SAN ANTONIO -- About a dozen vocal and noisy people dressed in pirate costumes protested Tuesday in front of the offices of Clear Channel Communications.

The protesters, who said they're from San Antonio, Austin and Houston, were beating drums and chanting "Who's the real pirates? Clear Channel!" to motorists passing by them in the 200 block of Basse Road.

The protesters said they are concerned about the Federal Communications Commission allowing companies like Clear Channel, the largest owner of radio stations in the United States, to own up to 45 percent of radio stations in a market.

"We wanted to make ... people aware ... that there's people trying to control what we listen to and what we see everyday," said a protester, who went by the name of Jose.

Members of the group also said many of the Clear Channel radio stations air programming that is fed from far away locations that does not represent the needs of local listeners.

In a statement, Clear Channel said the protest, "is a clear sign that diverse viewpoints are alive and well in San Antonio."

The protest comes one day before FCC Chairman Michael Powell chairs a public hearing in San Antonio to find out if media giants like Clear Channel represent and serve the local community.

The public hearing will be held at San Antonio City Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Additional Resources:
Clear Channel Responds To Protesters
What Do You Think?
FCC Proposes $750K Fine For Clear Channel