Indecency Fines or Fine Indecency?
by TChris
By the overwhelming margin of 389-38, the House of Representatives sent a strong message about the importance of keeping nipples covered during the Superbowl -- at least Janet Jackson's nipple. The House passed a bill that increases the maximum fine that can be imposed upon a broadcaster for "indecency" from $32,500 to $500,000. The bill apparently does not apply to right wing lunatics who shriek at their talk show guests, a sight far more indecent than a briefly exposed breast.
Unsurprisingly, the White House says that higher maximum fines "will make broadcast television and radio more suitable for family viewing." Creative artists worry that they will become the target of fines, which (until now) have always been levied against broadcasters rather than individuals. The House bill increases the maximum that can be assessed against an individual from $11,000 to $500,000. A similar bill in the Senate would set the maximum fine against broadcasters at $350,000 but makes no change in the maximum that performers can be ordered to pay.
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