by James Oliphant
The Supreme Court announced Monday that it will wade into the culture wars yet again. This time by determining whether the Federal Communications Commission has the power to punish
the use of vulgar language on air even if the word was used just once.
The FCC altered its traditional stance-- which had essentially forgiven quick or accidental uses of profanity on air -- after celebrities such as Bono, Cher, and Nicole Richie (have they considered starting a band?) used profanity during awards shows broadcast in 2002 and 2003.
Fox ended up appealing an FCC citation up to the federal appeals court in New York -- and won, setting the stage for Supreme Court review. The appeals court said the FCC changed its rules without providing an adequate explanation, as called for by federal law. It also suggested that the rule could also run afoul of the First Amendment.
The case will be heard during the Court's next term, in the fall. The question is whether the oral arguments will be on a seven-second delay.
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Comments
"SAGGY BOTTOM NO BELT WEARING BROTHERS AND SISTERS SPEAK"
YO HO WE WANT THE 1ST AMENDMENT. YO HO, WE WANT THE 1ST AMENDMENT. YO HO WE WILL NEVER BUY A BELT BECAUSE WE HAVE 800 FICO, A JOB, A CAR, A HOUSE, AND A FAMILY.
SO YO HO WE WANT THE 1ST AMENDMENT. YO HO, WE WANT THE 1ST AMENDMENT.
SO RENDERING US, FOR 10 DAYS, 1ST OFFENSE, 60 DAYS THE 2ND OFFENSE, YO HO WE WANT THE 1ST AMENDMENT.
AND PBS, SO "JUST LEAVE US ALONE, LEAVE US ALONE. SO JUST LEAVE US ALONE, LEAVE US ALONE.
HOW ABOUT REGULATING "PAID PROGRAMING" HOW ABOUT REGULATING THE NEXT GOP HOUSE FLOOR SPEECH ON EAVESDROPPING, WIRETAPPING, AND DATAMINING AMERICANS.
SO JUST LEAVE US ALONE, LEAVE US ALONE BECAUSE WE CAN VOTE!
Posted by: Roger Morris | March 17, 2008 3:44 PM
"ROGER MORRIS SPEAKS"
NEVERMIND WHAT I SAY.
I HAVE THE MATURITY AND WRITING ABILITY OF A FOUR YEAR OLD.
Posted by: Roger Morris | March 17, 2008 4:07 PM
"ROGER MORRIS SPEAKS"
Will the real Roger Morris Speak. Will the real "Saggy bottom no belt wearing" Roger Morris speak.
It's not his maturity or his (4) four year old writing ability, it's not because the Dick Cheney Said "FU" with no FCC Hearings or the "girls next door" that go wild on television.
So that is the maturity and writing ability that the Real Roger Morris speaks of.
So go buy a belt 002 and remember when you say the number it goes in () and then you spell it out even when speaking ebonics as such.
I just love CAPS, I DIDN'T TELL YOU no, I DIDN'T LISTEN TO YOUR PHONE CALLs, I DIDN'T "LET YOUR SPOUSE GO"
I DIDN'T VOTE FOR GEORGE BUSH MAYBE YOU DID BUT I DIDN'T. I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR "CHENEY'S LAW" I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR GEORGE BUSH'S FCC/AT&T/VERIZON WIRELESS WAR ON AMERICA EITHER.
I WAS JUST BORN a Roger Morris in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA like many before me and you.
Posted by: Roger Morris | March 17, 2008 4:36 PM
Yes John D. The Democratic Party is anti-business. Which in your demented world is why if the Republics had their way they would rid the world of the Hollywood movie industry and the video game industry. Combined these entertainment industries account for trillions of dollars in economic activity.
Posted by: john | March 17, 2008 5:03 PM
I AM THE REAL ROGER MORRIS.
QUIT USING MY NAME YOU FRAUDULENT LOSER!
Posted by: Roger Morris | March 17, 2008 5:15 PM
You wanna hear some vulgarity? Wait till Americans find out how much their 401K's have hemorrhaged in the BushCo bashed economy. Private SS accounts, anyone?
Posted by: dt | March 17, 2008 7:49 PM
No one can say the F-word on TV because kids aren't supposed to have sex.
No one can say the S-word because they're not supposed to take a crap either.
First amendment be damned, this is about right wing agendas, not freedom!
Posted by: Wilbur_Logic | March 18, 2008 2:14 AM
No matter which way this ruling will go, we can trust the networks to exercise prudence and care before peppering the airwaves with 4-letter vulgarities. Yes, and tomorrow pigs will fly.
Posted by: Alfredo | March 18, 2008 7:39 AM