OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Issue Position: Broadcast decency

Issue Position

By: Tom Cole
By: Tom Cole
Date: Jan. 1, 2012
Issues: Technology and Communication

On February 16, 2005, the House passed The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005.This important bill will restore some teeth to broadcast decency laws and begin to better protect America's children. The law states that indecent material is not appropriate for television. Unfortunately, over the last several years, some in the media have concluded that they are willing to pay fines for the privilege of airing the very material that they know millions of Americans will find offensive. The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act increases the amount the FCC may fine broadcasters from $32,500 to $500,000 per violation. It also increases the maximum fine against individual performers who willfully or knowingly violate decency standards during a broadcast from $11,000 to $500,000. This legislation is a good first step in enforcing decency standards for television and radio stations. It now awaits action in the Senate.


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