Networks lose, Cable wins
The government and some groups think the networks need to be reigned in, and now they've moved a step closer by passing a tougher law that would allow the FCC to impose a higher fine. Ten times higher. There are some who question that the fines may be used as a form of censorship.
"I believe that government has a responsibility to help strengthen families," Bush said in a statement. "This legislation will make television and radio more family friendly by allowing the FCC to impose stiffer fines on broadcasters who air obscene or indecent programming."...On the other side, radio and television broadcasters, artists and First Amendment specialists have opposed the increase in fines, saying they will exacerbate what they call the "chilling effect" already underway in the creative community, as the government cracks down on content. For instance, the networks have added delays to live broadcasts that allow them to catch offensive material before it airs. A number of broadcasters have instituted zero-tolerance rules for their on-air personalities, meaning objectionable broadcasts can bring immediate firing.
This makes the V-Chip rather obsolete since it was put in place to help parents lock out their children from watching indecent material on tv. Then again with the advent of better programming on cable that isn't under FCC jurisdiction, parents will still have that responsibility. After all parents do have a responsibility to take care of their children, or will the government be Daddy from now on?
