US TV
The American House of Representatives has approved a bill that would hike fines for indecency on American television.
The bill passed the chamber 389-38. It adjusts fines upwards both for TV companies and individual entertainers. Under current regulations, the maximum fine that may be imposed on a company for an indecency event is $32,500; for an individual entertainer, that figure is $11,000. The House bill pushes both fines up to a $500,000 ceiling.
The American Senate is currently mulling over a similar bill; the two chambers would have to resolve differences between the bills before sending it to President Bush.
The White House reacted positively to the news, saying in a statement that it supports legislation that makes "broadcast television and radio more suitable for family viewing."
Opponents raised concerns that the stiffer penalties will result in broadcasters being afraid to air potentially controversial shows for fear of punishment, noting that federal regulations regarding a broad concept of "indecency" are not clearly defined.
The bill passed the chamber 389-38. It adjusts fines upwards both for TV companies and individual entertainers. Under current regulations, the maximum fine that may be imposed on a company for an indecency event is $32,500; for an individual entertainer, that figure is $11,000. The House bill pushes both fines up to a $500,000 ceiling.
The American Senate is currently mulling over a similar bill; the two chambers would have to resolve differences between the bills before sending it to President Bush.
The White House reacted positively to the news, saying in a statement that it supports legislation that makes "broadcast television and radio more suitable for family viewing."
Opponents raised concerns that the stiffer penalties will result in broadcasters being afraid to air potentially controversial shows for fear of punishment, noting that federal regulations regarding a broad concept of "indecency" are not clearly defined.
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