OK, the FCC is a worthless institution...

[Lone_Wolf_Moderate]

They have proven this with their decision to ignore the Sinclair Broadcasting shenanigans. According to Michael Powell, there is no precedent for stopping a right-wing network from forcing people to watch anti-Kerry propaganda, but censoring entertainment for the cause of "decency," is perfectly A-OK. The FCC has decided to selectively enforce its mandate, and only do do when the political forces fall in place. Like I said, worthless...

[Free2BMe]

1. Okay, let's see M. Moore's film and the tribute to our deceased warriors..

again...on National TV ..of course...for public information purposes.

[sandnsea]

2. No precedent???

Well gee, could it be because no corporate media owner has ever tried this shit before???

[moondust]

4. That's right. It SETS a dangerous precedent.

Very bad idea to open this door.

[mongo]

3. it would be unconstitutional for the FCC to stop the airing

of this film. It is called "prior restraint of free speech" and has already been ruled unconstitutional.

In the 50's, state had "film review boards" that would watch every film and would ban a film if it wasn't "decent" enough.

The FCC can't censor anything. All they can do is fine a network after the fact.

[Lone_Wolf_Moderate]

5. You're right. I'm not advocating censorship. Any censorship is wrong.

It just seems to me that everyone calls on the FCC to do something about indencency, yet when this issue is raised, nothing.

BTW, those fines are meant as a form of coercion, in order to regulate behavior. I'm against all censorship, but its the hypocrisy that bothers me.

[liberalpress]

6. I have been in the broadcast business for 35 years...

...this is not a recent development

[Road Scholar]

7. I agreee.

I hope that's high on Kerry's list when he is sworn in.