Decency standards

Definition

Decency standards refer to the set of regulations established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to govern what is considered acceptable content for broadcast on public airwaves. These standards aim to protect viewers from obscene, indecent, or profane material, especially during times when children are likely to be in the audience. Adherence to these standards is crucial for broadcasters to maintain their licenses and avoid penalties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Decency standards are enforced by the FCC and are especially strict during hours when children are likely to be watching television.
2. The definition of what is considered 'indecent' can vary widely based on community standards and societal norms.
3. Violating decency standards can lead to significant fines for broadcasters, with penalties often reaching thousands of dollars per incident.
4. The FCC's enforcement of decency standards has been influenced by public complaints and advocacy groups pushing for more stringent regulations.
5. In recent years, the rise of streaming platforms has raised questions about how decency standards apply to non-broadcast media.

Review Questions

• How do decency standards affect what content can be broadcast on television, especially during certain time periods?
  • Decency standards significantly influence the type of content that can be aired on television, particularly during peak viewing hours when children are more likely to watch. The FCC prohibits obscene, indecent, or profane material during these times, which means broadcasters must carefully evaluate their programming to ensure compliance. This regulation not only protects young audiences but also shapes the overall landscape of content available on public airwaves.
• Discuss the implications of decency standards on freedom of expression for broadcasters and content creators.
  • Decency standards can create a tension between maintaining community values and upholding freedom of expression for broadcasters and content creators. While these standards aim to protect audiences from inappropriate material, they may also restrict artistic expression and limit the range of topics that can be addressed in programming. Broadcasters often find themselves navigating these regulations, trying to balance creative freedom with compliance to avoid penalties.
• Evaluate the role of public feedback in shaping the enforcement of decency standards by the FCC over time.
  • Public feedback plays a crucial role in shaping how decency standards are enforced by the FCC. Advocacy groups and individual complaints can lead to increased scrutiny and stricter regulations regarding what is deemed acceptable on public airwaves. This dynamic relationship between public opinion and regulatory enforcement reflects society's evolving values and norms about decency, influencing the FCC's decisions and priorities in maintaining these standards.

Related terms

FCC: The Federal Communications Commission, a U.S. government agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

Indecency: A term used to describe content that depicts sexual or excretory organs or activities in a way that does not meet community standards for broadcasting.

Safe Harbor: A time period established by the FCC (typically between 10 PM and 6 AM) during which broadcasters can air content that may be considered indecent but is not obscene.