Expect Kanye West to interrupt BusRadio's programming

The Federal Communications Commission has left it up to local districts to monitor the content on BusRadio, a service providing music for school buses that's used by several local districts. The most controversial aspect of BusRadio involves its airing of commercials -- and its website certainly pimps products, too, including...

By Michael Roberts

September 21, 2009

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The Federal Communications Commission has left it up to local districts to monitor the content on BusRadio, a service providing music for school buses that's used by several local districts. The most controversial aspect of BusRadio involves its airing of commercials -- and its website certainly pimps products, too, including the new DVD Barbie and the Three Musketeers (and no, I'm not making that up). However, some parents have complained about the age-appropriateness of some material -- and judging by the outlet's current top ten, such gripes seem mighty questionable. Atop the current chart is Kanye West target Taylor Swift, with acts such as the Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus and Jason Mraz trailing not far behind. True, some of the other artists listed, including Rihanna, have recorded some comparatively randy tuneage in their day -- but as long as BusRadio isn't explaining that the line "under my um-ber-ella" is an invitation for dudes to go under Lady R's skirt, the kids probably won't be warped for life. If previous generations listened to Tiffany and Debbie Gibson and lived to tell the tale, this one should be able to survive BusRadio.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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