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Cleaning Up the Airwaves
03/18/04Many Americans have helplessly, and literally, watched as the nation’s broadcasters have filled our airways – and homes – with often offensive programming.
Most recently, I joined many of you in outrage after watching the now-infamous 2004 Super Bowl half-time performance just a few weeks ago. That single event has even further increased the American public's awareness of the problem, and the need to clean up the airwaves. It just may have been the straw that “broke the camel’s back.”
Shortly after that incident, I joined several colleagues in sending a clear message to those in broadcasting’s many executive suites. Via a letter, written to both the chairman of CBS and the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, I joined my colleagues in stating that, “in this particular case, CBS and sister network, MTV, failed to take into consideration the large numbers of children in the Super Bowl viewing audience as well as the fact that most citizens do not expect nor welcome such objectionable material in their homes.”
That letter was just the beginning of what I am pleased to report is a growing movement in Congress toward cleaning up our airways.
On March 11, 2004, I joined 390 of my colleagues in voting for The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act (BDEA) of 2004 (HR 3717). This legislation is one step toward restoring decency to America's broadcasting by giving the FCC the ability to more aggressively enforce existing standards.
This legislation’s purpose is to return decent, family friendly broadcast television and radio to the families of America. I should note that this legislation in no way changes the FCC’s current definition of obscenity, indecency or profanity. Rather, it enables the agency to enforce the existing rules.
The BDEA allows the Federal Communications Commission to impose a fine of up to $500,000 against broadcasters for every indecent violation of "obscene, indecent or profane material." Additionally, the bill allows the FCC to fine networks and entertainers up to $500,000 if they willfully or intentionally violate indecency standards by airing "obscene, indecent or profane material."
Americans have taken a closer look at the television performances of our entertainers and have decided that there are boundaries that must not be crossed. We are sending a clear message to television and radio broadcasters: using the airwaves is a privilege, not a right. It is also a responsibility to the American people. Broadcasters must follow the FCC decency standards that apply to family hour programming.
The legislation is next scheduled to go to the Senate, and judging from the House support it had, I expect quick action there. I believe it was the right thing to do. What about you?