Higher Fines Urged for Broadcast Indecency
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WASHINGTON — Fines of up to $500,000 per violation for indecent material aired on broadcast television and radio were proposed by a top House lawmaker Tuesday, renewing a campaign to clean up broadcasting that failed last year.
Lawmakers and Federal Communications Commission officials, both Democrats and Republicans, have been seeking higher fines as a way to deter broadcasters after a rash of incidents, including nudity and profanity on television.
Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Commerce subcommittee that has jurisdiction over the issue, on Tuesday unveiled a bill to raise fines on broadcasters and entertainers to as much as $500,000.
It would also require the FCC to consider revoking a station’s license after three violations.
Meanwhile, Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) plans to introduce a measure today to boost fines to as much as $325,000 for a single violation and $3 million for continuing violations, a spokesman said.
The maximum fine now is $32,500 per violation.
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