Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

REP. MYRICK VOTES TO CLEAN UP PUBLIC AIRWAVES FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES

(Washington, D.C.) – Citing the impact of television programming on children, U.S. Representative Sue Myrick (NC-9) today voted for H.R. 310, the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act 2005.  The bill increases the fines imposed on broadcasters who air indecent material over public airwaves, and performers who intentionally violate decency standards.

“This bill would return dignity to the public airwaves and punish broadcasters and performers who thumb their nose at the law and America’s families,” said Rep. Myrick. “It gives broadcast laws real teeth to ensure that the public airwaves are safe for our kids.”

Currently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is permitted to impose fines of up to $27,500 against broadcasters. This bill increases the amount of fines that the FCC can impose to up to $500,000 for every airing of “obscene, indecent or profane material.” The bill also would increase, from $11,000 to $500,000, the maximum fine on individual performers who “willfully or intentionally” violate decency standards during a television or radio broadcast.

After a station has been sanctioned three or more times, the bill directs the FCC to hold a hearing to consider stripping the station of its license (“Three Strikes and You’re Out”). The FCC may also take into consideration prior violations when licenses come up for renewal and may consider such factors as the size of the audience when determining the level of fines.

This bill does not apply to cable or satellite systems.  It passed the House by a vote of 389 to 38. 

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