Not So Fine

Not So Fine -- From the LA Times...

FCC Proposes Fines for Infinity, Clear Channel: "In a dramatic sign of the government's crackdown on broadcast indecency, the Federal Communications Commission today proposed imposing large fines in connection with radio broadcasts by shock-jock Howard Stern.

The commission, ignoring an earlier staff report, also found that rock star Bono did make a profane remark during last year's Golden Globe Awards telecast but decided against imposing a fine.

Federal regulators proposed slapping Infinity Broadcasting with the maximum $27,500 fine for a Stern broadcast on a Detroit radio station during which the show's cast discussed sexual practices and techniques.

In addition, the FCC also proposed imposing a $55,000 fine on Clear Channel Communications for broadcasts on its network involving allegedly indecent and offensive remarks, according to Associated Press.

The fines cap a stunning about-face for a federal agency that has come under increased public pressure to respond to some well-publicized incidents on television and radio that have tested indecency standards...."

I don't hear much in the way of public pressure, unless you count politicians pandering to a puny but strident puritanical portion of the populace.