The November 2001 Lawrence Summers Memorial Award* goes to Clear Channel, one of the world’s largest radio networks.

Following the September 11 terrorist attack, Clear Channel issued a list of 150 “lyrically questionable” songs to its more than 1,100 radio stations, asking the stations to avoid playing the songs. Clear Channel has denied the list’s existence in some media outlets, but Clear Channel employees have acknowledged there is such a list.

Some songs with violent themes appeared to be included because they would seem insensitive after the tragedy of September 11. Others, including John Lennon’s “Imagine” and all songs by Rage Against the Machine, appeared to be included primarily because of their peace or anti-establishment messages.

On Clear Channel’s “don’t play” list were:
• Louis Armstrong, “What a Wonderful World”
• Frank Sinatra, “New York, New York”
• The Beatles, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
• Simon and Garfunkel, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
• Cat Stevens, “Peace Train”
• James Taylor, “Fire and Rain”
• Edwin Starr/Bruce Springsteen, “War”

For the complete list, see the St. Paul Pioneer Press at www.pioneerplanet.com/columnists/docs/lambert/docs/137030.htm.