Business Practices Morally Wrong

Re: “Rigases Give Up Control of Adelphia,” May 24.

I read with some amusement and disgust that the new owners of the cable systems in the Los Angeles area, Adelphia Communications Corp. controlled by John Rigas and family, would be setting “moral standards” on the content that was to be carried on the recently acquired systems in the region.

Remember that?

I don’t have the exact quotes from John Rigas, but what I got from it was (and I’m paraphrasing here), “It’s morally wrong to have that trash on my cable systems.”

So let me get this straight, John. You don’t want adult content on your cable systems because that’s morally wrong. But it is OK to have $3.1billion in off-balance-sheet loans to yourself and family?

No moral problems there, huh?

Jeffrey T. Happ

Pasadena

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Pilots Not Above

Security Screenings

A pilot was insulted because he had to be searched “like a criminal” in full view of the traveling public [“Pilot’s Arrest Adds to Screening Debate,” May 15].

Does he want a little cheese with his whine? Is there something here that I am missing? What does possessing a smart card have to do with searches? Does it put a shield around your body so you can’t ever hide a weapon or be a potential terrorist? Does our pilot and his union remember 9/11 along with the rest of the viewing public?

Do they forget that the terrorists were training to become pilots?

When I step on that plane with my child I want to know everyone on board has been checked by security and will not be endangering my or my child’s life.

Insulting? Absolutely not.

Cathy Carlson

Simi Valley

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Price Not Only Problem With Hollywood Parking

On numerous occasions, The Times has lauded former Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg for providing the leadership and political muscle to get Hollywood & Highland conceived and built [“This Hollywood Lot Seeing Little Action,” May 28].

Why is it that you do not remember Goldberg’s central role when the failure of this ill-conceived project looms? Will you remember this poor use of tax dollars when it is time to make endorsements in state Assembly races?

Ronald L. Winokur

Hollywood Hills

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In the articles about the high price of parking at Hollywood & Highland, you failed to mention that price isn’t the only issue.

At most events, you pay when you drive in, so when the event is over everyone can leave quickly.

But not at the Kodak Theatre. At a recent concert they did exactly the opposite, which caused such a jam it took us literally hours to get out of the parking structure.

Regardless of the price, until they get their management act together, I’m never parking there again.

Phil Cooke

Burbank

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Salomon on the Line With AT&T;

Re: “Comcast Sells AT&T; Shares to Salomon,” May 23.

How long will it take for Salomon Smith Barney to issue a “strong buy” rating on AT&T;?

Derek Lovett

Torrance

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Public Interest or Record Companies’ Interest

Here we go again [“Music Industry to Call for a Federal Probe of Radio Payola,” May 24].

These investigations have been going on for as long as radio has been a commercial enterprise. A few promoters and/or radio stations get slapped on the wrists and the story quiets down for a few years, until someone complains again.

Is the American public that naive? Do they really think radio stations care about playing good songs? If that were true, Britney Spears and Eminem would have no music careers.

Record companies invest millions in producing and promoting the artists in their rosters, and if they don’t get their songs played on radio, none of us would go out and buy their records.

If it’s to their advantage to slip the radio station, either directly or through an “independent” promoter, a little something as an incentive, why shouldn’t they do it? Why should Congress even care about this?

Commercial radio hasn’t been a viable method for an unsigned artist to get exposure since the 1950s.

Those who don’t have that level of clout rely on public/college radio or small independent stations (whose signals can barely cross the street).

A growing number is even starting to find the Internet a great medium for broadcast as well.

If Congress wants to help, it should spend more money on public radio stations and make the airwaves more in the public interest and less in the interests of the record companies.

Eric H. Potruch

Westchester

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