Legislation stuck in the U.S. Senate would give the government more power to clean up television.
In order to ensure the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) ability to fine broadcasters over "fleeting" instances of profanity or nudity, the Protecting Children from Indecent Programming Act (S. 1780) needs to be voted on by the full Senate.
Just a few weeks ago, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia threw out a $550,000 indecency fine levied against CBS for the infamous 2004 Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction.”
Last week, CBS allowed profanity during Big Brother 10, which airs during prime time.
"The networks have declared war against common sense and decency, and the first casualties are children and families," said Daniel Weiss, senior analyst for media and sexuality at Focus on the Family Action. "We are in a pivotal time regarding the ownership of America's broadcast airwaves. The law says these airwaves belong to the American people, but the networks are trying to take them over and turn them into a cesspool."
The four major television networks have sued the FCC for the right to air profanity at any time of day. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the networks last year; the FCC has appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
"Now is the time to take back the public airwaves," Weiss said.
TAKE ACTION
Please call your senators at their district offices and ask them to urge Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., to schedule a vote for S. 1780. You can find contact information through our Action Center.
