Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Dr. Frank fan
He is not crying wolf. He is pointing out that the system does not actually have any rules. If some government official finds a word offensive in a certain content, there is a fine. If he doesn't, there isn't.

Are you aware that radio shows nationwide can no longer air best of shows because, although the laws are the same, they would now get fined for the content? These are shows that have aired more than once with no fine. But, since their last airings, the broadcasters have quietly removed them from rotation because fines have since been issued for the same content.

The federal government justified the stricter rules for the airways, while letting the newspapers slide, because there were few radio stations and many papers in the average city. It was felt the limited choices for radio justified tighter controls because there were fewer options.

Now the situation is reversed, but the rules remain the same.

You really need to look at this situation because what the FCC finds offensive under a future administration may not be so much to your liking. Unpopular speech must be defended because, at some point, you too are going to want to say something that is unpopular, and you will want that right.
55 posted on 11/11/2004 4:44:26 PM PST by sharktrager (The masses will trade liberty for a more quiet life.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies ]


To: sharktrager
He is not crying wolf. He is pointing out that the system does not actually have any rules. If some government official finds a word offensive in a certain content, there is a fine. If he doesn't, there isn't.

Is there any sane reason to believe that the FCC will level a fine for showing this particular film given that it's already been shown??? If not, he's crying wolf to show a "Larger Truth". That "Larger Truth" may, in fact, actually be true, as you are saying. But that's no reason for me to nod my head and pretend that this isn't just a stunt.

You really need to look at this situation because what the FCC finds offensive under a future administration may not be so much to your liking.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not even saying that current FCC rulings are to my liking. I just find it very hard to believe that anyone could possibly believe that showing SPR would entail any nontrivial risk of fine. Hey, maybe I'm wrong... we'll see tonight, right? It's going to be shown on many many affiliates and we'll see what the FCC does.

58 posted on 11/11/2004 4:53:36 PM PST by Dr. Frank fan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies ]

To: sharktrager

My local ABC affiliate, WMBB in Panama City, FL decided NOT to show SPR this evening. This is a very conservative station in a very conservative part of the state. The threat of big government is real and the rules must be changed.

There has to be a technical solution to this problem.


67 posted on 11/11/2004 5:07:38 PM PST by Diverdogz
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson