Click here for Adobe Acrobat version
 Click here for Microsoft Word version
 FCC NEWS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
445 12th STREET S.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554

News media information 202/418-0500
TTY 202/418-2555
Fax-On-Demand 202/418-2830
Internet http://www.fcc.gov
ftp://ftp.fcc.gov
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
 March 15, 2006
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
 David Fiske, 202-418-0513
Email: David.Fiske@fcc.gov



FCC RELEASES ORDERS RESOLVING NUMEROUS BROADCAST TELEVISION INDECENCY COMPLAINTS


Washington, D.C. - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today released decisions resolving over 300,000 consumer complaints about the broadcast of indecent, profane, and/or obscene television programming. In these decisions, the Commission addresses complaints about nearly 50 television programs broadcast between February 2002 and March 2005. The decisions respond to the public's growing concern about the content of television programming. At the same time, they provide further information for broadcasters about the kinds of material that are and are not prohibited under the FCC's indecency and profanity standards.

In the decisions, the Commission takes enforcement action against the broadcast of a wide variety of television programming. The FCC upholds its earlier decision against CBS for the broadcast of indecent material during the February 1, 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show. The Commission rejects CBS' claim that the pulling off a portion of Janet Jackson's bustier to reveal her breast is not indecent. The Commission also holds that CBS consciously and willfully failed to take actions to prevent the broadcast of the material, and that CBS is responsible for the halftime show.

The Commission also finds episodes of "Without a Trace" and "The Surreal Life 2," which contained numerous graphic, sexual images, to be impermissible under the Commission's indecency standard. The Omnibus Order also finds indecent the broadcast of a movie containing a graphic rape scene and a talk show featuring a female guest who appeared in an open front dress. Finally, the Commission finds indecent and profane several television programs containing offensive language. Where material is found actionable, the Commission sanctions all licensees whose stations are the subject of viewer complaints filed with the Commission.

Finally, the Commission denies complaints regarding numerous other television programs. Although the complained-of material may offend many people, the Commission concludes that the material in 28 television programs involved was not actionable.

Action by the Commission, February 21, 2006, Notices of Apparent Liability and Memorandum Opinion and Order (FCC 06-17). Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps and Tate; Commissioner Adelstein concurring, dissenting in part. Separate statements issued by Chairman Martin and Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, and Tate.

Action by the Commission, February 21, 2006, Notice of Apparent Liability (FCC 06-18). Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps and Tate; Commissioner Adelstein concurring. Separate statements issued by Chairman Martin and Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, and Tate.

Action by the Commission, February 21, 2006, Forfeiture Order (FCC 06-19). Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps and Tate; Commissioner Adelstein concurring. Separate statements issued by Chairman Martin and Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, and Tate.

Press contact: David Fiske at (202) 418-0513

-FCC-