Programming Prohibitions and Restrictions
Federal Communications Commission Role
It is a violation of Federal law to broadcast obscene, profane, or indecent programming. The prohibition is set forth at Title 18 United States Code, Section 1464 (18 U.S.C. § 1464). Congress has given the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the responsibility for administratively enforcing 18 U.S.C. § 1464. In doing so, the Commission may issue a warning, impose a monetary forfeiture, or revoke a station license for the broadcast of obscene, profane, or indecent material. Obscene Broadcasts Prohibited at All TimesObscene speech is not protected by the First Amendment and cannot be broadcast at any time. To be obscene, material…
