It all started with “Nipplegate,” Janet Jackson’s alleged wardrobe malfunction at the Super Bowl, when millions of Americans caught that flash of naked flesh. The FCC found the incident “crude, lewd and sexually explicit” and slapped CBS with a $550,000 fine.
Since then, the battle over airwaves has broadcasters, politicians and viewers debating just what is acceptable, and what crosses the line. Some say this new focus on indecency is causing a creative chill, with many in Hollywood shunning provocative programs that might draw political fire and hefty fines.
But the new head of the FCC is not letting up, instead he is pressing for bigger fines and sending warnings to network and cable stations to either make their shows more PG or get slapped.
Guests:
Congressman Fred Upton, (R-MI) Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, he sponsored legislation to raise fines for indecency violations
Mark Cronin, President of Mindless Entertainment and producer of VH1’s “The Surreal Life”
Randy Sharp, Director of Special Projects for the American Family Association
Jon Rintels, Executive Director for the Center for Creative Voices in Media.