Indecency and the media

[e-dawg]

I know on broadcast (TV & Radio) you cannot say these 7 words (removed as the list contains words that do not need to be posted and, further, is not accurate). Also, you cannot show nudity on tv. I know in broadcast, you cannot say and show nudity otherwise you broadcast license will get a heavy fine from the FCC. Why cable tv still censored bad words and nudity even Cable tv exempt for these rules regarding indecency?

 

[davideduardo]

I know on broadcast (TV & Radio) you cannot say these 7 words (removed). Also, you cannot show nudity on tv. I know in broadcast, you cannot say and show nudity otherwise you broadcast license will get a heavy fine from the FCC. Why cable tv still censored bad words and nudity even Cable tv exempt for these rules regarding indecency?

The FCC regulates broadcast stations and services. Cable TV is not broadcast; it is privately distributed to subscribers.

However, cable is under the jurisdiction of other government agencies; it's main protection is in the fact that people intentionally pay for the service and tacitly know of and accept content that may be crude and appropriate only for adults.

"Basic Cable" channels that are generally included even in the least expensive packages tend to limit their profanity and the degree of nudity. Premium channels and subscription channels may be more liberal in their perspective.

 

[davideduardo]

I know on broadcast (TV & Radio) you cannot say these 7 words (removed as the list contains words that do not need to be posted and, further, is not accurate). Also, you cannot show nudity on tv. I know in broadcast, you cannot say and show nudity otherwise you broadcast license will get a heavy fine from the FCC. Why cable tv still censored bad words and nudity even Cable tv exempt for these rules regarding indecency?

The original "Seven Dirty Words" are covered by this Wikipedia article.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_dirty_words

Note that the words were not specifically prohibited by the FCC; Carlin's routine established them as a standard. There are other terms, including considerable numbers of slang terms, that might be considered prohibited depending on the context and manner of usage.

 

[TheBigA]

Cable companies also offer the V-Chip, which is a way for parents to block certain channels from children's viewing:

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/v-chip-putting-restrictions-what-your-children-watch

The cable industry instituted voluntary standards, and Congress added the rules about the v-chip in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

 

[anotherguyTN]

The rules have become looser on network TV and even more on cable. IFC is a commercial channel in the middle tier on Spectrum in my area, but they show movies uncut, and they make that known. I ran into that when they showed Planes, Trains, and Automobiles a few months back complete with the car rental scene loaded with F-bombs. Since I don't watch them regularly except when they have a movie I want to see I don't know how far they go with nudity, but they seem to be in a middle ground between basic channels and full pay channels like HBO in what they allow.

 

[seattlesarchiebunker]

Couple of things:

1) Yes, as mentioned above, vulgar language and most nudity (unless you can justify it as 'art') is not allowed on broadcast TV/radio...but only between 6AM-10PM. During that 8 hour period, rough language could be said and non-obscene nudity could conceivably be broadcast legally. The networks keep it clean (mostly) 24/7.

2) Most of your basic cable stations are owned by a large conglomerate. Even though they may be able to legally broadcast cursewords or nudity, the conglomerate's Standards and Practices department usually nix it. Even though they can legally do it, they have a level of self-censorship. In addition, groups like Focus on the Family, American Family Association, and others tend to make their bread and butter focusing on nudity and obscenities on TV/Radio. Most conglomerates don't want that negative publicity. Also, they provided a lot of pressure on these companies to maintain the status-quo of self-censorship.

 

[TheBigA]

Most conglomerates don't want that negative publicity. Also, they provided a lot of pressure on these companies to maintain the status-quo of self-censorship.

All this is correct. However as I pointed out in another thread, we have a president who doesn't know about self-censorship, and the cable news channels have broadcast his indecent language without censorship. Too bad some politicians don't practice what our government preaches.

https://www.radiodiscussions.com/showthread.php?716932-The-F-Bomb-is-Now-OK

 

[gr8oldies]

I was surprised to hear the Isley Brothers "Fight the Power" with an audible BEEP over the end of "bulls**t"on Soul Town. SiriusXM carries uncensored Stern, explicit comedy, etc but censored that?

 

[seattlesarchiebunker]

I was surprised to hear the Isley Brothers "Fight the Power" with an audible BEEP over the end of "bulls**t"on Soul Town. SiriusXM carries uncensored Stern, explicit comedy, etc but censored that?

