Friday, October 08, 2004

The FCC and the 1st Amendment

Amendment I to the Constitution-
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. "

From the FCC's website-
"The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency, directly responsible to Congress."
"The FCC is directed by five Commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for 5-year terms, except when filling an unexpired term. "

So, here we have a body that decides what is acceptable to broadcast that was created by Congress and whose members are appointed, not elected, who can enforce their decision on what is acceptable by fines and withholding licenses. In what way is the very existence of the FCC even Constitutional?

Today, the FCC is expected to hand down a $1 million fine to Fox for behavior by contestants on the god-awful reality show "Married by America" (http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/12/television.fox.reut/index.html). Apparently, the guests engaged in "lascivious banter... And a segment that involved contestants licking whipped cream off each other's bodies."

Oh, the horror! Government must protect us from banter and licking! Won't somebody please think of the CHILDREN!?!?!? This fine was also the result of the work by those prudish nannies over at the Parents Television Council.

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