Word: fcc
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...Number of complaints received by the FCC in 2003 about broadcast indecency, up from...
After what Timberlake euphemized with the NASA-like "wardrobe malfunction," the accusations flew like flags on a late hit. The NFL blamed CBS and MTV. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) blamed the networks not just for the "reveal" but also for a halftime show that included rapper Nelly grabbing his crotch and sexual grinding between Timberlake and Jackson. The networks blamed Jackson, who said she cooked up the stunt at the last minute. Nonetheless, after the game the MTV website crowed that "fans of Janet Jackson and her pasties were definitely in the right place." (Actually, Jackson's right breast...
...answer, say some TV insiders: Be very afraid. The scandal awakened the FCC, which had been lenient on both standards and corporate consolidation under chairman Michael Powell but announced an investigation into the halftime show. This week House and Senate committees will hold hearings on broadcast decency. So the story swung from action (video delays instituted on the Grammy and Oscar ceremonies) to overreaction. Under pressure from affiliates, NBC cut a scene from Thursday's ER that briefly showed the breast of an 80-year-old heart-attack patient. "I think our viewers are intelligent enough to make their...
...screen violence, the Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire? scandal finished reality TV and the Sept. 11 attacks killed irony. Betting against the transgressiveness of pop culture is like shorting the market: you may be right for a period, but over time you will lose. Even if the FCC does leash the big networks meaningfully--a long shot--viewers remain free to go to cable. "It's acceptable for Tiger Woods to curse on ESPN," notes NBC Entertainment president Jeff Zucker, "but not on NBC at the same golf tournament." If the viewers go, the ratings pressures will return...
...FCC wants to curb indecencies on television, perhaps it would be more useful to place limits on some of the outrageous reality-TV shows that feature men and women in overtly sexual situations wearing nothing more than skimpy swimwear. And, if not, they should realize that primetime television will continue to cross the line unless they pursue some uniformity and prudence in their disapprovals. Until that time arrives, they should leave it up to the NFL to decide what performance acts should grace the stage at halftime...