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Justice Dept. Sues Fox Over Raunchy Reality Show

Latest round in indecency battle

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 5, 2008 8:37 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The Justice Department has stepped in to force Fox to pay up $56,000 in indecency fines levied by the FCC but challenged by the broadcaster, Variety reports. Eight Fox-owned stations are being sued to collect fines for a 2003 episode of "Married by America" that featured men at a bachelor party licking whipped cream off topless strippers.

The FCC yesterday rejected a request from Fox to reconsider the decision. A spokeswoman welcomed the DoJ's involvement, saying it was "long past time" for Fox to pay its fines and that the commission had "an obligation to protect our children by enforcing laws restricting indecent content." Fox says it is looking forward to making its case in court, calling the fine "arbitrary and capricious."

An FCC spokeswoman said the commission had an obligation to protect our children from indecent content on TV.
An FCC spokeswoman said the commission had "an obligation to protect our children" from indecent content on TV.   (Getty Images)
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin speaks during a conference. A spokeswoman for the agency welcomed the DoJ's suing of Fox, saying it was about time the broadcaster paid its indecency fines.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin speaks during a conference. A spokeswoman for the agency welcomed the DoJ's suing of Fox, saying it was about time the broadcaster paid its indecency fines.   (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
A contestant on 2003 Fox reality TV show 'Married By America.' Fox has been fined by the FCC over a raunchy episode of the show but is refusing to pay up.
A contestant on 2003 Fox reality TV show 'Married By America.' Fox has been fined by the FCC over a raunchy episode of the show but is refusing to pay up.   (JoeMattress10 (YouTube))
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Contestants profiled on Married by America.   (JoeMattress10 (YouTube))

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television • reality TV • Department of Justice • FCC • indecency • Fox • broadcasting

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