Bubba the Love Sponge v. Scott Schnitt
Todd Schnitt is an American
conservative talk radio host based in
Tampa, Schnitt describes himself as a “fiercely independent conservative with
libertarian influence.”
He currently hosts
The Schnitt Show, the afternoon
drive time show of Tampa radio station
Newsradio 970 WFLA that is nationally syndicated by
Compass Media Networks. His show his show had once been called MJ in the Morning, but is now called The Schnitt Show
The show consists of news, political commentary, lifestyle and pop-culture with sound bites and
parody material. It is broadcast on nearly 50 stations across America and on
XM Extreme Talk 165.
Schnitt sued Todd Alan Clem, better known by his legal name Bubba the Love Sponge. Clem is the host of The
Bubba the Love Sponge Show on
Cox Radio as well as online via RadioIO.
During the lead up to the GW Bush presidency, Schniit became increasingly right wing and it appeared he was hoping to make it it big a a right wing nut radio jock. Schnitt made many offensive comments about the Democratic Party and liberals.
Schnitt brought suit against Bubba the Love sponge for defamation. Apparently Bubba's worst offense was calling Schnitt's wife a "ho,"
It was clear watching Schnitt's demeanor during the recent trail that he was losing. Schnitt even tried to get a mistrial declared when his attorney was arrested for DUI alleging complicity on the part of one of Clem's staffers,
What is the point of a shock jock suing another shock jock except for publicity?
The jury sided with Clem against nasty little Scott Schnitt. Clems' rudeness was ruled protected free speech The jury dropped 48 charges of defamation. Clem is going to have a big parity in St, Petersburg to celebrate the victory with his friend, Howard Stern.
This was a bad day for right wing radio. Hopefully more will follow.