Senate vote lacking on increased indecency fines

By Tom Strode - Aug 31, 2005 - comment

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Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act (S. 193/H.R. 310)—The House voted 389-38 for this legislation, which would dramatically increase fines for indecency on radio and television broadcasts. The measure would: (1) Increase the maximum fine from $32,500 to $500,000 per violation for radio and television stations; (2) up the top penalty for an intentional violation by a performer or network from $11,000 to $500,000, and (3) require a license revocation hearing for a station after a third violation. The legislation would not directly affect cable or satellite programming. The FCC is able to regulate only broadcast radio and television.

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