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  For Immediate Release  
  Contact: Phil Bloomer  
  Phone: (217) 403-4690  
June 8, 2006
 
Bill Upholds Broadcast Decency Standards
 

Rep. Johnson says legislation slows the “race to the bottom”

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson said the Broadcast Decency Act that passed the House Wednesday should hold broadcasters to a higher standard and restore a level of decorum that has been missing too long from the nation’s airwaves.

“Some broadcast outlets have been competing in a race to the bottom of ethical standards for what they think is appropriate to be shown in the nation’s living rooms,” Rep. Johnson said. “If the negligent within that industry won’t show any better judgment than they have, then it is Congress’ duty to step in and protect the values we hold dear.”

Passage of the House bill Wednesday followed Senate passage of the bill on May 18.

Rep. Johnson was a cosponsor of similar legislation that passed the House last February.

The bill would increase fines the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could levy on broadcasters that air indecent programming over the public airwaves from $32,500 to $325,000 per violation. Johnson contends that to today’s media giants, the former fines were merely a “cost of doing business”, and raising them gives the current regulations much more force.

The FCC has authority over the regulation of the broadcast of obscene material at all times and indecent material during the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., the so-called safe harbor period when children are most likely to be watching.

The legislation was initially introduced amid protests from viewers across the country to the use of profanities during nationally televised awards ceremonies and incidents such as the Super Bowl Halftime Show during which Janet Jackson’s breast was revealed.

“Whether it’s radio, broadcast television or cable, producers seem to be in competition for the lowest standard of decency,” Rep. Johnson said. “The American people have responded and now Congress has followed suit. I think that with this legislation, people can expect far more scrupulous monitoring.”

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