FCC Needs to Better Define Indecency Before Regulating It

The Supreme Court ruled that the Federal Communications Commission did not provide broadcast television networks with enough notice or explanation of its expansion of "indecency restrictions" after the Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" Super Bowl Half-Time Show incident, nullifying the fines that were levied against FOX TV stations and other broadcasters when folks like Cher and Bono uttered "fleeting expletives" during live awards ceremonies. Back in January, it also invalidated a similar fine against ABC for showing "fleeting nudity" during an episode of NYPD Blue. In an 8-0 ruling, the Court left the door open for the FCC to better clarify its guidelines (Justice Sonia Sotomayor recused herself because she had heard an earlier appeals court trial on the case).

I have previously argued that profanity is a sign of lazy writing and slothful speaking. I have also expressed my opinion about Hollywood's prudish and inconsistent standards when it comes to violence vs. sexuality.

I think our government has better things to do and more pressing problems to resolve than try to legislate the words that people utter on screen, when those same words are being uttered by our elected officials.

Where's George Carlin and his comic monologue about the "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" when we need him?