CCC Asks Employees To Help Fund New Lobbying Efforts

As demand continues for lawmakers to look into the business practices of Clear Channel Communications, company employees have been asked to allocate a portion of their salaries to help bankroll the giant company's new lobbying efforts, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.

In letters sent out to employees, Lowry Mays, chairman/CEO asked that they help "effectively communicate our political positions with timely access to elected officials … We have seen the need to have influence and impact on legislative issues in Washington as well as at state and local levels," Mays wrote.

"This becomes important particularly as Clear Channel grows," he continued. "It is critical to tell our story and defend our positions.

A "membership application" that offered suggested amounts of up to 1 percent of employees' base salaries was attached to the letter. It was also noted contributions are voluntary and that employees can refuse to contribute "without reprisal from the company."