Does the FCC regulate swearing?

It is a violation of federal law to air obscene programming at any time. It is also a violation of federal law to broadcast indecent or profane programming during certain hours. The FCC vigorously enforces this law where we find violations.

What power does the FCC have to regulate obscenity indecency and profanity?

Federal law makes it a crime to utter “any obscene, indecent, or profane language by means of radio communication” (18 U.S.C. §1464). Violators of this statute are subject to fines and imprisonment of up to two years; the FCC may enforce this provision by forfeiture or revocation of a broadcaster’s license.

What is the range of monetary sanctions for violation of the FCC’s indecency profanity and or obscenity restrictions?

18 USCA §1464 provides for a $10,000 fine and/or a two-year prison sentence for whoever violates the law. However, the FCC does retain the right, under a different section of the Communications Act, to enforce an indecency prohibition and assess fines.

What does the FCC not regulate?

The FCC does not regulate information provided over the Internet. The FCC cannot regulate closed-circuit radio or television, which means that it cannot control what is carried over closed-circuit systems in, for example, department stores, airports, or casinos.

How does the FCC enforce the obscenity and profanity rules?

Enforcement of the obscenity, indecency and profanity rules usually begins with complaints from the public that FCC staff review for possible violations. If an investigation is warranted and the FCC finds a station in violation of its rules, it has the authority to revoke a station license, impose a fine or issue an admonishment or warning.

Is it against the law to broadcast profanity?

It is also a violation of federal law to broadcast indecent or profane programming during certain hours.

Can a profanity be regulated under the First Amendment?

Profanity can be regulated, however, under certain circumstances consistent with the First Amendment. Profane rants that cross the line into direct face-to-face personal insults or fighting words are not protected by the First Amendment. Similarly, Watts v.

What makes a profane broadcast a public nuisance?

Profane content includes “grossly offensive” language that is considered a public nuisance. Factors in determining how FCC rules apply include the specific nature of the content, the time of day it was broadcast and the context in which the broadcast took place. Broadcasting obscene content is prohibited by law at all times of the day.