U.S. communications regulators plan to issue decisions soon in about 40 cases involving complaints against broadcasters for violating federal decency limits, a source close to the matter said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is considering a proposal to rule that the word "s***" is profane and violates decency limits in certain contexts, the source said, declining further identification. The agency has already declared the word "f***" off-limits in most cases, the news service reported.
Actress Nicole Richie uttered versions of both words during the Fox broadcast of the 2003 Billboard Music Awards, prompting complaints to the FCC. Most television networks now use a tape-delay so they can avoid such incidents and complaints.
The expected action against television broadcasters would be the first in well over a year by the FCC despite a push by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, a Republican, for stricter enforcement of federal broadcast decency limits, Reuters said.
Federal regulations bar television and radio broadcast stations from airing obscene material and limit them from airing indecent material, such as profanity and sexually explicit content, except in late-night hours when children are less likely to be in the audience.
Those limits do not apply to cable or satellite television and radio services, according to the story.
The source said the agency is also expected to uphold its proposal to fine 20 CBS television stations a total of $550,000 for a stunt involving pop singer Janet Jackson exposing her breast briefly during the 2004 Super Bowl football game halftime show.
