Networks Stand Up To The FCC

Does standing up to a bully always work out for the best? The networks sure hope so as they are taking on the baddest guy on the block, the FCC. Television’s “Big 4” networks, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, joined together and filed a notice of appeal in federal courts. They are at odds with the FCC and its inconsistent and sometimes overreaching assault on indecency.

Like most people, I see a need for the FCC to do what it does. However, like most people, I feel that the FCC has gone overboard on many instances. After the most recent fines were levied, some TV executives decided they have had enough. The networks joined together and filed suit and then released a statement saying that “In filing these court appeals we are seeking to overturn the FCC decisions that the broadcast of fleeting, isolated – and in some cases unintentional – words rendered these programs indecent,”.

I have a hard time imagining this working, Yet, I’m happy to see the networks show the testicular fortitude to stand up to a government agency that not only lacks any set-in-stone standards, but also lets egos run crazy due to a damn ugly nipple at a football game. I can understand the need for some control but the FCC has long since stepped over the line of common sense and it needs to establish some sort of realistic guidelines for the networks to be able to follow.

Credit: CBC