Mikelly Posted December 20, 2004 Share Posted December 20, 2004 Every since Janet Jackson lost her top at last year's Superbowl, we've suffered a LOT more oversite on radio and TV by a very heavy handed FCC. However, Recent investigation into WHO is filing complaints to the FCC uncovered a special interest group who filed over 75% of the claims against the NFL for the most recent Monday night football fiasco, as well a a reality TV series (I think it was American Family) where an episode took the cameras into a strip club... Mind you NOTHING was specifically shown, and all exposed private areas were fussed out, but still the complaints rolled in. Why do I care? Well I'm all for keeping children away from offensive material, but here is the problem... A special interest group lodged an overwhelming majority of these claims, steering the FCC into action to investigate the complaints, most in the form of mass emailing from a few kep people in the groups organization. The current policy for FCC regulation and monitoring requires the FCC to investigate every single complaint about "offensive" material of any kind that is broadcast on airwaves and depending on the type of broadcast, as well as hours of broadcast. Some Cable channels get a wave, and radio gets a reasonable reprieve after 10PM. However, Prime time viewing on the big four is still held under a microscope, with attention being turned towards cable tv to "Get clean" as well... Do YOU want some Right wing or left wing special interest group dictating what material is offensive to them to be forced on ALL of us? Again, I'm all for keeping offensive material away from children, but I'm not for some special interest group coming in and taking over where I, the parent should be DOING MY JOB without THEIR help... The republican party has gotten a lot of grief over this, and I can see why... they haven't stepped in to help the FCC steer in a more BALANCED direction. Anyone who has had to work with the FCC for anything related to Spectrum managment can tell you that the FCC is one of the most mismanaged and poorly run offices in the federal government (I've had to several times in relations to some of the work I do). So, Do you want a special interest group defining what is offensive and what isn't? NO? Then contact your representative or congressman and tell them to REFORM the FCC... This isn't about Howard Stern or Janet Jackson... It is about fair and balanced regulation of broadcast media in America! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akeizm Posted December 20, 2004 Share Posted December 20, 2004 I'm not in the US but when the JJ thing happened I thought that alot of people blew the whole thing out of proportion. Big whoop her brest popped out of her dress (even though the nipple was pretty much covered up by a silver star). It is not like it was some hardcore pornography video being played. Some people need to calm down and stop wrapping their children in cotton wool. This FCC thing sounds like a load of crap in my honost opinion and if this affected me there would be no way I would stand for it either. Cheers, Marc (rambling from a beered up member ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted December 20, 2004 Share Posted December 20, 2004 Am I wrong in saying that the FCC can only make rules for broadcast entertainment? So only for CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX(?) and the radio basically was my understanding, which explains why Comedy Central can show Bigger, Longer, and Uncut in pure uncensored form. I thought the rule was that if you PAY for it then you are accepting the content... I'm more pissed about the radio than the Big 4 as you call them. I never watch the shiza on those TV channels anyway. The radio is developing its own alternative outlets with the satellite radio and all that. Let the regulated channels dwindle and die, it's not like the Big 4 are just going to sit there and go down in flames. As people move to cable for realistic entertainment, you'll see more of the entertainment shows on channels like CNBC, CABC, CCBS, etc, and then the FCC can go shove it. I HOPE the next big move is towards a TV station that you pay for that then shows NO commercials. Damn, it's getting out of control with the freakin commercials... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted December 20, 2004 Author Share Posted December 20, 2004 Jon, Used to be the case... But now there is a push in congress, through the morally right leaning, to get CABLE Regulated as well... I'm with you in regards to radio vs. TV.. As many shock jocks have stated over and over again, if you don't like what they say, turn the channel, but that isn't the case anymore... FCC is WAY out of line, which is why some of attorneys representing some of the radio personalities out there are now investigating the special interest organizations behind the bulk of the complaints... As an independant, This really peaves me to no end. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted December 20, 2004 Share Posted December 20, 2004 Wasn't there a move a couple years ago to completely disband the FCC? What a friggin waste of money. I agree with you Mike, but I really have to wonder if that kind of legislation will get through. I'm doubting it. Certainly for those who did vote GOP this is something that a would justify a letter to your Republican Congressman reminding him that you voted for Republicans on the basis of less govt, not more morals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted December 21, 2004 Share Posted December 21, 2004 Politics, politics, politics. The FCC is a political organization (just like the EPA, FAA, etc.) and they know who controls their funding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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