Indecency

Definition

Indecency refers to material that depicts or describes sexual or excretory activities or organs in a way that does not meet the community standards for broadcasting. This term is particularly significant within the framework of FCC regulations, as it outlines the boundaries of acceptable content on public airwaves and protects audiences, especially minors, from inappropriate material during certain hours.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Indecent material is defined as content that portrays sexual or excretory activities in a manner deemed offensive by community standards.
2. The FCC enforces indecency regulations to protect audiences from inappropriate content, especially protecting children during prime viewing hours.
3. Broadcasters can face fines and other penalties for airing indecent content outside of the Safe Harbor period.
4. The distinction between indecency and obscenity is crucial; while indecency can be broadcast at certain times, obscenity cannot be aired at any time.
5. Court cases have shaped the interpretation of indecency, with rulings helping to define what constitutes unacceptable content in broadcasting.

Review Questions

• How does the FCC determine what constitutes indecency in broadcast media?
  • The FCC determines indecency based on community standards, focusing on whether the material depicts sexual or excretory activities in an offensive manner. Factors such as context, medium, and audience impact the evaluation. This means that what might be considered indecent in one community could be acceptable in another, showcasing the subjective nature of these standards.
• Discuss the implications of the Safe Harbor policy for broadcasters when it comes to airing potentially indecent content.
  • The Safe Harbor policy allows broadcasters to air potentially indecent content between 10 PM and 6 AM, a time when children are less likely to be watching. This policy aims to balance the rights of free expression with the need to protect vulnerable audiences from exposure to inappropriate material. However, broadcasters must still exercise caution, as airing indecent content outside this timeframe can lead to substantial fines and regulatory actions from the FCC.
• Evaluate how court cases have influenced the definition and enforcement of indecency standards in broadcasting.
  • Court cases have played a significant role in shaping both the definition and enforcement of indecency standards. Landmark rulings have clarified what constitutes indecency versus obscenity and established guidelines for the FCC's authority in regulating content. These decisions reflect ongoing societal debates about freedom of speech and the responsibility of broadcasters, influencing how regulations adapt to changing community standards and technology advancements.

Related terms

FCC: The Federal Communications Commission, an independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

Safe Harbor: A time period during which broadcasters can air indecent material without facing penalties, typically between 10 PM and 6 AM when children are less likely to be in the audience.

Obscenity: Material that is so offensive and lacking in social value that it is not protected by the First Amendment; it is not just indecent but also violates legal standards for free speech.