Canadian radio station K-97 plays "Money for Nothing" unedited, nonstop for an hour

In response to the CSBC's decision to ban Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" from Canadian airwaves, (see Thursday's post) classic rock radio station K-97 in Alberta decided to play the song unedited for an hour straight this past Friday, January 14th.  From 8pm to 9pm, the station played nothing but "Money for Nothing" as its way of thumbing its nose at the Broadcast Council's ban. 

The station posted a statement explaining the decision:

"K-97 is well aware of the dangers of censorship and the effect it has on Canadian’s Freedom of Speech. K-97 has had many censorship attempts, but through it all the microphones are turned on everyday giving the announcers the freedom to say whatever is on their mind.

 

Earlier this week the CBSC ruled that the song “Money For Nothing” has violated broadcasting decency standards because of the use of the word “Faggot”. The Dire Straits song was originally released in 1985 and has since aired tens of thousands of times across Canada, has won a Grammy and has been performed by GLBT supporter, Elton John. If you listen to the context of the term, you will realize it is an artistic portrayal of a bigoted person looking at the riches and excess of the music industry.

 

While some of K-97’s content may be controversial, we respect the right to free speech for all Canadians and songwriters. That’s why K-97 has decided to go against the grain…yet again, and hold a “MONEY FOR NOTHING HOUR”. From 8pm – 9pm on Friday, January 14^th, 2011 K-97’s Todd James will be playing the Dire Straits “Money For Nothing” unedited and non stop for the entire hour to express our deep concern about this decision and the precedent it sets."

 

K-97's website is linked below if you'd like to leave a comment expressing support, or see what Canadian accents sound like on the radio.

http://www.k97.ca/index.asp?mn=5&cc=2&id=474