Evolution of Indecency Regulations
Key Legal Milestones
Two prominent television events in the past two years placed increased attention on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and its indecency regulations. The airing of the 2003 Golden Globe Awards and the subsequent ruling of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, coupled with the controversy surrounding the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, have brought broadcast indecency to the forefront of the congressional agenda. FCC v. Pacifica FoundationUnder Title 18 of the United States Code (U.S.C.), it is unlawful to utter "any obscene, indecent, or profane language by means of radio communication." Violators of this provision are subject to fines or imprisonment of…
