Community Standards

Definition

Community standards refer to the moral and ethical norms of a specific community that shape what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior, especially in relation to media content. These standards play a crucial role in determining what is deemed obscene or indecent in broadcasting, as they vary from one community to another and are influenced by cultural, religious, and societal values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Community standards can vary widely across different regions and cultures, leading to differing perceptions of what constitutes obscenity and indecency in media.
2. The Miller test, established by the Supreme Court in Miller v. California (1973), incorporates community standards as a key factor in determining obscenity.
3. Broadcasters must be aware of their audience's community standards to avoid legal issues related to indecent or obscene content during certain hours.
4. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers community standards when evaluating complaints about indecent content on broadcast television.
5. Public opinion and cultural shifts can influence community standards over time, impacting what is considered acceptable in media content.

Review Questions

• How do community standards influence the definition of obscenity and indecency in broadcasting?
  • Community standards are essential in shaping the definitions of obscenity and indecency in broadcasting. These standards determine what is acceptable based on the moral and ethical norms of a particular community. For instance, content that might be considered indecent in one area could be viewed as acceptable in another. The legal framework, such as the Miller test, uses community standards as a measure to assess whether material is obscene or indecent.
• Discuss the implications of varying community standards for broadcasters operating in multiple regions.
  • For broadcasters operating across different regions, varying community standards can lead to significant challenges. They must navigate diverse audience expectations and legal requirements regarding obscenity and indecency. This can result in self-censorship or altering content to align with local norms to avoid potential fines or sanctions from the FCC. Furthermore, failure to respect these standards may also damage a broadcaster's reputation within a specific community.
• Evaluate how changes in societal values can alter community standards regarding media content and its impact on broadcasting regulations.
  • Changes in societal values significantly affect community standards regarding media content, resulting in a dynamic landscape for broadcasting regulations. As public attitudes shift towards greater acceptance of certain topics like sexuality or social issues, what was once deemed indecent may become more acceptable. This evolution prompts regulators like the FCC to reassess guidelines and enforcement practices. Consequently, broadcasters must adapt to these changes to remain compliant while also meeting audience expectations.

Related terms

Obscenity:

A legal term referring to material that meets a three-pronged test established by the Supreme Court, which considers whether the content appeals to prurient interests, is patently offensive, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

Indecency: Refers to content that, while not obscene, depicts sexual or excretory organs or activities in a way that is offensive according to community standards and is prohibited on broadcast television during certain hours.

Censorship:

The suppression or restriction of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable or harmful by authorities or community standards.