Heavy fines proposed by the Federal Communications Commission last week demonstrated its newfound resolve to fight broadcast indecency. With Congress and the Bush administration getting into the act, too, Washington’s message is clear: Coarse broadcasts will face tougher scrutiny and potentially steeper penalties.
Lawmakers from both parties called for stronger FCC enforcement and self-restraint by the networks as Congress held its initial hearing last week on a bill to increase tenfold—to $275,000—the possible fine for broadcast indecency.
The hearing came a day after the FCC proposed fines totaling $755,000 against Clear Channel Communications for broadcasts on four of its Florida radio stations featuring crude sexual themes, and $27,500 against Young Broadcasting for a live interview on KRON-TV in San Francisco that showed a man exposing himself.
Some said the FCC should do more.
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