FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has again dismissed broadcasters' protests that the commission's recent proposed fines on indecent programming have confused rather than clarified the indecency debate, Broadcasting & Cable reported on its Web site.
According to the broadcastingcable.com report, the March orders proposing to fine stations over $3 million for sexual content and profanity has drawn howls from broadcasters, who say the decisions have left them without a clear road map of how they can air edgy shows without actually violating laws. For example, blurring naughty bits is not assurance against an indecency finding, the FCC said.
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President David Rehr is one of those who said the FCC has yet to provide clear guidelines for broadcasters to follow, according to the report.
The major networks' and their affiliate groups are joining together to fight the FCC's crackdown on profanity in court and at the FCC, the story said.
