May 6, 2005 | Sex & Society

Networks smart from indecency fines; cable in FCC's scopes

Television networks, faced with paying almost $8 million in regulatory fines last year, are poised to fight a proposal that would increase indecency fines to $500,000 per violation.

The Federal Communications Commission has been watchful of broadcasters since singer and activist Bono said "fuck" on live primetime TV over two years ago. In January 2004, Janet Jackson's infamous Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction" led to a full-fledged indecency crackdown.

That crackdown has led to record fines and proposed legislation that would increase the per-violation limit from $32,500 to $500,000 and introduce a "Three Strikes and You're Out" rule meaning broadcasters could lose their licenses for multiple violations. There is also a proposal to extend indecency laws to cable television and satellite radio.

If Congress increases indecency fines, it is likely the networks will challenge the law as an unconstitutional fettering of Free Speech. [CNN]