Yesterday, so-called "Christian" TV preacher Pat Robertson called for a hit on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, calling him a "terrific danger" to the United States. This is a violation of FCC indecency codes if shown on public TV airwaves. According to the FCC, Obscene Broadcasts Are Prohibited at All Times. Obscene speech is not protected by the First Amendment and cannot be broadcast at any time.
The FCC has defined profanity as including language that “denote[s] certain of those personally reviling epithets naturally tending to provoke violent resentment or denoting language so grossly offensive to members of the public who actually hear it as to amount to a nuisance.” Using this test, the statement clearly violates the community standards issue.
Click here for a listing of show times of The 700 Club. This will be needed for your complaint.
Click here to file your FCC indecency complaint.
Written by John Bill, founder of independent think tank the Jmaximus Institute of Freedom.
Article comments
1 - Marc
You're dreaming guy.
No matter how stupid Robertsons comment was the FCC doesn't regulate cable broadcasts. Cable isn't "public airwaves" by any stretch of your imagination.
In fact I doubt very much if he was on a network (ABC,CBS,NBC) they would do much in that case. If he excercises his right to free speech, doesn't say one of the "7 dirty words," or show some part of some wench's naked body he's free and clear.
Better do a little research on what the FCC regulates before you start some bogus campaign.
2 - John Bill
The regulation says:
"personally reviling epithets naturally tending to provoke violent resentment".
It doesn't say that you have to say one of the seven dirty words. Ask Howard Stern or one the many DJ's who were fined. None of them actually swore, but said things somebody said was offensive to them. Also his show does show on broadcast tv, Bozo. Thats why I put that list in there.
3 - steve
Perhaps a more effective tact might be to advise the cable companies that they are providing a platform for an individual (or network) that is promoting criminal behavior. In so doing, they could be considered accomplices and could be exposing themselves to criminal or civil legal action.
Mr. Robertson has made comments that many belive to fall withing the realm of inciting terrorism. The cable companies would do well do consider their exposure.
4 - adam
Let's suggest a swap: if the Muslims give us Osama Bin Laden, we'll give em Pat Robertson.
5 - Chris
Hilarious. I don't agree with what Robertson said, but the FCC has no power over private cable channels and Robertson is free to say nearly anything he chooses. The FCC being given any power over this situation whatsoever shows how screwed America has truly become. The censorship in this so-called free society is absolutely ridiculous.