Jeff Jarvis at BuzzMachine is doing an excellent job at drawing attention to the blatant contradictions of having both the First Amendment and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Short version: It is well past time to abolish the FCC.
First they came for Howard Stern. Then U2's Bono. Then "Married by America." Then...
Please echo and draw attention to the following posts. They may just be a new "shot heard round the world":
Post 1: F***ing Private Ryan: A complaint to the FCC.
"I am filing a complaint regarding the airing of "Saving Private Ryan" on WABC TV in New York between 8 and 11 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11.
I heard the word "f--k" -- or variants of it -- three times in one sentence.
I personally believe that the FCC should not be regulating or overseeing speech in any way and should not be in a position to fine speech. I further believe the FCC's actions in this arena are unconstitutional as is the new indecency legislation about to give you further power to fine.
However, because you have declared that Bono violated the law for saying "f--k" you must find that WABC and every other ABC outlet that aired "Saving Private Ryan" violated the law. There is no difference. Because you have fined Howard Stern far more for what many would argue is far less -- even for mere fart sounds -- you must fine WABC and other ABC outlets.
You made this bed, FCC. Now lie in it.
I am very serious about this complaint. I am not just making a statement. I am making a formal complaint and believe that you must be consistent in your enforcement of this law and regulation. Yes, I will tell you that I relish your embarrassment at having to fine very ABC outlet that aired "Saving Private Ryan" for every instance of a "bad" word or deed. I relish the opportunity to point out the absurdity and Constitutional offensiveness this law and of your inconsistent enforcement. And thus, I file this complaint with all seriousness. I received no reply to a prior complaint I filed against Oprah Winfrey for the same alleged sins that brought Howard Stern huge fines. I expect a reply to this complaint.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Jarvis
Post 2: F***ing Private Ryan II.
Post 3: The shocking truth about the FCC: Censorship by the tyranny of the few.
Also see earlier UserDriven post: UserDriven: F*** the FCC!
Additional commentary here: The Private Ryan debacle, 2020 Hindsight » FCC: The truth behind the so-called indecency outrage, Nocturnal Pundit: FCC -- Freedom Clearly Collapsing, Werblog: Indecent, Josh's Inspiration and Humor - frassle, The Waterglass: Tyranny of the Minority, hyku | blog - You Can Change The World (With Two Friends), Adrants: Three People Caused $1.2 Million FCC Fine Against FOX, Complete Tosh: Tyranny of the few - Jeff's blog exclusive, Tech Law Advisor: Citizen Journalism, WebSense Blog - Marketing, Advertising, Media and Business -- Reshaped.
UPDATE: 1/9/2005 Bob Parsons of GoDaddy.com opens a new round of this issue in regards to a SuperBowl ad that was pulled: Mickey Rooney’s bare ass. Why you should care about it. - Hot Points
