Our Children Deserve More Responsible Primetime Programming - by Congressman Simpson

Our Children Deserve More Responsible Primetime Programming - by Congressman Simpson

Washington, D.C. - As a Member of Congress, I receive thousands of letters each year from my constituents covering a wide array of issues and concerns. The prescription drug bill, immigration reform, the war in Iraq, and the budget deficit are just a few of the concerns that have been mentioned most often in letters over the last year. There is one issue, however, about which I have received more mail than any other - and perhaps more mail than the next two highest issues combined. That issue is the growing concern of parents regarding the prevalence of filthy language and inappropriate messages that seem to have become the norm, rather than the exception, on our nation's public airwaves.

Like many of you, I spent a portion of Super Bowl Sunday enjoying a great game - perhaps one of the best ever. Unfortunately, my enjoyment quickly turned to dismay when the family entertainment suddenly changed to a shockingly provocative and appalling halftime performance. While I was disappointed and frustrated by events of that show, I cannot begin to imagine what those few moments might have meant for a family with small children who were innocently watching a prime time sporting event often promoted as family-friendly.

I want to be clear that I'm not just referring to the tasteless actions which led to brief nudity. We must not lose sight of the fact that the halftime performance also included references to drug use and a disrespectful use of the American flag. Millions of families from across the globe turned on their televisions that night hoping to see an exhilarating football game between two great teams. Instead, the performers and producers managed to turn yet another much-anticipated television event into an uncomfortable, distasteful experience for children and parents alike.

Another unfortunate example of this problem is the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) refusal to sanction a performer's use of an expletive on national television during the Golden Globe Awards. The FCC's decision to not punish the performer sets a dangerous precedent that may well permit such words to be broadcasted in ever growing frequency in the future. In response to what I feel is an intolerable decision by the FCC, I have written to FCC Chairman Michael Powell asking him to reconsider the decision and to move aggressively to sanction those individuals and entities that violate indecency standards.

In addition, I have asked Chairman Powell to take swift action against those responsible for this year's Super Bowl halftime show - including the performers and the networks. It is a violation of federal law to broadcast "obscene or indecent programming" or to utter "obscene, indecent or profane language by means of radio communication." I believe these two most recent examples clearly demonstrate that the media elite believe they are immune from federal laws and regulations governing decency on publicly-owned airwaves. It is about time the federal government took control of this situation and punished those involved who allowed it to happen.

I am pleased Chairman Powell is now heading in the right direction. Immediately following the game, he condemned the halftime show and ordered a swift and aggressive investigation. In addition, he is asking his fellow FCC Commissioners to overturn their ruling on the Golden Globe's incident and take action against the performer. I commend Chairmen Powell for taking these actions and look forward to working with him should any changes in law be required.

One of the most unfortunate consequences of our nation's quantum leaps forward in technology and innovation has been the immediate availability of corrupt influences on children and young adults. Parents are constantly guarding against these influences and working hard to ensure their children are raised correctly and instill in them a sense of self worth, pride and respect for others. Parents, therefore, must be given the opportunity to raise their children in an environment free of indecent or profane language streaming from our nation's public radio and television airwaves.

While there are many pressing issues facing our nation and its citizens, I can think of nothing more important than providing families and children with the opportunity to learn from and enjoy television programming untainted by the stench of drugs, sex, and violence during primetime hours.

Judging by the amount of mail I've received on this subject - I am comfortable the vast majority of Idahoans feel that way too.