSKINS" is not considered an obscenity or indecency under FCC regulation, BANZHAF, known for using legal action and public pressure to effect change on issues like smoking, is relying on the statements by some former FCC officials, including former Chairman REED HUNDT and Commissioners JONATHAN ADELSTEIN and NICHOLAS JOHNSON, that call on the Commission to convene a forum to pressure them to not use the name in a self-regulatory manner.

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