I have noticed that certain music channels are censored and have been for the past few years. They generally mark the uncensored channel metadata with "XL".

I wonder if it has something to do with SXM for Business. They have been really trying to eat into Muzak/DMX's share of business. I've never heard uncensored music over in-store broadcasting.

 

[semoochie]

Cable companies also offer the V-Chip, which is a way for parents to block certain channels from children's viewing:

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/v-chip-putting-restrictions-what-your-children-watch

The cable industry instituted voluntary standards, and Congress added the rules about the v-chip in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

The V-Chip is mandated on all new TVs manufactured after 2000 and able to block any and all TV channels, not just cable.

 

[gr8oldies]

That could be, plus I think there may be a family friendly music only tier.

I have noticed that certain music channels are censored and have been for the past few years. They generally mark the uncensored channel metadata with "XL".

I wonder if it has something to do with SXM for Business. They have been really trying to eat into Muzak/DMX's share of business. I've never heard uncensored music over in-store broadcasting.

 

[TheBigA]

A lot of news outlets ran the presidents press conference today from the White House, and they might have been surprised when he used vile and indecent language:

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-remarks

President bashes ‘horrible person’ Pelosi, calls Russia probe ‘bull----‘ in post-acquittal presser

It's one thing to be angry at people, and lash out on twitter. It's another to use that kind of language in the East Room of the White House during a live broadcast press conference. There's no excuse for it, and he deserves any criticism people aim at him for using such crude boorish language in the people's house.

 

[Kelly A]

A lot of news outlets ran the presidents press conference today from the White House, and they might have been surprised when he used vile and indecent language:

I have a wall of TV's in my office and had the sound turned up when the President made those inappropriate comments. Once I finished up one E-mail, I sent one off to our FCC Attorney, asking whether she thought stations along the line would be considered in violation for the POTUS unexpectedly using indecent language...

And to think there are still people out there that believe it's okay for the leader of the free world to speak that way in public. Oh that's right..the Stock Market is doing well, so everyone just plug your ears and pretend it never happened.

 

[kf4rca]

WSB (750) carried it live when the President made that comment. BUT, wait, they have a delay box. WHAT HAPPENED? Maybe the operator was unable to dump the President because he was in the can taking a dump himself.

 

[Kelly A]

WSB (750) carried it live when the President made that comment. BUT, wait, they have a delay box. WHAT HAPPENED? Maybe the operator was unable to dump the President because he was in the can taking a dump himself.

#1: When was the last time any TV or radio station would expect the President of the United States to use indecent or profane language during a speech or press conference?
#2: Many stations aren't in delay all the time, nor do they have someone standing by to dump comments being made in a press conference, let alone one from the White House.

 

[TheBigA]

#1: When was the last time any TV or radio station would expect the President of the United States to use indecent or profane language during a speech or press conference?

He does it all the time at his rallies. My suggestion that any TV or radio station treat him the way they treat a rap or punk rock singer. He can't be carried live any more. I'm surprised he didn't let one fly during the state of the union. His press people simply don't care.

 

[Kelly A]

He does it all the time at his rallies.

That's why nobody carries his rallies live anymore, not even FOX News. One would think he would have the presence of mind not to use profanity from the Oval Office or with cameras on in the White House. Wait, never mind.

His press people simply don't care.

WH Press Staff, like everyone else there: scared sycophants.

 

[kf4rca]

WSB should have known better. Once they carried a live presser from a police officer who was investigating a hot car death. The cop repeated what the child's father told him, "F-bomb off."
So WSB has had experience with this before.

 

[semoochie]

WSB should have known better. Once they carried a live presser from a police officer who was investigating a hot car death. The cop repeated what the child's father told him, "F-bomb off."
So WSB has had experience with this before.

Maybe, they should change call letters to "WBS".

 

[Megatron]

I don't mind swears on TV which should be uncensored screw these groups that don't like swear words or sex on TV. As I will always say unless there is a skinamax on primetime then I'll listen until then The PTC, AFA/10 Mom's that don't have a million members are censorship orgs that shouldn't be taken seriously since there over the top when it comes to TV shows since all they say is nothing but lies. I wish broadcasters would sue these censorship orgs for the lies and propaganda they spew and it can be proven in a court of law that these orgs lie and slander, smear & defame the broadcasters good name WWE 20 years ago sued The PTC and won so can the networks put the bullies in there place I say and sue them.