FCC- You can't say fuck on TV? Shit...I mean oops.

The Federal Communications Commission, the organization that overseas the broadcast and communications of television, radio, wire, satellite and cable, is in a bit of a censorship battle with several of the major broadcasting networks, radio conglomerates and media companies. The article I reviewed is from the November 3, 2008 issue of The Washington Times. The article talks about the ongoing battle between the FCC and the broadcast companies and whose side the Supreme Court is on. Censorship was utilized to prevent vulgar or offensive material from being broadcast on radio or television, especially to the younger demographic. The two categories of censorship of material are 'obscene' material and 'indecent' material. While obscene material, which includes vulgar, sexual and offensive material with no artistic or educational value, is prohibited from being broadcast period, indecent material, which includes patently offensive, sexual or obscene material, is by law prohibited from being broadcast between 6 A.M. and 10 P.M., or hours when younger demographics could view it. What constitutes obscene or indecent material and how does this tie into the First Amendment; freedom of speech? The quote below is taken from the article and quoted by Carter Phillips, a lawyer at Sidney Austin LLP, the firm representing Fox Networks. Many believe the FCC and their censorship rules are broad in details. Also, the FCC was found to violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), by not giving an explanation of one of its changes in policies concerning the censorship battle(s). 

This article relates directly to the assigned article because of the subject matter, debate of censorship and the question 'why are curse words perceived as bad?' The FCC and the 1978 FCC vs. Pacifica cases are both brought up. This was the case that involved the airing of George Carlin's "Filthy Words" monologue on a New York radio station, that ultimately led to a censorship battle and ban. Today the issue is a hot topic of debate with risky live television, a more 'verbal' pop culture and the concern of our youth. Words are just words though, aren't they?