NEW YORK – A Washington insider recently told a group of broadcasters that government crusades against “indecency” and here to stay, despite the departure of FCC Chairman Michael Powell and the arrival of new chairman and former commissioner Kevin Martin.”Judging by his public statements, [Martin] may be even stricter,” said Robert Corn-Revere, a Washington DC-based attorney. “Still, it’s difficult to guess what someone would do as chairman based on their statements as a commissioner. Martin has said, however, that because 85 percent of the public receive some sort of subscription-based media, it may be feasible to hold cable and satellite to the same regulations and restrictions as broadcast.”
Corn-Revere, speaking to a crowd at the National Advertisers’ 2005 Television Advertising Forum, said that although “indecency” initiatives are being spurred from right-wing activist groups, “indecency” legislation is coming from both of the major political parties.
“The issue of indecency is a political issue, but it is not a partisan issue, as Democrats and Republicans are putting media under considerable scrutiny,” he said.
One bill sponsored by Rep. James Moran (D-VA) is targeted squarely at products like Viagra and other treatments for sexual problems. The Moran bill would limit the times of day when companies could advertise medications and treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Another bill from Democrat Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia would target violence in television programming.
According to Corn-Revere, extreme right-wing “family values” organizations are responsible for the government’s current level of interest in entertainment content.
“These organizations are complaint mills,” he said. “They tell their members, ‘You don’t even have to see the show in order to complain, just click this button and a message is instantly sent to the FCC.’ Three complaints to a station could force a hearing that could put that station’s license in jeopardy.”
Smaller stations without the financial means to defend themselves could be put completely out of business due to a single indecency fine.
