The Federal Communications Commission is mulling a change to a policy that, in effect, would open the doors to more obscenity on television and radio.
The FCC is seeking public comment on a plan to fine only “egregious” instances of indecency, The Hill reports. The current policy calls for penalties for broadcasts that feature even “fleeting expletives.”
The agency wants specifically to know how to approach broadcasts of brief flashes of nudity or curse words, The Hill says. And the request for new policy direction comes on the heels of two cases that led to fines for indecency on broadcasters that went to the Supreme Court — and were subsequently overturned. The court, in those two cases, said the FCC’s policy was “vague,” The Hill reports.
The new proposal wouldn’t impact cable, satellite and Internet broadcasts.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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