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FCC rules generally do not govern the selection of
programming that is broadcast. The main exceptions are: restrictions on
indecent programming, limits on the number of commercials aired during
children's programming, and rules involving candidates for public office.
The Commission enforces regulations that were designed
to ensure competition among cable companies, satellite companies and other
entities that offer video programming services to the general public. This
includes issues such as, mandatory carriage of television broadcast
signals, commercial leased access, program access, over-the-air reception
devices, open video systems, commercial availability of set-top boxes and
the accessibility of closed captioning and video description on television
programming.
Our most commonly asked questions about television
broadcast services are:
How can I file a complaint about obscenity or
indecency on the radio or television?
You may file a written complaint and mail it to:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th St., SW
Washington, DC 20554
Or
You can
file a complaint on-line , using the FCC
Complaint form 475B.
The Commission asks complainants to provide the following information: (1)
the date and time of the alleged broadcast; (2) the call sign or the frequency
of the station involved; and (3) the name of the program, the DJ personality,
and the city and state; (4) information regarding the details of what was
actually said (or depicted) during the alleged indecent or obscene broadcast.
With respect to item (4), in making indecency determinations, context is key!
The Commission staff must have sufficient information regarding what was
actually said during the alleged broadcast, the meaning of what was said and the
context in which it was stated. There is flexibility in how a complainant may
provide this information. For example, the complainant may provide a significant
excerpt of the program describing what was actually said (or depicted) or a full
or partial tape or transcript of the material. In whatever form, the complainant
provides the information, it must be sufficiently detailed such that the
Commission can determine the words and language actually used during the
broadcast and the context of those words or language. More
information about obscenity and indecency complaints.
Is there a petition pending with the FCC to do away
with religious programming?
No, the FCC does not have the authority to censor
programming. There is no Federal law or regulation that gives the
Commission the authority to prohibit radio and television stations from
presenting religious programs. More
information on religious programming petitions...
What can I do about interference on my television?
In many cases, the source of the problem could be your
home electronics equipment. It may not be adequately designed with
circuitry or filtering to reject the unwanted signals of nearby
transmitters. The FCC recommends that you contact the manufacturer and/or
the store where the equipment was purchased to resolve the interference
problem. For more information on broadcast interference, click here.
How can I file a complaint against my cable company?
Complaints about rates or service should be directed
to your local franchise authority. A franchising authority is the local
municipal, county or other government organization that regulates certain
aspects of the cable television industry at the state or local level. The
name of the franchising authority may be on the front or back of your
cable bill. If this information is not on your bill, contact your cable
company or your local town or city hall.
Who decides on programs and changes in programming?
In general, the decisions concerning what services to
offer and on which tier to offer those services, are within the discretion
of the cable operator.
More information on
television and cable issues
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Federal Communications Commission
