Tampa Radio: Bubba Bid Denied By Judge

Bubba Clem

The ratings-tampering lawsuit against Bubba the Love Sponge Clem will go on after a federal judge denied his motion to have the case thrown out.

The Tampa Bay Times reports the radio personality had argued that the case brought by the ratings giant Nielsen didn't belong in federal court and that he hadn't committed fraud. U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore ruled that the lawsuit had enough merit to continue.

Nielsen sued the Tampa shock jock in October, saying he asked several of its survey participants to change their listening habits or lie about how often they listened to his show.

In one instance, it alleges, Clem offered cash in return; he has apologized for his interactions with that listener.

Clem continues to broadcast in the Tampa Bay area over WBRN 98.7 FM, a Beasley Broadcast Group station.