Does the FCC regulate indecency?
It is a violation of federal law to air obscene programming at any time. It is also a violation of federal law to broadcast indecent or profane programming during certain hours. The FCC vigorously enforces this law where we find violations. …
Can the FCC censor indecent material?
The Communications Act prohibits the FCC from censoring broadcast material, in most cases, and from making any regulation that would interfere with freedom of speech. Between 6 A.M. and 10 P.M. (when there is the greatest likelihood that children may be watching,) airing indecent material is prohibited by FCC rules.
What does the FCC regulate?
The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.
How does the FCC regulate violence and indecency?
Broadcasting obscene content is prohibited by law at all times of the day. Indecent and profane content are prohibited on broadcast TV and radio between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., when there is a reasonable risk that children may be in the audience.
What does the FCC not regulate?
The FCC cannot regulate closed-circuit radio or television, which means that it cannot control what is carried over closed-circuit systems in, for example, department stores, airports, or casinos. In addition, the FCC has no authority over the following: bullfights. exhibitions.
How does the FCC regulate television?
The Television Branch of the Video Services Division licenses and regulates both commercial and noncommercial broadcast UHF and VHF television stations. Licensing and regulation of these facilities is prescribed by the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, which sets up certain basic requirements.
How does the FCC enforce laws?
The Commission and its Enforcement Bureau enforce the Communications Act and the Commission’s rules and orders in two primary ways: (1) by initiating investigations, and taking appropriate action if violations are found; and (2) by resolving disputes between industry participants either through mediation and settlement …
What is the main way that the FCC regulates the broadcasting of obscenity and indecency?
Why is the FCC important?
The FCC is considered the key authority in the United States that oversees communications law, regulation, and innovation in the technology sector. Its mission is to help advance the global communications industry through: economic support to ensure there is enough competition in the communications sector.
What does the FCC mean by indecent speech?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines indecent speech as material that, in context, depicts or describes sexual or excretory organs or activities in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards for the broadcast medium.
How is indecency defined in the broadcast industry?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines indecency in the broadcast industries as “language or material that, in context, depicts or describes, in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards for the broadcast medium, sexual or excretory organs or activities.”
How does the FCC enforce the obscenity and profanity rules?
Enforcement of the obscenity, indecency and profanity rules usually begins with complaints from the public that FCC staff review for possible violations. If an investigation is warranted and the FCC finds a station in violation of its rules, it has the authority to revoke a station license, impose a fine or issue an admonishment or warning.
What was the impact of the FCC on freedom?
The FCC has had a significant impact on questions of freedom through regulation of the media. Content regulation by the FCC has also been justified through the “public interest, convenience and necessity” clause, especially regulation of indecent or obscene content.