Quote:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed legislation to hike fines to as much as $500,000 on broadcasters and entertainers who violate decency limits on the air.
For the second time in 12 months, House lawmakers voted to boost fines and require the Federal Communications Commission (news - web sites) to consider revoking a broadcaster's license after three violations of indecency rules. Wednesday's vote was 389-38.
The current maximum fine is $32,500. Last year the House and Senate were unable to reach a compromise on legislation to boost fines despite several high-profile incidents.
Broadcasters are barred from airing indecent material, typically of a sexual or profane nature, except during late-night hours when children are less likely to be in the audience. The limits do not apply to cable and satellite television and radio services.
For the second time in 12 months, House lawmakers voted to boost fines and require the Federal Communications Commission (news - web sites) to consider revoking a broadcaster's license after three violations of indecency rules. Wednesday's vote was 389-38.
The current maximum fine is $32,500. Last year the House and Senate were unable to reach a compromise on legislation to boost fines despite several high-profile incidents.
Broadcasters are barred from airing indecent material, typically of a sexual or profane nature, except during late-night hours when children are less likely to be in the audience. The limits do not apply to cable and satellite television and radio services.
I love this part:
Quote:
Lawmakers also included a provision they said was aimed at protecting free speech rights of individuals on the air. Individuals would be liable only if they knew or had reason to know an indecent comment made would be broadcast.
Ummm...right. So the fact that you're in a television studio with a camera pointed at you didn't tip you off? A starving dog wouldn't be satisfied with that thrown bone.