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 FCC NEWS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission Action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 516 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 February 28, 2005
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
 Janice Wise at (202) 418-7450
Janice.Wise@FCC.GOV



COMMISSION DENIES INDECENCY COMPLAINTS AGAINST VETERANS DAY BROADCAST OF “SAVING PRIVATE RYAN”

Washington, D.C.: The Federal Communications Commission today issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order denying complaints alleging that various television station licensees affiliated with the ABC Television Network aired indecent and profane material during the November 11, 2004 presentation of the film “Saving Private Ryan.”

The Commission noted that the film contains numerous expletives and other potentially offensive language generally as part of the soldiers' dialogue. In light of the overall context in which this material is presented, the Commission determined that it was not indecent or profane. The Commission also said that while some complaints referenced the violence depicted in the film, the FCC's indecency and profanity prohibitions are not applicable to violent programming.

By the Commission: Chairman Powell and Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, Martin and Adelstein. Chairman Powell issuing a separate statement; Commissioner Martin issuing a separate statement at a later date. FCC 05-23, February 3, 2005.

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: Janice Wise or Lisa Fowlkes (202) 418-7450