Proves Need For FCC Enforcement
With the current lack of enforcement by the FCC on decency standards, TV networks are pushing the boundaries to air indecent content. Fox proved this in the special promotion of their sexually explicit cartoon program Fox ADHD before 10pm, the current time that the FCC permits content not suitable for children.
Fox ADHD comes from the creator of Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming. The special feature on July 21 aired at 9:30pm Eastern and 8:30pm on Central and Mountain. As Parents Television Council describes in detail, Fox’s online content features graphic nudity, language, and violence that is not suitable for a younger audience. Fox chose to blatantly ignore the regulation that inappropriate content not be shown before 10pm, largely because they know the FCC will not take action.
The rampant disregard for federal law is outrageous, but what can you expect when the FCC refuses to do its job? It is not surprising when you look at the FCC’s track record. After throwing out more than 1 million citizen complaints, the FCC proposed allowing “isolated incidences” of nudity and profanity on network television. More than 100,000 people submitted comments overwhelmingly opposed to indecent programming on the public airwaves. The FCC is the guardian of broadcast decency and they must enforce the law.
We need to make sure that any new commissioners added to the FCC commit to enforcing current federal law. Morality in Media, along with 70 other groups, delivered a letter to all U. S. Senators urging them to vote down President Obama’s nominee to chair the FCC, Tom Wheeler, unless he commits to vigorously enforce the federal decency law.