All four of the major broadcast TV networks – ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC – filed statements last week with the Federal Communication Commission seeking an end to government oversight of indecency standards on television, according to a Dateline New York report.
The broadcasters want to be able to show just as much sex, violence and obscenity as the cable networks, and they don’t want it limited to after 10 p.m. ET.
The networks argued that the regulations violate their First Amendment rights and that the rules are archaic because families don’t just sit down and watch broadcast television anymore.
The Los Angeles Times reported Fox, for example, argued that the FCC’s rules are “stuck in a bygone era” and unfair to broadcasters because cable and online outlets do not face the same regulations.
“The FCC should affirm that it has no right to deny broadcasters the same First Amendment protections enjoyed by every other medium of communication,” Fox said.
Parents Television Council President Tim Winter, however, opposes eliminating decency standards.
CBS, however, assured the FCC it needn’t worry that relaxing its enforcement will make “broadcast television some sort of red-light district.”
Besides, the network added, “The day when a child watching television was almost certain to be watching broadcast television has long since passed.”
According to Dateline, Fox elaborated on CBS’ argument: “Americans today, including children, spend more time engaged with non-broadcast channels delivered by cable and satellite television, the Internet, video games and other media than they do with broadcast media.”
NBC agreed: “Broadcast TV is not a uniquely pervasive presence in the lives of 21st century Americans.”
The network filings came in response to an April request from the FCC – since expired – for comments on a proposed change in policy to allow “fleeting” or “isolated” instances of nudity and cursing on public airwaves without subjecting the networks to fines.
Several news outlets reported more than 101,000 consumer comments poured in, while the networks filed just under the deadline, asking the FCC to go even further in abolishing all decency standards.
Yet Winter and the Parents Television Council argues the FCC must heed the people.
“The outpouring of the American people to the FCC is tremendous on the issue of broadcast indecency. The over 101,000 comments received over this FCC proposal dwarfs the number of people communicating to the FCC about any other matter,” Winter said. “The American people (those without armies of lobbyists) are concerned about the volume of indecent material on TV that is targeting their children and grandchildren. The FCC and Congress must not ignore their voices.”
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