Not All in the Family: Pols Likely to Press Indecency

[SOURCE: MediaWeek, AUTHOR: Todd Shields]
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) predicted that cable's move to offer family tiers would negate the need for indecency enforcement legislation. Others say mandates are needed. “This is not the industry we need to have choose what is appropriate” for a family package, said Lanier Swann, director of government relations for Concerned Women for America. Parents Television Council, Swann and others are pushing à la carte choice: letting consumers buy only the channels they want. They have a powerful ally in FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. He quickly said he is “pleased” with the family tiers proposal. But at the same time, agency lawyers are searching telecom law for authority to require à la carte. Chairman Martin pointedly noted that he wants cable “and satellite” to offer parents more tools. And key lawmakers want to call broadcasters to heel. “Now that cable has stepped up to the plate, the Senate should follow suit and move the House-passed” indecency bill that steeply hikes indecency fines, said Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), chair of the House telecommunications subcommittee.
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