I think we are missing the point.   Clear Channel has dropped Stern because of the FCC. Faced with huge fines from the FCC, they had little choice. You can make a case for CC being in bed with the goverment, but CC is not controlling the game plan.

Stern may have had good ratings, but that does not always translate to large advertising rates.   Many advertisers were leary about running spots on his shows.

Let's face it, the FCC is intimidating broadcasters.   This reminds me of the 1950's were broadcasters were intimidated by advertisers into not allowing suspected communists from working.

We rarely learn from our past mistakes.