Webs gearing for Supreme showdown with the FCC

WEBS GEARING UP FOR SUPREME SHOWDOWN WITH THE FCC
[SOURCE: Variety, AUTHOR: Michael Learmonth]
Ten days ago, all four broadcast networks, their 800 affiliated stations and the Hearst-Argyle station group walked in rare lockstep and filed a challenge arguing that three specific FCC indecency decisions are unconstitutional and inconsistent. The appeals involve a guest on CBS' "The Early Show" referred to someone as a "bulls****er, ABC's drama "NYPD Blue" and Fox's "Billboard Music Awards" in which Nicole Richie said, "have you ever tried to get cow s*** out of a Prada purse? It's not so f***ing simple." The challenge, expected to be heard by a court of appeal in the next few months, could end up reining in the agency that critics claim is exceeding its authority. It could also set the stage for a Supreme Court showdown -- the first consideration of the government's role in policing broadcast content since 1978. Given the entertainment industry's dearth of friends on Capitol Hill, it's no surprise broadcasters turned to the courts for relief.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117941849?categoryid=14&cs=1&nid=2596

* the End of "live" TV
http://www.dtgeeks.com/index.php/blogs/community_comment/the_end_of_live...