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FCC Obscenity policy

F

flip23

Sunday night in prime time CBS ran the documentary footage shot by French filmakers on 9-11-01. They were following a group of New York firefighters. The "f" word was used fairly liberally. There was really no reason for it to air. This was not a live event. Of course it was a traumatic event but it would have been very easy to duck the audio without taking anything away from the gravity of the event. The FCC seems to have retreated on enforcement of obscenity rules. I doubt many radio stations would knowingly air this type of audio though.

On the other had there are a number of tv "reality" shows that constantly use a tone to bleep out words. It would be less irritating to just drop the audio, but they apparently want to play up the fact that the participants are cursing. An even better solution; tell the celebrity chefs and such to watch their language.
 
"9-11" has aired several times on CBS, obscenity intact. No one has received a fine for it. On the other hand, CBS was fined for Janet Jackson's exposed breast.

In other words, there is no consistent policy.
 
PTBoardOp94 said:
"9-11" has aired several times on CBS, obscenity intact. No one has received a fine for it. On the other hand, CBS was fined for Janet Jackson's exposed breast.

In other words, there is no consistent policy.
Click to expand...
i think the most anyone seeing airliners slam into 2 giant twin towers might say the F-word as sort of a reflux, THAT is a little different than when the F-word is being used in a Rap song or by someone on a "Reality" show who wants to "Get Attention". on live TV during 9/11 coverage it slipped out(understandable) to air it AGAIN after 10 years(questionable).. i think we know what people who witnessed it first hand felt.
 
I saw the video online quite a while ago, and did not even notice the profanities.

If there are, I believe it is OK, given the context.

When you hear the thuds of people falling on the roof who have jumped, and you try to imagine the horror,
expletives simply aren't strong enough, but that's all people have left to express themselves with at such a moment.
 
PTBoardOp94 said:
"9-11" has aired several times on CBS, obscenity intact. No one has received a fine for it. On the other hand, CBS was fined for Janet Jackson's exposed breast.

In other words, there is no consistent policy.
Click to expand...

I guess a "picture" is worth a thousand (dirty) words. A thousand profane words will get you fined! Also how many under young children's parents would allow young children to watch documentary with the proper warnings (in the corner of the picture) verses the Super Bowl with no warnings in the corner of the screen promoting an act aimed at the an under 30 crowd at halftime.
 
Yes I probably would use the words if I was there.After 8pm kids should be getting ready for bed.As I was watching another CBS show called "The Talk" the other day.I heard some not good words from the ladies on the show.Like
schweddy balls from SNL and D$%K in a box.In day time tv with whats left of the soaps with the actors in bed.
I think a F-bomb or two in primetime on a 9/11 special is nothing to worry about.
 
These usages were not at ground zero, but back in the firehouse as they were greeting each other. There was no real reason not to duck the audio for this. It's part of a creeping overall coarsening of acceptable societal language that really began to speed up with the popularity of cable tv shows which are not subject to FCC rules. Now broadcast outlets that are subject to FCC rules are constantly pushing the boundaries. Yes this was a traumatic event and yes firefighters curse, but it wasn't needed to get the point across that this was a terrible event any more than rappers need to use the f word to get their points across. If a radio station plays an uncensored version of a rap song at 8pm the FCC will probably come down on them. It also seems backwards for the FCC to try to fine a tv outlet for a fleeting live obscenity but have no problem with prerecorded multiple obscenities being used as in this case.
 
Kent said:
Keep in mind that there are actually no forbidden words in the FCC's eyes, only forbidden contexts.
Click to expand...

People tend to forget this.

Is it possible that CBS had clearance from the FCC before airing it each time?
 
The only thing consistent about the FCC is their inconsistency.

I watched the documentary and heard the F bombs too. Given the subject matter, my panties aren't in a bunch and I don't understand why anyone else would get theirs in a bunch. It was 9/11. It was a traumatic day for so many people.

Leave it alone.

Jonathan
 
anybody wants to know how far the FCC will let you go with obscenity just call me and I'll get on the mic and LET 'ER RIP...tear out the 7 second delay and hide the women and children!!!! HAHHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes kids MANY A TIME have I thought of getting behind the board and saying more than just "booger," to borrow from the great Dr. Johnny Fever...now the show in question I'm of a mind to think the Commission is willing to allow the language because of the situation. Try it again and you may get a letter with a nice big number attached...

Booger.
 
So if you stab yourself in the arm with a letter opener while on the air and shout one of the banned words, will the FCC give you a pass because of the situation?
 
flip23 said:
So if you stab yourself in the arm with a letter opener while on the air and shout one of the banned words, will the FCC give you a pass because of the situation?
Click to expand...

(1) There are no banned words. As mentioned previously in this thread, there are only banned contexts.

(2) Your guess is as good as mine. I've both heard and been at stations that have dropped some not-so-nice words on-air, and nothing has happened. So, try it and find out, but do so at your own risk!
 
flip23 said:
So if you stab yourself in the arm with a letter opener while on the air and shout one of the banned words, will the FCC give you a pass because of the situation?
Click to expand...

As Kent pointed out, there's no such thing as a list of "banned words." What's considered obscene is based on "contemporary community standards." In other words, it's open to interpretation.

And it should also be noted that the FCC will take NO action unless a complaint is filed.
 
Good luck figuring out the FCC and rules. I think broadcasters would prefer a list of words that are not allowed than a big, vague gray area. With internet radio gaining steam, some terrestrial stations might want to push that envelope again to keep their audience. A more detailed list of rules would be nice.
 
I'm of the belief that an individual on the mic SHOULD be allowed the freedom of speech as defined by the Constitution, DESPITE what an owner or manager says. To go against station policy should be settled behind the manager's door instead of by action from the FCC. I know this is a pipe dream and probably will not change but hell I can dream can't I??

Oh yeah...BOOGER. ;D
 
I agree with the community standards argument. The F-bomb is uttered with every breath in NYC. Therefore, no shock value, just normal patter. However in Terre Haute, different story. Advertisers will more than likely run from you,therefore causing management to"go another direction".
Let the listeners/advertisers decide. They have more juice than the FCC.

This has worked in the past. Remember Howard Stem on 93.1?
I think either the Star or IBJ followed a salesman for 93.1 and found that selling Stern was not that easy because of his reputation of "bawdiness"

Let the people decide!
 
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