The End of Live TV?

According to the Washingtonpost.com, television networks say that they may have to stop instantaneous broadcasting of live events like the Academy Awards and Grammys if they have to worry about getting fined every time someone utters a profanity.

At the same time, the head of the Federal Communications Commission and parents groups are saying that ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox will seize the opportunity to make the airwaves more sacrilegious if the Supreme Court removes the threat.

The issue is raised because the high court is taking up broadcast indecency for the first time in 30 years. The case concerns two Fox programs that violated the FCC's indecency rules. A lower court sided with Fox after which the FCC appealed to the high court, which stated it would take the case when it reconvenes the first Monday of October. Arguments might not be heard until early next year.

Fox spokesman Scott Grogin said, "A positive ruling from the court would simply acknowledge that no system is perfect and must allow for a small margin of human error."

President of the Parents Television Council, Tim Winter, said a pro-Fox ruling would start an inevitable decline in programming standards, making shows on the major networks look and sound more like the R-rated programs on HBO and Showtime.