# Motherfuckering FCC **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 18, 2004, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513 "2004-11-18T19:01:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Punoqllads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d2c977/32.png) [@Punoqllads](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punoqllads)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/41 "2004-11-18T22:19:05Z")
On this subject, I have to recommend one segment on the Jimmy Kimmel show on Fridays, “This Week in Gratuitous Censorship”. Even if you don’t like Kimmel, check it out. Maybe mute the TV until he gets to that segment. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/42 "2004-11-18T22:23:42Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Okay, please don’t think this is another rant, but a question, as I’m confused-how do these guidelines NOT violate the First Amendment? In the unlikely event that that wasn’t just another post-padding drive-by and you actually return to check for a response, the answer is simple: nobody cares, not anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/43 "2004-11-18T22:29:09Z")
But the real answer, of course, is that the airwaves in this country are not private property: they are public property, just like a National Forest is public property. The networks lease the airwaves from us, which means that we’re allowed to put certain restrictions on how those folks use our property. Is this a good system? I’ve got real mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, private ownership of the means of communication can get the country into real big trouble, and it’s harder to get bigger than public airwaves. On the other hand, I’m not real impressed with how the FCC is representing me in negotiations with these companies. To say the least. Fortunately, I hardly watch any TV. Computer games and comic books are far more interesting :). Daniel ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/44 "2004-11-18T22:32:33Z")
> [@Liberal](#): > > In the unlikely event that that wasn’t just another post-padding drive-by and you actually return to check for a response, the answer is simple: nobody cares, not anymore. Geez **Lib** , why did you even answer her post? ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/45 "2004-11-18T22:34:36Z")
> [@World Eater](#): > > Geez **Lib** , why did you even answer her post? Maybe he figured that by lying about the answer, he could provoke someone else into giving the correct answer. I dunno. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Binarydrone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3da27b/32.png) [@Binarydrone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Binarydrone)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/46 "2004-11-18T22:41:32Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > But the real answer, of course, is that the airwaves in this country are not private property: they are public property, just like a National Forest is public property. The networks lease the airwaves from us, which means that we’re allowed to put certain restrictions on how those folks use our property… You know, this is something that I have always wondered about. If I partially “own” the airwaves, and these companies are leasing them, where is the money going? Do I get a check at some point? ---
**Author:** ![Homebrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Homebrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homebrew)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/47 "2004-11-18T22:45:29Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > But the real answer, of course, is that the airwaves in this country are not private property: they are public property, just like a National Forest is public property. The networks lease the airwaves from us, which means that we’re allowed to put certain restrictions on how those folks use our property. Incomplete answer. The story that prompted this thread mentiones efforts to expand the FCC sway over private channels also. > [@](#): > > With support from both Republicans and Democrats, the Federal Communications Commission is poised to get even more aggressive about enforcing moral values throughout broadcasting, even putting cable television in its cross hairs and taking aim at Howard Stern’s right to talk dirty on satellite radio. Cable and satellite radio are not public property, hence the Supreme Court ruling in that Playboy can show it’s skin flicks any time of the day and the sticking down of the Communications Decency Act. Any move to regulate these outlets, I think, will be quickly shot down by the courts. I believe the move to raise the top fine from $27K to $500K is clearly an effort to chill expression. The FCC can’t enfore prior restraint, but is trying to make the potential fine so heavy that it has the same affect by causing broadcasters to not air anything even close to the line. I think it is unsound and worth challenging. ---
**Author:** ![malkavia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malkavia/32/5621_2.png) [@malkavia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/malkavia)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/48 "2004-11-18T23:05:01Z")
> [@NaSultainne](#): > > I _am_ offended by such stupid commercials. I _am_ offended that they show such junk during so-called ‘family hour’. I lump this one in with that other outrageously crude Viagra commercial; the one with the ‘horns’ appearing behind the guy’s head as he gives his wife (though these days, like as not, _not_ his wife) that male intended-to-be-come-hither-but-ends-up-looking-doofy-anyway smirk as they disappear into a lingerie shop. I absolutely _hate_ every stinking one of the male-enhancement commercials, bar none. And here’s the kicker: scream and curse all you want, **World Eater** , but the commercial is on before you can dive for the remote or channel button. _That_ means I _don’t_ have control to avoid the crud beforehand, and that, my dear poster, is why I get so angry. > > Based on the reactions the FCC is hearing, I’m not the only one with a gripe. I don’t like children at the supermarket. I find them loud, offensive and generally horrible creatures. I am not the only person who would prefer to go grocery shopping in a kidless environment. And you know, scream and curse all you want about your right to reproduce or whatever, but I _have_ to go to the grocery store, there’s no way around it. And so I go… and am assaulted by children and babies and their smelliness and stickiness and shrieking or giggling or whatever it is that children do when they’re not quiet. FURTHERMORE, I don’t want my own (very bright, quiet) child to be subjected to a bunch of squalling brats. Should the government regulate whether or not you may bring your children to the supermarket because it pisses me off? What if I got 23 letters from other people who agree with me? ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/49 "2004-11-18T23:20:57Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Okay, please don’t think this is another rant, but a question, as I’m confused-how do these guidelines NOT violate the First Amendment? The short answer is, "It doesn’t because the Supreme Court says it doesn’t. If you want a longer answer…🙂 In Roth v. US, decided in 1957, the Supreme Court ruled that obscenity is not protected under the First Amendment. Here’s a link to the Roth decision: > **[FindLaw's United States Supreme Court case and opinions.](https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/354/476.html)** > > FindLaw's searchable database of United States Supreme Court decisions since In FCC v. Pacifica Foundation, the Court ruled that the FCC does have the power to regulate obscene, indecent, or profane language broadcast by licensees, and to punish the broadcasters. > **[FindLaw's United States Supreme Court case and opinions.](https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/438/726.html)** > > FindLaw's searchable database of United States Supreme Court decisions since ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/50 "2004-11-18T23:22:40Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > Maybe he figured that by lying about the answer, he could provoke someone else into giving the correct answer. I dunno. > > Daniel Assuming, of course, that it wasnt a just another post-padding drive-by. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/51 "2004-11-18T23:36:20Z")
> [@Binarydrone](#): > > You know, this is something that I have always wondered about. If I partially “own” the airwaves, and these companies are leasing them, where is the money going? Do I get a check at some point? The money, by law, goes into the US Treasury and is part of the annual federal budget. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2004, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/52 "2004-11-18T23:36:26Z")
Thank you. That’s what I wanted to know. (Although the average Doper’s idea of obscenity will differ from say, the _Left Behind_ board’s idea of obscenity). ---
**Author:** ![1010011010](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/ea666f/32.png) [@1010011010](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1010011010)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2004, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/53 "2004-11-19T04:38:02Z")
> [@GaWd](#): > > Interesting thought, Homebrew. Does anyone else think we should push for letter-writing campaigns stating how we _ **didn’t** _ find whatever TV event offensive? Sounds like a good idea. I sent some e-mail to the FCC asking about it. It’s not clear from their website that they have any mechanism for handling “complaints” that aren’t really complaints. If the reply is interesting, I’ll post what I find out. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2004, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/54 "2004-11-19T05:09:38Z")
> [@1010011010](#): > > I sent some e-mail to the FCC asking about it. It’s not clear from their website that they have any mechanism for handling “complaints” that aren’t really complaints. If the reply is interesting, I’ll post what I find out. When the last round of fines was levied against Howard Stern, he let through an avalanche of callers that said they wanted to write the FCC saying that they specifically found nothing offensive in the broadcast. Howard urged them all not to do this, saying (no cite, obviously) that the FCC can and will simply count _all_ letters received as complaints, regardless of content. So his alternative for the many listeners who wanted to support him was that they should send complaints about Oprah’s teen sex show, which he was not allowed to air due to fears of being fined by the FCC. His point was to outline the double standard of the FCC. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2004, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/55 "2004-11-19T19:28:29Z")
> [@Ellis Dee](#): > > When the last round of fines was levied against Howard Stern, he let through an avalanche of callers that said they wanted to write the FCC saying that they specifically found nothing offensive in the broadcast. Howard urged them all not to do this, saying (no cite, obviously) that the FCC can and will simply count _all_ letters received as complaints, regardless of content. > > So his alternative for the many listeners who wanted to support him was that they should send complaints about Oprah’s teen sex show, which he was not allowed to air due to fears of being fined by the FCC. His point was to outline the double standard of the FCC. Interesting, I hadn’t heard about that. ---
**Author:** ![TJdude825](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dec6dc/32.png) [@TJdude825](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJdude825)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2004, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/56 "2004-11-22T23:36:09Z")
I’m surprised no one has posted a link yet to [The FCC Song](http://www.pythonline.com/plugs/idle/index.shtml) by Eric Idle. That’s all. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/57 "2004-11-23T00:39:13Z")
> [@Binarydrone](#): > > You know, this is something that I have always wondered about. If I partially “own” the airwaves, and these companies are leasing them, where is the money going? Do I get a check at some point? Newspeak: “The airwaves are owned by the public” English: “The airwaves have been expropriated by the politicians in power” ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/58 "2004-11-23T00:40:11Z")
> [@GaWd](#): > > Interesting thought, Homebrew. Does anyone else think we should push for letter-writing campaigns stating how we _ **didn’t** _ find whatever TV event offensive? Sounds like a good idea. > > Sam I don’t know about this. Similar to what has already been said about the Fucking Communications Commission treating all letters as complaints, my brother and I wrote our senator (John McCain) earlier this year to express our concern and negative feelings for the Broadcast Indecency Act. What we got back was something to the effect of: “Thank you for expressing your concern over the indecency that permeates our airways today. Don’t worry, I am in your corner and **fighting** to pass the Broadcast Indecency Act…etc., etc., etc.” ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/59 "2004-11-23T01:07:34Z")
Your country sucks, dudes. It never used to, but now it’s gone. And it’s getting even suckier as every day passes. I’m sorry for you all. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513/60 "2004-11-23T01:24:41Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > They want to see Terrel Owens have pre-martial sex with a hot white chick. For your information, it was post-marital sex. An earlier version of the script explained that at the beginning of the scene, she was wearing a wedding towel. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motherfuckering-fcc/275513.md?page=4)