Kevin Martin protests Nicole and Paris by using a lot of profanity on the FCC website

[Elspeth]

From: www.fcc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT
June 4, 2007 David Fiske 202-418-0513

STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN KEVIN MARTIN
ON 2ND CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS INDECENCY DECISION
Reaction

Today, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York said the use of the words “fuck” and
“shit” by Cher and Nicole Richie was not indecent.
I completely disagree with the Court’s ruling and am disappointed for American families. I find
it hard to believe that the New York court would tell American families that “shit” and “fuck”
are fine to say on broadcast television during the hours when children are most likely to be in the
audience.

The court even says the Commission is “divorced from reality.” It is the New York court, not
the Commission, that is divorced from reality in concluding that the word “fuck” does not invoke
a sexual connotation.

These words were used in prime time, when children were watching. Ironically, the court
implies that the existence of blocking technologies is one reason the FCC shouldn’t be so
concerned. But even a vigilant parent using current blocking technologies such as the V-Chip
couldn’t have avoided this language, because they rely on the program’s rating, and in this case
the programs were rated appropriate for family viewing.
If ever there was an appropriate time for Commission action, this was it. If we can’t restrict the
use of the words “fuck” and “shit” during prime time, Hollywood will be able to say anything
they want, whenever they want.

The Court Decision

As part of its March 15, 2006 Omnibus Indecency Order, the FCC determined that the 2002 and
2003 Billboard Music Awards broadcasts were indecent and profane.
During the 2002 Billboard Music Awards, the entertainer Cher made the following comment:
“I’ve had unbelievable support in my life, and I’ve worked really
hard. I’ve had great people to work with. Oh, yeah, you know
what? I’ve also had critics for the last 40 years saying that I was
on my way out every year. Right. So fuck ‘em. I still have a job
and they don’t.”

2

During the 2003 Billboard Music Awards, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie took part in the
following exchange:
Paris Hilton: “Now, Nicole, remember, this is a live show, watch
the bad language.”
Nicole Richie: “Okay, God.”
Paris Hilton: “It feels so good to be standing here tonight.”
Nicole Richie: “Yeah, instead of standing in mud and blocked]. Why do they even call it ‘The Simple Life?’ Have you
ever tried to get cow shit out of a Prada purse? It’s not so fucking
simple.”

Fundamentally, the Commission acted in accordance with its Congressional mandate to prohibit
indecency and profanity on the airwaves, and in keeping with previous court decisions regarding
indecency.

In the 1978 Pacifica case, the Supreme Court affirmed the Commission’s finding that the
broadcast of comedian George Carlin’s monologue about the “seven dirty words you can’t say
on TV and radio” was indecent. In the case before the court today, the Commission was
restricting only the use of two of those seven words. But as a result of this ruling, the New York
court may have prohibited the Commission from enforcing any restrictions on language.
Potential Solution

Today’s decision by the Court increases the importance of Congress considering contentneutral
solutions to give parents more tools and consumers generally more control and choice
over programming coming into their homes. By allowing them to choose the channels that come
into their homes, Congress could deliver real power to American families.
Permitting parents to have more choice in the channels they receive may prove to be the
best solution to content concerns. All of the potential versions of a la carte would avoid
government regulation of content while enabling consumers, including parents, to receive only
the programming they want and believe to be appropriate for their families. Providing
consumers more choice would avoid the First Amendment concerns of content regulation, while
providing real options for Americans.
- FCC -

[hvn_nbr_2]

1. May I be the first to say, "Fuck Kevin Martin!" nt

[Elspeth]

2. It's quite hypocritical.

Here is the FCC fining everyone who uses profanity, even accidentally.

[blogslut]

3. Poor Kevin!

I bet his fat little fingers trembled every time he "typed" those awful, icky, nasty, dirty, bad bad bad words!

[hvn_nbr_2]

4. Actually, I'd bet he's a hypocrite who says it all the time and only does...

this crap to pander to the fake-Christian wingnut base.