Senate Indecency Bill To Cover Cable TV Sector

[SOURCE: Technology Daily, AUTHOR: David Hatch]
Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) is preparing a crackdown on "indecent" images shown via cable networks. Sen Stevens' move could trigger a pitched battle with cable television channels over content regulation -- but, for now, the senator is seeking to work with cable executives toward a compromise, sources. A draft obscenity bill floated by Stevens focuses on broadcast television and radio. It would raise fines for violations of the FCC's indecency rules from $32,500 to $500,000 per incident. But it has been learned that an upcoming iteration of the draft also would tackle cable programming. Regulation of cable content raises First Amendment issues because cable is a subscription service that does not utilize the public airwaves. But some observers maintain that viewers do not distinguish between broadcast and cable fare, and so both should face tougher obscenity regulations. Sources said Sen Stevens is seeking creative approaches to curbing racy and profane content on cable without overstepping constitutional boundaries. The senator appears to have backed off the idea of applying the broadcast indecency restrictions to cable because of First Amendment concerns.
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-MQES1131055527407.html

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