House Panel Backs Big Hike in Indecency Fines

[Khephra]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday approved a measure to dramatically stiffen penalties against television and radio broadcasters who cross the line on airing indecent material.

In a surprise move, the panel approved fines of $500,000 per violation, instead of the ten-fold increase to $275,000, which had earlier passed a subcommittee and had been recommended by the Federal Communications Commission.

Lawmakers, who voted 49-1 in favor of the bill, set no maximum for the total fine for an entire incident. They also agreed to require the FCC to hold hearings on revoking a broadcaster's license after three violations.

``We have forged what I believe is a bill that will protect young people from indecency and deter companies from pushing the envelope of appropriate broadcasting,'' said Rep. Fred Upton, a Michigan Republican and a primary author of the bill.

more................

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/politics/politics-congress-indecency.html

[GainesT1958]

1. But I'll bet you won't see that same committee...

Act to fine the "indecencies" Halliburton committed in Iraq!:mad:

Hopfully, this is yet another one that's headed for its fitting Senate tombstone!:eyes:

B-)

[Caution]

2. goodbye to free speech on the airwaves

No company could afford to fight something like that. $500,000 and 3 violations = hearing to revoke a license.

[tom_paine]

3. That is the goal. As 9/11 facilitated the Civil Liberties' Removal

so will janet's boob facilitate the removal of all Free Speech on the airwaves.

But, I'm sure it's just a coinkydink.

[drscm]

4. Thank God they are not talking about indecent or immoral wars.

God forbid that we address the "culture of war" that Bush promotes.

It is far better that we concentrate on sex.