Say Anything Blog

The debate about the FCC's new crusade against crude content in broadcasting is getting hotter and hotter, but in the midst of it all Craig Henry of Lead and Gold is asking for a little honesty:

If the [James] Pinkertons and others want to remove the rules against indecency, go to it. Get a Congressman to introduce the bill to remove restrictions on what goes out over the airwaves. Let's have a debate. (Watch your side lose 355-80).

But, at least, be honest. Don't pretend that Powell is the bad guy or that the "Repressive Right" is trying to impose new restrictions. Admit that you want the current rules changed. And tell us how much nudity, cursing, and rutting you are willing to permit on broadcast TV.

This is a great point. If said "cursing and rutting" will still be available to those who enjoy that sort of thing even if the FCC is successful in taking it off broadcast radio and television stations. Lets not forget that the FCC has no control mediums like cable or satellite.

As I've said before, I'm not against "cursing and rutting," I'm just not sure I want it being broadcasted into the air for anybody (read: my children) to consume.

With satellite radio and satellite television becoming more and more popular, this entire debate may soon be rendered moot. Satellite devices can be equipped with parental controls and warning systems that would allow discerning consumers to edit their own intake of content. That, to me, should be the ultimate goal. Let the consumers decide what they'd like to see or hear.