House approves large increase in indecency fines

By Tom Strode - Feb 15, 2005 - comment

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 389-38 on Feb. 16 to increase dramatically the fines for indecency on radio and television broadcasts.

If the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act, H.R. 310, becomes law, the measure would:

  • Increase the maximum fine from $32,500 to $500,000 per violation for radio and television stations.
  • Up the top penalty for an intentional violation by a performer or network from $11,000 to $500,000.
  • Require a license revocation hearing for a station after a third violation.
  • Mandate the Federal Communications Commission act on indecency complaints within 180 days.

“Hurray and kudos to the House for doing the right thing and taking the first step toward cleaning up the pigsty that popular entertainment has become,” ERLC President Richard Land said. “The airwaves belong to the people, and the people’s representatives need to enforce decency standards.”

Sen. Sam Brownback, R.-Kan., is sponsoring a similar bill in the Senate, but his proposal would increase the maximum fine to $325,000 for stations.

Neither bill would directly affect cable or satellite programming. The FCC is able to regulate only broadcast radio and television. On TV, that includes such networks as ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox.

Opponents of broadcast indecency are urging President Bush to name someone who will enforce the rules as FCC chairman. Michael Powell recently resigned from that post. You may express your viewpoint to the President by calling the White House comment line, (202) 456-1111, or by emailing through the ERLC’s Web site.

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