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| Wilson Statement on Factoring Decency into License Renewals |
March 03, 2004 |
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Lawmaker’s Efforts Strengthen Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act
Albuquerque, NM – Congresswoman Heather Wilson’s effort to include decency as a factor in license renewals was approved Wednesday by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Wilson, (R-NM) made the following statement today:
“Mr. Chairman, thank you for your leadership and for the rapid action to move this bill to the floor.
The FCC plays an important role in protecting Americans, particularly children, from indecent programming. The FCC has a statutory mandate to prohibit indecency on broadcasts. Their enforcement has been inadequate and the tools that they have at their disposal are insufficient.
There are several measures incorporated in the Manager’s amendment today that have been influenced by our hearings on this issue.
· Mr. Wynn and I crafted a provision that would make a stations record of indecency a factor for consideration when their license is up for renewal.
· When there are multiple violations of the indecency prohibitions, a station’s license can be revoked.
· We are increasing the maximum penalty to $500,000 per violation, and
· We have listened to the concerns of local broadcasters who do not always have prior notice of network programming. The manager’s amendment holds harmless local affiliates when they do not review the material in advance, and allows the FCC to fine the networks.
· The bill also increases the expectations for prompt enforcement action by the FCC so that punishment is swift and sure.
The bill and report language will also make clear that local affiliates have the right to decline to air programming which is inconsistent with community standards even when it is not indecent or profane.
Mr. Chairman, I believe these rules are needed. I also believe we have already had an effect on this industry. FCC enforcement was lax and, when imposed, was largely symbolic. We will change that and monitor its implementation. But the real change will come in the board rooms and general manager’s offices and broadcast studios when people decide to be responsible, to entertain rather than denigrate, to lift us up and not gross us out. Thank you.”
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