The Decency Standard

The Decency Standard
By Tom Cole
March 11, 2004

Raising children and having a family isn't the easiest job in the world. The values and morals that parents teach at home are continually at odds with what children hear on the radio or what they watch on television. These negative influences are becoming so commonplace in today's society that it is difficult for parents to teach their children the difference between right and wrong. Recent events, such as U2's Bono using profanity during the 2003 Golden Globe awards and the infamous 2004 Super Bowl performance by Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, have increased the American public's awareness and demand to clean up the airwaves. Many families were watching the Super Bowl that night, and now their small children, who are impressionable and influenced by such things, have been exposed to this indeccent behavior. Parents have a hard enough time raising children without having to preview every television show before allowing their young ones to watch. The increased violence and profane language on television, is a sad example of what has become 'acceptable' in today's society.

We are all on the front line of the fight to uphold standards of public decency. This past week the House of Representatives debated this very issue then voted on and passed the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act (H.R. 3717). I am a cosponsor of this legislation because it increases the fine the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) can levy on such abuses from $27,500 to $500,000 for every incident. The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act sends a clear message to television and radio broadcasters that using the airwaves-which belong rightfully to the American public-comes with the responsibility to follow the FCC decency standards that apply to family-hour programming.

The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act will strengthen already-existing FCC regulations, enhancing the Commission's ability to crack down on those who abuse the system. It does not change the current FCC definitions of obscenity, indecency or profanity, but imposes a "shot clock" within which the FCC has 180 days from the date of an initial complaint to determine if the incident in question was indeed indecent. Then it has another 90 days either to issue a fine or dismiss the complaint. It also allows the FCC to penalize individuals who behave inappropriately on public television, radio or anywhere else in the public view where small children are exposed to its content. These entertainers who willfully or intentionally violate decency standards will now be subject to a $500,000 for a first offense. The plan also directs the FCC to hold a hearing to consider stripping stations of their licenses after a station has been sanctioned three or more times. The FCC may also take into consideration prior violations when licenses come up for renewal.

Americans have taken a closer look at the television performances of our entertainers and have decided there are boundaries of good taste that must not be crossed. I have received many letters from Okalahoma families who are concerned about what their children see on television. I believe it is time for networks and entertainers to follow FCC decency standards especially those that apply to family hour programming. This legislation is a good step in the effort to preserve family values. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Washington to continue this fight for families and children.