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Supreme Court to Hear the “F” Word
3-Nov-2008
Written by: Mic Mell
The Supreme Court is hearing a case: Fox vs. The FCC, about the “F” word.
For years, people have been spouting expletives on network TV, and they have been labeled indecent, profane or obscene, and punishable by fines of up to $325,000 per incident. When Saving Private Ryan was aired on ABC recently, the cursing stayed in. However, When Cher tossed an “F” bomb during an awards show on Fox, it was considered profane by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Now a case has found its way all the way to the Supreme Court. The result of this case could change the very nature of what people say on television. At stake is a free speech issue, whether or not networks are required to censor what people say. The FCC insists it is operating in the best interests of parents, morality, and decency, while Fox is standing for their right of free speech.
At the heart of the matter seems to be the value of the airwaves. Network TV stations are free, and the spectrum they broadcast on is limited, precious, and available to all. The issue of decency on these public airwaves is a hotly contested issue.
This is the first time since 1978 that the Supreme Court is deliberating on indecency on network TV. That was for a radio station that aired George Carlin's famous "Filthy Words" routine, and the radio station lost the case.
Add to all this that the FCC has the right to determine the intent of the profanity, and then to decide whether to fine or not, and you have a recipe for a landmark case.
Depending on how the case goes Tuesday, we could be hearing lots more “F” bombs on TV, or continue to hear none except for the occasional gaffe, or in a war movie that requires it for realism.
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