One Step Ahead

[Bo14172]

rtnoel, before I give credence to your post
or repost, I have a few points to bring up and questions. If you caught me this morning, you'd have caught me in a more friendly tone, but seeing the 2 holdings I have suck in the afternoon as well, excuse me if I sound not to thrilled.

Number 1, SFX Entertainment was sold to Clear Channel 5 years ago (August 1, 2000), so the reference in the post has me doubting this person found any phone number or listing for SFX Entertainment.

Second, I very much doubt an indivdual investor can directly speak with the CFO of a major corporation to simply shoot the shit. I've been on the top floors of the mid-sized companies I've worked for. Such calls would be filtered instantly to a low level IR rep.

Last, even if the person did speak with the CFO of Clear Channel I'd guarantee, no I would bet you $100,000 that Thomas Benson isn't the CFO of Clear Channel. CFO Ed Stacey might even be taking you up on the same bet.
_______________________________________________________________

Clear Channel Communications
Contact Information
Address: 220 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]


Financial Highlights
Fiscal Year End: December
Revenue (2003): 2646.90 M
Revenue Growth (1 yr): 8.20%
Employees (2003): 3,600


Key People
• Chairman and CEO: Brian Becker
• COO: Miles Wilkin
• CFO and Chief Administrative Officer: Ed Stacey
_______________________________________________________________

Now, I don't know the relationship, if any, that Thomas Benson has with Mr. Silverman or Clear Channel. I do know this, he certainly isn't the CFO of a company which doesn't exist.
Need proof, here's the link and text of the last witten about Thomas Benson.

http://www.highfivetix.org/Aspx/AboutHigh5/BoardOfDirectors.aspx

THOMAS BENSON currently serves as the EVP & CFO of FXM, Inc., an entity that is acquiring companies in the entertainment business. Mr. Benson served as VP & CFO of SFX Entertainment, Inc., the world's largest live entertainment company, from its formation in 1997 until its sale to Clear Channel Communications, Inc. in 2000. At SFX, Mr. Benson played a leading role in building the company through over 50 acquisitions during a three-year period. From 1996 until 1998 Mr. Benson was VP & CFO of SFX Broadcasting, Inc., one of the nation's ten largest radio station groups. Prior to joining SFX Broadcasting, Mr. Benson spent one year as Vice President Ü External and International Reporting for American Express Travel Related Services, Inc. and eleven years at Ernst & Young LLP where he worked primarily with media and entertainment clients. Mr. Benson holds a BS degree in Accounting from Binghamton University and an M.B.A. in Finance from Columbia Business School.
_______________________________________________________________

I do not know how old this BOD information is, but in my short search I have found little to no information of FXM, Inc. FXM was supposed to be a type of super-management company Mr. Silverman wanted as part of the 2000 deal to fold into, but there were rumblings and problems with the deal. It is not clear whether FXM ever became established.

Before such information like that is spewed, facts need to be straight and certainly some greater detail of the contact needs to be made before I'll buy into such posts. Not saying that it didn't occur, but the post is factually wrong and hard for me to believe that actual contact was made. Provide a number for him and it can be further sourced.

Finally, the most vital question is whether current SPEA shareholders will be protected when the new company is formed. That is why I am surprised at the recent move without such confirmation.

If you would have basic names and facts straight and not wrong by 5 years, plus how you reached Mr. Benson that's one thing. Based on the inacuracies of your post, I need way more than what was offered there to believe it or be assured that current investors are protected.

Bo