Television networks have a duty to provide responsible and ethical programming.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also has been charged with upholding high standards for obscene and indecent material on broadcast television. 

The incident that occurred during the Super Bowl’s halftime show failed miserably to fulfill those standards.  This type of programming was totally inappropriate for the most watched sporting event of the year.  More than 90 million Americans joined family and friends to enjoy the game, but instead witnessed what FCC Chairman Michael Powell described as a “classless, crass, and deplorable stunt.” 

Networks must be held accountable.  I am co-sponsoring the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004 because it increases penalties for broadcasting obscene, indecent, and profane language.  Although the government has a responsibility to help curb this problem, the most effective opposition comes when consumers take action at the “grassroots” level.  The networks will begin to listen when their viewers stop watching and their profits start falling. 

We cannot just stand by and allow obscenity to become the norm in our society.