The FCC responds !!

Most of you who read the post on Etiquette (Indian movie theaters not enforcing any entry restriction for violent indian movies), know that I wrote to the FCC (pretty much in strong terms along the lines of the previous post).

I got a reply today.

Since a lot of you have asked me to show you the FCC's response, here it is .

Thank you for contacting the Federal Communications Commission.

The Communications Act of 1934 that established the Federal Communications Commission PROHIBITS the Commission from censoring broadcast matter and taking action that would interfere with free speech in broadcasting, a freedom also guaranteed in our Constitution's First Amendment. THE COMMISSION DOES NOT REGULATE THE MOVIE INDUSTRY; therefore has no say in the matters of movie ratings.

Individual radio and television station licensees are responsible for selecting all broadcast matter and for determining how their stations can best serve their communities. Licensees are responsible for choosing the entertainment programming and the programs concerning the local issues, news, public affairs, religion, sports events and other subjects to be aired by the station. They also decide how their programs, including call in shows, will be conducted and whether or not to edit or reschedule material for broadcasting. To this end the Commission does not substitute its judgment for that of the broadcaster in this process, and it does not act as an advisor to stations on artistic standards, grammar or quality of content.

We recommend listeners and viewers to make their concerns known to the management personnel of the broadcast station involved whenever they believe the station's programming merits it. Such comments help to keep broadcasters informed about audience opinion and can influence programming.

However, Congress has given the Federal Communications Commission the responsibility for administratively enforcing the prohibition to broadcast obscene and/or indecent programming which is set forth at Title 18 United States Code, Section 1464 (18 U.S.C. § 1464).

The Commission's enforcement actions in administratively enforcing the prohibition to broadcast obscene and/or indecent programming are based on documented complaints of indecent or obscene broadcasting received from the public. This does not include cable or satellite channels/stations, only broadcasts from FCC licensed TV and radio stations.

The Commission will act on all documented complaints that may violate FCC rules and regulations governing obscene and/or indecent programming.

For information concerning the FCC's regulation of obscenity, indecency, and profanity, please visit this web site: http://www.fcc.gov/eb/oip/.

Hope this proves helpful.

C.Howell
FCC/Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
202-418-1569

Go on.. Go to http://www.fcc.gov/eb/oip/

It is going to take me some time to digest what these guys are saying.. Maybe the lawyers out there can condense the jist of the message so laymen like me can understand ?

Until then, I stop watching movies at IMC !!