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ABC Faces Hefty FCC Fine for Bare Bottom

Stiff penalty a sign that group is reviving its anti-indecency crusade

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 26, 2008 2:01 PM CST
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(Newser) – The airing of a woman’s bare bottom almost five years ago could cost ABC $1.43 million, if the FCC gets its way. The media watchdog levied the maximum penalty last night against the Disney-owned broadcaster for a 2003 episode of NYPD Blue. The stiff penalty is a sign the FCC’s anti-indecency initiative is back in full force, the Hollywood Reporter says.

The penalty “should serve as a reminder” the FCC will continue monitoring programs for offensive content, the agency said, arguing broadcasters can air indecent programming only between 10pm and 6am. ABC says the fine is out of line because the scene was in keeping with the show, and parents knew to steer clear.

The cast of NYPD Blue
The cast of "NYPD Blue"   (Getty Images)
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. The media watchdog plans to fine ABC $1.43 million for an episode of NYPD Blue, in which a woman's buttocks is exposed. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. The media watchdog plans to fine ABC $1.43 million for an episode of "NYPD Blue," in which a woman's buttocks is exposed. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)   (Associated Press)
Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate said Friday's action puts broadcasters on notice, the Hollywood Reporter says. Our action today should serve as a reminder to all broadcasters that Congress and American families continue to be concerned about protecting children from harmful material and that the FCC will enforce the laws of...
Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate said Friday's action puts broadcasters on notice, the Hollywood Reporter says. "Our action today should serve as a reminder to all broadcasters that Congress and American...   (Associated Press)
The FCC proposes to fine ABC $1.43 million for airing the image of a woman's buttocks during a 2003 episode of NYPD Blue.
The FCC proposes to fine ABC $1.43 million for airing the image of a woman's buttocks during a 2003 episode of "NYPD Blue."   (Getty Images)
ABC could be fined $1.43 million for the airing of a woman's buttocks during an episode of NYPD Blue, the Hollywood Reporter says.
ABC could be fined $1.43 million for the airing of a woman's buttocks during an episode of "NYPD Blue," the Hollywood Reporter says.   (Getty Images)
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TV nets band together against FCC
Wall Street Journal

For FCC, 'Blue' incident was indecency twofer
Washington Post

 
television • FCC • ABC • indecency • First Amendment • NYPD Blue

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