Is CC Behind Opposition To New B96/Twin Cities Tower?

Who's Against New Tower?

NORTHERN LIGHTS BROADCASTING's battle to build a new tower for its Top 40/Rhythmic KTTB (B96)/MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL has taken a new turn with the allegation that CLEAR CHANNEL may be behind local opposition to the tower.

A press release issued by TUNHEIM PARTNERS on behalf of NORTHERN LIGHTS alleges that "facts point to interference by radio and media behemoth CLEAR CHANNEL as the leading opponent" of the tower in ST. LOUIS PARK, MN, pointing to CLAIRE CHRISTISON, one of the leading spokespeople for the community opposition to the project, as a salesperson for CLEAR CHANNEL's Country KEEY (K102). The release alleges that CHRISTISON is the registrant of a website opposing the tower and has spoken at City Council meetings and to the media against the project.

NORTHERN LIGHTS' release asks, "Did Ms. CHRISTISON disclose her connections to CLEAR CHANNEL? Did CLEAR CHANNEL pay Ms. CHRISTISON for her time related to opposing the tower? Was Ms. CHRISTISON reimbursed for any of the expenses she has incurred? Why is CLEAR CHANNEL opposing a new tower? Has national and local CLEAR CHANNEL management had any direct communication with ST. LOUIS PARK officials? Have other CLEAR CHANNEL employees been directed to do (so?) Did CLEAR CHANNEL or Ms. CHRISTISON provide free gifts in exchange for residents to oppose the tower project? NORTHERN LIGHTS BROADCASTING calls on CLEAR CHANNEL, and CLAIRE CHRISTISON to come clean on their underhanded and dishonest tactics related to opposing the replacement of an existing radio tower in ST. LOUIS PARK."

Claire Christison Responds

CLAIRE CHRISTISON, who is a CLEAR CHANNEL employee, but a longtime resident of ST. LOUIS PARK, responded to ALL ACCESS as a citizen of ST. LOUIS PARK to the issues regarding a proposed new tower in that community. She's also gone on record for several week on her position on the proposed tower site at www.notslp.com.

She addressed the points from NORTHERN LIGHTS, telling ALL ACCESS, "I did disclose my CLEAR CHANNEL affiliation, however the mayor JEFF JACOBS, and my City Councilperson SUE SANGER were fully aware, as well as other members of the council that I spoke as a citizen.

"No one has paid me a dime to take my position on the proposed tower location. I am acting as a citizen who has control of her own brain, and simply does not want a huge radio tower in my back yard.

"I can't speak for CLEAR CHANNEL and whether they've communicated with ST. LOUIS PARK officials or not. They don't tell me what they do, nor do I consult with them.

"I offered to buy anyone who wanted to discuss this issue a cup of coffee. I hardly call that a free gift of any merit. It's my money, and if I wanna have a conversation with someone I am free to do this.

"I'm being accused of being a puppet for CLEAR CHANNEL, but everyone from B96 is there at the meetings, and they don't even live in the community."

Wrapping up her thoughts, CHRISTISON added, "I have a question for NORTHERN LIGHTS, 'Is this the best ammo you have to take aim at a single mother who lives within the ST. LOUIS PARK community?' I will not be the sacrificial lamb for two radio companies and their battles. No other community in the area will allow a huge tower of 392 feet. NORTHERN LIGHTSshould seek to build this tower in EDINA, the city in which their offices are in. Why does ST. LOUIS PARK want to have it here? I certainly don't. And I certainly don't like my credibility falsely called into question."

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