Congress is cleaning up the airwaves for us...

[undeterred]

From Sensenbrenner's website: http://www.house.gov/sensenbrenner/wc20060609.html


Congress Cleans up Airwaves

We’re all familiar with the likes of raunchy “shock jock” Howard Stern’s radio show and Janet Jackson’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction.” Most people would agree that neither of these qualify as quality programming. In fact, Howard Stern’s repeated problems with the FCC was arguably the reason why his show is now broadcast on Sirius satellite radio, instead of the public airwaves. Whether it’s enjoying family time in the living room with a favorite TV show, or listening to the radio in the car while chauffeuring the kids to and from school, American families shouldn’t have to worry about what they see and hear on the airwaves.

Presently, $32,500 per violation is the highest fine a broadcasting network can be slapped with for defying decency laws. $32,500 doesn’t amount to much when you compare that to the cost of a 30-second commercial, particularly during highly-viewed events such as the Super Bowl.

To make broadcasters think twice before airing questionable content, Congress recently passed S. 193, the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act. This bill grants the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates broadcast radio and television stations, the authority to penalize stations that air profane language, or obscene or indecent material with a fine of up to $325,000 for each violation. The House of Representatives passed a similar bill early last year. S. 193, while not as comprehensive as the House version, is still a strong step in the right direction in holding broadcasters accountable for their actions.

I am thankful the Senate acted to pass indecency legislation, and I look forward to the President signing the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act into law soon. The passage of this bill should give parents peace of mind knowing they can watch TV or listen to the radio without rushing to cover their little ones’ eyes and ears.

:smoke: just wait till they get Air America radio in Milwaukee, that vein in his neck is gonna burst